Choose the best Hanok Stay in Seoul: Several Great Options
Last Updated on August 26, 2024 by Ingrid & Alex
Are you traveling to South Korea and are considering a hanok stay in Seoul? We have gathered several amazing options to help you make the best and most informed choice.
We have lived in Seoul for almost one year and are familiar with the city and its accommodation landscape. Thus, this guide will include all the information you need.
Staying in a hanok is an authentic experience, but it is also a budget accommodation option.
We included hanok guesthouses hidden on the streets of Bukchon Hanok Village but also less well-known options in the heart of the city.
Plus, we added everything you must know about choosing the best area to stay in Seoul on your first trip to the city.
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Table of Contents
- The Best Hanok Stay in Seoul
- What is a Hanok?
- Why stay in a hanok in Seoul?
- What is the best area to stay in Seoul?
- Hanok Stay in Seoul: The Best Options
- Bukchonae
- Bonum 1957 Hanok and Boutique
- Gongsimga Hanok Guesthouse
- Bukchonmaru Hanok Guesthouse
- Eunpyeong Eunhwadang Hanok Stay
- Luxury Hanok with private bathtub – BiGyuHeon
- Hanok Guesthouse Suni
- Hanok Guesthouse Nuha
- NagNe House (Boutique Hanok)
- SeoulStory Hanok
- Seochon Guesthouse
- Jiwoljang Guesthouse
- Luxury Hanok with private bathtub – Dongyoungjae Annex
- Dajayon Hanok Stay
- Nuhadang Hanok Guesthouse
- ICOS Guesthouse 1 – Female Only
- Haemil Hanok Guesthouse
- Cheong Yeon Jae Hanok Hotel
- Rakkojae Seoul Bukchon Hanok Village
The Best Hanok Stay in Seoul
What is a Hanok?

A hanok is a traditional Korean house dating from the 14th century, during the Joseon Dynasty.
Koreans believed, and built their houses accordingly, that the perfect home has a mountain in the back and a river in the front.
Because Korea has cold winters, hanoks have floor heating (ondol), and people are used to sleeping on the floor. Thus, you can expect that when you book a hanok stay in Seoul.
While these houses have been built for hundreds of years, only a few areas with hanoks remain, such as the Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul.
Why stay in a hanok in Seoul?
Of course, staying in a hanok house is not for everyone. However, if you are passionate about Korean culture, there is no better option than staying in a traditional home. Doing this gives you an authentic experience, even if you choose one such guesthouse only for one night.
Moreover, staying in a hanok doesn’t have to be a budget experience since plenty of luxury options exist.
What is the best area to stay in Seoul?
The answer to this question depends a lot on what you plan to do and see in the city, the length of your stay, your budget, and whether this is your first visit to Seoul or you are returning.
Many people stay in Myeongdong or Hongdae, especially when traveling for the first time. These excellent areas will place you close to many important attractions in town.
However, if you want to stay in a traditional Korean hanok, you might need to step outside these two popular neighborhoods.
We always recommend staying north of the river, as this is where the historical part of town is located. Moreover, it is easier to access Incheon Airport from anywhere in Jongno, Myeongdong, Hongdae, Mapo, or Yongsan.
Read also: The Best Guesthouses in Seoul
Hanok Stay in Seoul: The Best Options
Bukchonae

This hanok guesthouse is perfectly set around the popular Bukchon Hanok Village area, within walking distance to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. Moreover, the area is packed with restaurants and some of the most popular cafes in Seoul.
All rooms have air conditioning, which is very useful for traveling during summer and the rainy season. Moreover, if you don’t want to eat out for every meal, you will have access to the Hanok’s kitchen.
All rooms have a private bathroom, so you won’t have to worry about sharing it with other travelers.
It is an excellent option for families traveling with children since you can stay in larger rooms, and laundry is also available.
Bonum 1957 Hanok and Boutique

Another boutique hotel hosted inside a hanok house in a prime tourist area, right in the heart of the city, on Bukchon-ro.
The hotel is an easy 15-minute walk from the National Folk Museum and Gyeongbokgung Palace, but it is also close to many small souvenir shops and local cafes.
Other guests liked the spacious rooms and the opportunity to have coffee on the balcony in the morning with a view of the garden and Namsan Tower.
It is worth noting that this is a traditional house with no elevators. Thus, you might need to carry your luggage upstairs.
Also, be aware that to get the hanok stay, you must book the Korean-stay two-bedroom suite. All other rooms are in a newer hotel.
Gongsimga Hanok Guesthouse

Less than 1 kilometer from the popular Insadong, this hanok guesthouse offers guests an authentic stay in Seoul.
While you won’t find much inside the room, you will have everything you need for a comfortable stay: air conditioning, heating (for winter in Seoul), a private bathroom, and Korean mats for sleeping on the floor. If traveling alone, be aware that the single room has no private bathroom.
You can spend your free time in the house’s lounge area and prepare fast meals in the shared kitchen.
Previous guests have enjoyed their stay and appreciated how friendly and helpful the hosts were and how delicious the traditional Korean breakfast was.
Bukchonmaru Hanok Guesthouse

Another excellent option is set in the popular Bukchon Hanok Village, steps away from the palaces and some of the most important things to do and see in Seoul. Right next to the guesthouse is a bus stop for the bus to Anguk Station.
Double rooms have a private shower but a shared bathroom, while the Korean-style family room has a private bathroom. All rooms have access to Wi-Fi, and you can choose between garden-view or landmark-view rooms.
A significant plus that guests enjoyed is the free hanbok rental option. When staying here, you can borrow some premium hanboks (traditional Korean clothes) and take pictures at the nearby Palaces.
Eunpyeong Eunhwadang Hanok Stay

