Best Guesthouse in Seoul: Top 10
Last Updated on August 26, 2024 by Ingrid & Alex
If you travel to South Korea and want an authentic experience, staying at a guesthouse in Seoul is one option.
The first time I traveled to Seoul, I had just moved with my husband to Hong Kong.
Less than two years later, we were moving to Seoul, one of the greatest cities worldwide
As a 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: the best areas to stay in the city for first-time visitors and some of the best local accommodations.
Until recently, there were not many hotels available in South Korea, and to this day, Koreans still prefer staying in a guesthouse. People like them because they’re homey, and there’s space. Moreover, some are in traditional hanok houses and have kitchens.
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Table of Contents
- Top 10 Best Guesthouses in Seoul
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 make or break your vacation. With Seoul being such a large city, it is important to stay close to the main attractions without breaking the bank.
Many people stay in Myeongdong or Hongdae, especially when traveling for the first time. These are both excellent areas that will place you close to many of the essential attractions in town but will offer you access to plenty of cafes and restaurants. We have written a detailed comparison of why you should choose one or the other and some of the best accommodation options. You can read it here!
That being said, there are plenty of other places to stay in Seoul. The map below shows how the city is split by district (gu in Korean).
If I were 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 in Dongseong-dong, tucked away from tourists, in a very local area. However, you will have access to public transportation and 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 bathrooms 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 the breakfast was, and that the hotel is well connected to the city by public transportation and offers access to a stream.
Hongdae Style Guesthouse
Located literally meters from the Hongik University Subway Station, this guesthouse will place you in the right location to explore the city.
There are single and double rooms, as well as family rooms for up to 9 people. Guests traveling in a larger group can rent the individual holiday home, which can host up to 16 people in 6 bedrooms.
All rooms have a private bathroom, and guests can access 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 one of the poshest Seoul neighborhoods. Although you will be in the heart of one of the liveliest neighborhoods, the apartment is 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 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, it is within walking distance or easily accessible 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, you will be in a vibrant local area that is not packed with tourists by choosing to stay here. 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 have to 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 groups of up to 4 people. You can expect traditional small rooms with heated floors and a shared bathroom. The suite also has normal beds if you mind sleeping on the floor mats.
Previous guests have considered the house safe, sparkling clean, and equipped with modern conveniences, yet maintaining 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 the 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 the rooms have everything you 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 use 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 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 was 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 three and two bedrooms and can be rented out fully, hosting up to 11 people.
Moreover, a washing machine and dryer are available for no extra charge. This is the perfect option for those traveling as a larger group or with the family.
The Blossom Yeonnam Guesthouse
Yeonnam-dong is one of my favorite areas in Seoul and a place I would choose to stay in when I visit the city.
It is within walking distance of Hongdae and the subway, has many buses linking it to the city center, and is a quiet area. In addition, there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and cool things to do and enjoy around.
The guesthouse has smaller rooms for 2 people or families, as well as triple and quadruple rooms. Some rooms have a balcony, some have private bathrooms, and others have access to a shared one.
A great value-for-money option.
Yehadoye Guesthouse
You will be in the heart of the city by choosing to stay here. Insa-dong is one of the liveliest areas in town, but it is also a place from where you can easily walk to the Palaces, Myeong-dong, or even Namsan Mountain.
Previous guests found the place super clean, comfortable, and in a great location. Even though it is located in a trendy area, the rooms are quiet.
The guesthouse has a great rooftop from where you can admire the city from above.
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