Where to stay in Seoul on a Budget: The Best Affordable Hotels in Seoul

Last Updated on September 3, 2024 by Alex

Are you traveling to South Korea’s capital and don’t know where to stay in Seoul on a budget?

While the city might not be the most budget-friendly option when traveling to Asia, Seoul has affordable hotels.

Even in touristy areas, such as Myeongdong, Hongdae, or Insadog, you can find hidden gems if you travel on a budget.

Staying in a hostel might not be an option for everyone, though. South Korea is one of the safest places in the world, so you shouldn’t worry about safety in a hostel, even when traveling alone.

Read also: The 8 Best Areas to Stay in Seoul

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Table of Contents

  1. Where to stay in Seoul on a budget
    1. Tips & tricks for saving on accommodation
    2. Seoul’s map & neighborhoods
    3. Best affordable hotels in Seoul
      1. Stanford Hotel Seoul (Mapo-gu, DMC area)
      2. The Blossom Yeonnam Guesthouse (Mapo-gu, Yeonnam-dong, Hongdae area)
      3. Dada Stay Hongdae (Mapo-gu, Yeonnam-dong, Hongdae area)
      4. Roynet Hotel Seoul Mapo (in between Mapo Station and Gongdeok Station)
      5. Hotel 8 Hours (Jung-gu within walking distance to Myeong-dong and the City Hall)
      6. Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong
      7. Crib 49 Guesthouse (Myeongdong)
      8. Hotel Thomas Myeongdong
      9. The Recenz Dongdaemun Hotel
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Where to stay in Seoul on a budget

Tips & tricks for saving on accommodation

But before we dive into the list of affordable hotels in Seoul, here are a few tips and tricks for saving on accommodation, no matter where you are traveling.

Travel in less popular seasons

While South Korea is a year-round destination, many people might choose to visit during spring and fall and less so during winter or the rainy season. Thus, accommodation prices will likely be less expensive during these seasons.

Also, you will want to avoid popular holidays, such as Chuseok or the Lunar New Year.

Avoid traveling during the weekend

Of course, if you spend two or three weeks in Korea, that wouldn’t be possible, but if you only want to spend up to 4 days in Seoul, you should avoid the weekend.

Rent for longer

Plan to spend a longer time in one place and rent an apartment when you can. This will save you money on accommodation.

Book in advance online and take advantage of various offers

Popular accommodation sites will have plenty of offers throughout the year. All you have to do is pay attention and book when the time is right.

By booking online, you will also have the peace of mind of knowing you have a place booked. Moreover, most accommodation options offer the flexibility of free cancellation in case something comes up and your plans change.

Stay in less popular areas

Everyone wants to stay in the city’s center, within walking distance of the main attractions. However, that also comes with a higher price tag.

Move a bit further away from the city center, stay in less popular areas that are well connected to tourist attractions by public transportation, and you will save.

Seoul’s map & neighborhoods

Let’s look at Seoul and its neighborhoods:

Map of Seoul Districts
By 안우석 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

The main areas of Seoul are called “gu”s or districts, and there are 25. Every “gu” is divided into “dongs” or neighborhoods.

Also, the city is split into two parts by the Han River: the northern part and the southern part.

Staying anywhere around Jung-gu or Yongsan-gu will cost you more. If you want to save on accommodation in Seoul, look at Mapo-gu and even Dongdaemun-gu.

Best affordable hotels in Seoul

Stanford Hotel Seoul (Mapo-gu, DMC area)

Ten minutes away from the DMC subway station and close to all the TV and radio stations in town, this 4* hotel is the place for you if you want to be in a quiet area.

Close by, you will find a nice park on the hill and plenty of local restaurants.

Also, right in front of the hotel is an airport shuttle bus stop, and plenty of bus options link the hotel to the city center.

The Blossom Yeonnam Guesthouse (Mapo-gu, Yeonnam-dong, Hongdae area)

Guesthouses are great budget options for when you travel throughout South Korea. As a matter of fact, Koreans prefer staying in a guest house whenever they are traveling for their holidays within their borders.

This guesthouse is set in one of the liveliest and coolest areas in town, Yeonnam-dong.

You’ll be surrounded by cool cafes and restaurants and minutes away from Hongik University Station.

Moreover, the Gyeongui Line Forest Park is nearby.

They offer twin, triple, or quadruple rooms with air conditioning and shared bathrooms.

Dada Stay Hongdae (Mapo-gu, Yeonnam-dong, Hongdae area)

A beautiful penthouse apartment with a stunning rooftop terrace where you can start and end your days in Seoul.

The place is perfect for a larger group or a family because it has three bedrooms with double or single beds.

Its location is also one of the best, along Gyeongui Line Forest Park, one of the prettiest areas to discover, packed with cafes and excellent restaurants.

Roynet Hotel Seoul Mapo (in between Mapo Station and Gongdeok Station)

Perfect for those looking to stay in an affordable hotel close to subway stations and still relatively close to the city center.

This hotel has spacious and comfortable rooms; previous guests were impressed with the bathroom facilities.

Set on a main boulevard, the hotel is surrounded by plenty of local restaurants and BBQ places.

Hotel 8 Hours (Jung-gu within walking distance to Myeong-dong and the City Hall)

If you are looking for a simple accommodation option set in the heart of the city, within walking distance of most of the important attractions, this hotel is for you.

Previous guests appreciated the help they received from the hotel’s staff and its proximity to many eateries.

If you are traveling with large luggage, you should know that the walk from the closest subway station to the hotel is roughly 10 minutes.

Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong

I’ve seen this hotel recommended several times within my groups, and I know people consider it a great deal for their buck.

The rooms are not the largest, so consider this when you are traveling with your family or need more space. However, the perfect location, in proximity to everything, recommends this hotel.

Staying at this hotel, you will be within walking distance of 2 subway stations and have access to convenience stores and restaurants nearby.

Crib 49 Guesthouse (Myeongdong)

It is located in a small building with a rooftop terrace, very conveniently located close to the main tourist attractions, Namsan Mountain, shops, and restaurants.

Breakfast is included in the room’s price (unlimited all day), free tea and coffee, and a common space to spend your free time and relax.

On top of that, you have self-service washing and drying facilities available 24/7, making the guesthouse perfect for someone traveling for a more extended period.

Hotel Thomas Myeongdong

A clean and cheap 3* hotel ideally located right in the city center, off the main road but close to major metro stations. Rooms are spacious and have a simple and clean design.

The only downside to the hotel is that taxis cannot drop you off right in front of the door since the street is not accessible by car. However, that shouldn’t be such a big issue since the main street is very close by.

The Recenz Dongdaemun Hotel

Even though the hotel has Dongdaemun in its name, the location is just a 4-minute walk from Janghanpyeong Subway Station – so keep that in mind when booking.

This hotel offers rooms with big windows and stunning city views.

While you won’t be close to the city center, you will have the chance to experience authentic Seoul, and the subway will take you to the main tourist attractions in no time.

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