If you are traveling to Seoul and want to feel at home, experience an authentic stay, or want to stay on a budget, choosing to stay at a guesthouse is a great option. I have gathered here 10 of the best guesthouses in Seoul, to help you make an informed decision.
The first time I traveled to Seoul, I had just moved with my husband to Hong Kong and I knew nothing about South Korea’s capital. Less than 2 years later we were moving to Seoul and starting a new adventure in one of the greatest cities we’ve ever seen.
As a great metropolis, Seoul can be difficult to navigate and understand when you are traveling for the first time. That’s why, I will try my best to answer all your questions related to the best areas to stay in the city for first-time visitors, but also some of the best local accommodations.
Until recently, there were not many hotels available in South Korea, and still to this day Koreans prefer staying in a guesthouse. People like it because it feels like home, you have more space, it can be a traditional hanok house, and you can have access to a kitchen.
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Top 10 Best Guesthouses in Seoul
Where is the best area to stay in Seoul
Choosing the right place to stay in a city could either make or break your vacation. And with Seoul being such a large city, it is important to stay close to the main attractions, without breaking the bank.
Many people choose to stay in Myeongdong or Hongdae, especially when traveling for the first time. These are both great areas that will place you close to many of the important attractions in town but will offer you access to plenty of cafes and restaurants as well. We have written a detailed comparison of why to choose one or the other, together with some of the best accommodation options. You can read it here!
That being said, there are plenty of other places to stay while in Seoul. The below map shows you how the city is split by district (gu in Korean).
If I was traveling to Seoul for the first time again, I would choose to stay anywhere around the central area: Jung-gu, Jogno-gu, or even Mapo-gu (that’s where we lived and that’s where Hongdae is).
What is the most luxurious area in Seoul?
The most luxurious and iconic area in Seoul is Gangnam. Packed with luxury hotels, restaurants, luxury brands, and beauty clinics, this is where you will want to stay if you are looking for 5* hotels.
Top 10 Guesthouses in Seoul
Hanok Guesthouse Suni
This hanok guesthouse is set in Dongseong-dong, tucked away from tourists, in a very local area. However, you will have access to public transportation, and you will be only 2.6 kilometers away from Changgyeonggung Palace.
There are single and double rooms, all with air conditioning. The single rooms don’t have the bathroom inside, but you will have access to a private bathroom in the garden – this might not be ideal if you are traveling during the cold season.
Heating, free wifi, and an airport shuttle are available at the hotel.
Previous guests loved how the family that runs the hotel cared about their stay, how delicious breakfast was, and the fact that the hotel is well linked to the city by public transportation and it offers access to a stream.
Hongdae Style Guesthouse
Located literally meters away from the Hongik University Subway Station, this guesthouse will place you in the right location for exploring the city.
There are single and double rooms, but also family rooms for up to 9 people. Guests traveling in a larger group can rent the individual holiday home that can host up to 16 people in 6 bedrooms.
All rooms have a private bathroom, and guests have access to a shared kitchen.
Guests appreciated how helpful the guest was, going out of her way to make their vacation in Seoul memorable. They also loved the traditional Korean breakfast with Korean dumplings r congee.
Gangnamstay – Foreigners Only
By choosing to stay here you will be in the poshest Seoul neighborhoods. Although you will be at the heart of one of the liveliest neighborhoods, the apartment is really quiet.
The interior of this guesthouse is very modern, the kitchen is fully equipped, and rooms have access to a shared bathroom.
You can book beds in 4-bed or 6-bed female dormitories.
Previous guests found it to be very clean and comfortable, with everything you would need for a short or longer stay in Seoul.
If you are planning to visit the south part of the river, this place is within walking distance or it has easy access by public transportation to some of the best things to do and see in Gangnam.
Hi Jun Guesthouse
The perfect guesthouse for K-Pop lovers, but not only.
Located between Mangwon and Hapjeong Subway Stations, by choosing to stay here you will be in a local vibrant area, not packed with tourists. One of my favorite areas to explore, around here you can find plenty of good restaurants, a shopping gallery, a local market, and many nice cafes.
Moreover, you will be a short walk away from Hongdae. However, the historical part of the city is not so close and you will spend some time on the bus or subway.
All rooms have air conditioning and a private bathroom with a shower, and you can stay in a single, double, or triple room.
Seochon Guesthouse
Located within walking distance from the Gyeongbokgung (Government Complex-Seoul) public transportation station, this is another great hanok stay option close to the main tourist attractions.
Rooms are available for single travelers and for those traveling in groups of up to 4 people. You can expect traditional small rooms, with heated floors and a shared bathroom. Also, the suit has normal beds you can enjoy if you mind sleeping on the floor mats.
Previous guests have considered the house to be safe, spanking clean, and equipped with modern conveniences but maintain the charm and intimate character of the historic building.
Puzzlestay House
Another guesthouse off the beaten path, perfect for nature lovers and those who love hiking.
Puzlestay Guesthouse is located close to the hiking trails in Bukchansan Mountain, but it also has access to subway and buses that will take you to the city center.
Guests appreciated how careful the guests were and how it felt like home staying here. The house is new and modern, and rooms are equipped with everything you might need.
Photo Park Guesthouse
Tucked away in one of the most expat-friendly areas, this guesthouse boasts a rooftop terrace with Namsan Mountain views where you can have drinks and barbeque.
You can choose between rooms with private or shared bathrooms, and you can also take advantage of the fully equipped kitchen. Some guests thought the beds were a bit too hard, but I know from experience that Asians like their beds like that.
While the guesthouse is located in Yognsan-gu, one of the most central areas in town, some guests found it difficult to access the main tourist attractions.
SeoulStory Hanok
A hanok stay in Seoul rated as Exceptional by previous guests. The guesthouse is located close to Changdeokgung Palace and Jogyesa Temple, and guests have access to a shared kitchen, a sun terrace, and a sauna.
The house has 3 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms and can be rented out fully, hosting up to 11 people.
Moreover, there is a washing machine as well as a dryer ready to use for no extra charge. It is the perfect option for those traveling as a larger group or with the family.
The Blossom Yeonnam Guesthouse
Yeonnam-dong is by far one of my favorite areas in Seoul, and a place I would choose to stay in when I visit the city in the future.
It is within walking distance of Hongdae and the subway, it has many buses linking it to the city center, and it is a quiet area. On top of that, there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and cool things to do and enjoy around.
The guesthouse has smaller rooms for 2 people, or family, triple and quadruple rooms. Some rooms have a balcony, some have private bathrooms, while others have access to a shared one.
A great value-for-money option.
Yehadoye Guesthouse
By choosing to stay here you will be in the heart of the city. Insa-dong is one of the liveliest areas in town, but also a place from where you can easily walk to the Palaces, Myeong-dong, or even Namsan Mountain.
Previous guests found the place to be super clean, comfortable, and in a great location. Even though it is located in a very popular area, the rooms are quiet.
Additionally, the guesthouse has a great rooftop from where you can admire the city from above.
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