Stay here to skip the crowds and discover some less-known Seoul attractions.
Sure, staying here doesn’t put you right in the city center or close to the most important attractions, so it might not be an excellent option for those traveling to Seoul for the first time.
However, Eunpyeong Habok Village is more authentic and in a very tranquil area. The village also has plenty of cafes and restaurants, offering stunning views over Bukhansan Mountain.
Depending on the number of people you are traveling with, you can choose between 3 room types, and breakfast is included in the room rate.
Luxury Hanok with private bathtub – BiGyuHeon

This is a truly luxurious option when you plan to spend more time in Seoul but want to stay in a traditional hanok house.
The outside is traditional, while the inside is highly modern and comfortable. It offers everything you might need during your stay. You and your family have the whole house to yourselves and access to a fully furnished kitchen and a washing machine.
The accommodation is in Jogno-gu, close to Unhyeongung, one of the lesser-known palaces. You will be expected to self-check in, but the location is easy to find: only a few steps away from Anguk Subway Station.
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 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 breakfast was, and the fact that the hotel is well linked to the city by public transportation and it offers access to a stream.
Hanok Guesthouse Nuha

Hidden on the streets of another picturesque area, this stay will set you close to Gyeongbokgung Palace, The National Folk Museum of Korea, and Seochon Hanok Village.
You will also find plenty of restaurants, stores, and cafes close by.
You can stay here when traveling with a larger group or your family because they also offer rooms for 4 or 8 people. Some of the rooms offer a seating area where you can unwind after wandering the streets of Seoul.
NagNe House (Boutique Hanok)

Set close to the subway station, the main palace, and Gwanghwamun Gate. This is a small hanok hotel. It features five double rooms, some offering garden views.
The small Korean garden is beautifully arranged and the perfect location for afternoon tea or morning coffee.
While rooms are insignificant and the walls don’t offer much insolation, you can experience the authentic hanok stay.
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 3 and 2 bedrooms and can be rented out fully, hosting up to 11 people.
Moreover, a washing machine and dryer are ready to use for no extra charge. This is the perfect option for those traveling as a larger group or with the family.
Seochon Guesthouse

Located within walking distance from the Gyeongbokgung (Government Complex-Seoul) public transportation station, this is another tremendous 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 it maintains the charm and intimate character of the historic building.
Jiwoljang Guesthouse

This is the perfect option for those who want to stay in a traditional house but have a regular bed to sleep on.
By staying here, you will be in a less tourist area close to Namsan Mountain, Seoul Station, or Namdaemun Market.
Some rooms have a private bathroom, and guests can access a shared kitchen and the house’s beautiful garden. There are plenty of cafes in the neighborhood.
Guests have considered it a unique place that offers great value for money. They also loved how friendly and welcoming the guesthouse’s owners were.
Luxury Hanok with private bathtub – Dongyoungjae Annex

Minutes away from the Kimchi Academy, Changdeokgung Palace, and its beautiful gardens, this is one of the most luxurious hanok stays you can choose from in Seoul.
Apart from the luxurious interiors, guests can access a terrace and a washing machine. The whole house has only one bedroom and can be rented fully.
Air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, and toiletries are available on location.
Dajayon Hanok Stay

Set 200 meters from Jongmyo Shrine, this hanok stay in Seoul offers double and triple rooms with private bathrooms and showers.
You can also book your stay with breakfast and choose between continental and Asian options. Previous guests considered the owners friendly and helpful, and the place was tranquil and clean.
Nuhadang Hanok Guesthouse

Another centrally located hanok guesthouse offers a laundromat, dry cleaning, and laundry services. There are plenty of room options, whether traveling alone or with your family.
The host can also provide shuttle services from and to the airport or help you plan your Seoul itinerary. If you choose to drive in Seoul, they provide free parking on the premises.
ICOS Guesthouse 1 – Female Only

The perfect choice for women solo travelers or those who want to be in a safe place.
This women’s only hanok guesthouse is set in one of our favorite areas in town. Close to Sinchon subway station, but also within walking distance from Hongdae and Hongik University Station. If you would rather travel by bus, the airport limousine bus has a stop close to the hotel.
Guests have enjoyed their stay here and felt like part of a family, with the host taking care of them. Nearby, you will find convenience stores, cafes, and restaurants.
Haemil Hanok Guesthouse

This hanok, set close to the Jongmyo Shrine and Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, has double, triple, and quadruple rooms.
Past guests who stayed at Haemil Hanok Guesthouse have given this property a great rating, citing its outstanding service as the main highlight of their stay.
It is worth knowing that smoking is not permitted anywhere, and you will have access to the hotel’s laundry services, which is valuable when you travel for a more extended period or pack light.
The highlight of this place? The in-house BBQ facilities.
Cheong Yeon Jae Hanok Hotel

If you choose to stay here, you will be located in the heart of the Bukchon Hanok Village, with access to many cafes, museums, and restaurants.
You can choose a room type from the many available or use some of the hotel’s services, such as taxi, luggage storage, or concierge services.
Rakkojae Seoul Bukchon Hanok Village

Rakkojae Hanok Hotel is in the heart of the Bukchon Hanok Village and offers a unique package.
Set aside 3 hours for this ultimate relaxation experience, which uses traditional Korean ingredients good for the skin: Makgeolli (a traditional Korean drink made from fermented rice), ginseng, and more.
You get a welcome tea and traditional sweets, a Jjimjilbang experience (45 minutes), and a Makgeolli spa experience (75 minutes).
You will want to book in advance because they only offer the experience to 2 people daily.
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