My first solo trip was when I went to Korea when I was 21! Getting around was pretty easy with Google Maps. I even managed to take the public transport on my own. I had the chance to make lots of new Korean friends, learn the song about their National flower, wander the streets of Myeong Dong and even dress in Hanboks to visit the royal palace!
I hope that with this list you'll be able to make your K-drama dreams come true:) Prices included!
Korea can be quite an expensive place to travel but it is absolutely possible to travel on a budget. Here are some affordable hotels and hostels near to the city! 🏙️
The list is divided into three sections: Hotels, Hostels and Guesthouses. Many of guesthouses allow you to have a more cultural and traditional experience of Korea.
Hotels
$161~ | Nine Tree Premier Hotel Myeongdong 2
I would always recommend travelers to stay near Myeongdong as it is the heart of Seoul! If you are into shopping, food, fashion, skincare, this is the place you would want to be.
Tip: Skincare stores will give out free samples of facial masks to you! Don't forget to take some:)
Conveniently located 250 metres from Euljiro 3-Ga Subway Station (Line 2 and 3), The bustling Myeongdong district is 500 metres away.
The location is amazing! You can easily access tourist attractions. A few minutes away from the hotel is a buzzing street with night market and lots of shopping!
Courtyard By Marriott Hotel is part of the Times Square multi-complex in Seoul and offers luxurious rooms. The location was splendid and there were street food vendors in the area.
Yeongdeungpo Subway Station and Seoul’s financial district is a 5-minute walk!
The best thing about Le Seoul was its great location. There's lot of food options around if you want to just go down or takeaway for dinner or supper. All these without the noise to disturb your rest as the hotel is quite soundproof. It is also near Lotte and Myeongdong where you can just walk back after all your shopping and dining.
The hotel location is superb, nearby the train station (5 mins walk) and there are a couple convenience stores around it. It is also situated near the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Gwangjang Market (both are about 8-10 minutes walk). The hotel itself is clean, staffs are friendly and easy to reach via text.
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You will find Korea's largest shopping district and wholesale at Dongdaemun featuring 26 shopping malls, 30,000 specialty shops! While you are there, don't forget to visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza which is an iconic landmark designed by Zaha Hadid and Samoo. A distinctively neofuturistic design characterized by the powerful, curving forms of elongated structures.
It's quite central, close to Namsan Seoul Tower and It's across the Lotte Dept Store and 5-mins walk to the Myeongdong Street and Night Market.
The price for value was great. The quality exceeded expectations for 3-star hotel.
The perfect place! So well located. The street is so beautiful with many restaurants, cafes, 7eleven, and you can go by foot to many places like the N Tower, the Myeongdong street, even the Deoksugung Palace (a nice walk). The room its perfect for 2 people and secure.
Great location right next to Myeongdong Shopping area. Close to Myeongdong Station and bus stops to the airport and other locations. Rooms are clean, good breakfast spread, friendly staff, great view from the rooftop.
Gongdeok is the place you would want to stay at if you are into traditional Korean food and hipster cafes! It's a central hub that features some local markets too.
Situated next to Gongdeok food street, Naru Hostel Korea is also just a 5-minute walk from Gongdeok Subway Station exit4 (Lines 5, 6 ,Gyeongui Line and Airport-railroad Line).
A 10-minute drive from Myeongdong and Namdaemum markets, as well as international shopping and dining options at Itaewon.
Hongdae is a place full of creativity, fun and a place where the night becomes alive. It reminds me of Harajuku in Tokyo where lots of young people love to hang out at the clubs and cafes.
Best social hostel in Seoul, expect to meeting lots of people from diverse backgrounds! The location was great since it was a 8-min walk to the main street of Hongdae, AK plaza, and the subway station.
Close walk to Dongmyo train station, Cheongyecheon stream and a large supermarket. Room was as depicted and bathroom was quite modern and clean. Polite staff, mostly quiet building. Extremely good value for money!
The location was phenomenal, a short walk from Hongdae street and right next to a good 7/11. It is super close to main shopping area. The staff provided thorough instructions on how to access the room after official check-in time. The room was clean, and was good for solo traveler.
Itaewon is a multi-cultural hub of Seoul, it is known for its atmosphere and vibrant nightlife. A foreigner friendly international district popular for international cuisine restaurants, shops, bars, and clubs.
It was a perfectly fine stay for travelling on a budget. There are curtains so you have some more privacy, there were only the beds in the rooms but you could eat in the kitchen and at the reception, which was comfy and nice. The location is great as you have the metro around the corner and if you're up for drinks/partying, the spot's for you.
A great introduction to traditional Korean living. Breakfast was freshly cooked and very tasty. Be aware that the bathrooms are shared so worth bringing a robe!
Conveniently located in the Jongno-Gu district of Seoul, Bukchonmaru Hanok Guesthouse is set 1.9 km from Gyeongbokgung Palace, 2 km from Changgyeonggung Palace and 2.3 km from Gwangjang Market.
Insadong street is covered with historical landmarks, artsy decorations that will make you free like you are in a movie. The quaint neighborhood is known to have the best souvenirs, antique stores, traditional stationery shops, pottery and porcelain shops.
Cute and quirky guesthouse in a great location. The owner is really nice and helpful. Hard to find because it’s on a tiny side street but once you know where it is, it’s location is amazing. The rooftop was a cute place to eat breakfast!
The location is perfect. 2 stops from Seoul Station. 2 minutes walk from metro station to guest house. 3 minutes walk to busy shopping area.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Myeongdong Cathedral, Namdaemun Market and Dongwha Duty Free Shop.
Great stay in one of the most vibrant parts of Seoul. The hostel is located in the very busy and vibrant area of Hongdae in Seoul. It's right beside so many shops and cafes that are only visited by locals so there's almost always never a crowd.
Namdaemun Market is the largest traditional market in Korea with shops selling various goods. All products are sold at affordable prices and the stores in this area also function as wholesale markets. I remember going there to buy my mom a cute korean food cover!
Location is great next to the train station , the staff member at the reception was super kind and helpful and spoke great English. Everything was easy to reach and use. Very clean and comfortable. It was like a studio apartment.
A beautiful, nature-friendly, well-kept traditional stay in the city center. It is a space where you can feel the atmosphere of a neat and cozy home, where you can relax and find the joy of discovering hidden gems. Would recommend a cup of coffee sitting on the veranda when the morning sun shines on the courtyard. Feels the warmth of being at my grandmother's house! Laundry and simple cooking are available. Wi-Fi, hair dryer, and kitchen utensils were all provided, and the prepared cup noodles, beer, and coffee were useful. The Korean-style bedding was clean and cozy.
The guesthouse is in a cute traditional building in a lovely neighborhood. The host really makes an effort to make everyone feel at home and it felt more like a small family rather than a guesthouse. It's very easy to meet new people traveling in this amazing atmosphere. Definitely recommended to all women traveling solo in Seoul!
Really nice staff--this is someone's home so it's not just staff--it's family. , cozy room, clean, safe neighborhood with nearby cafes. . Unique stay. Great value.
I curated a guesthouse list as Korea is a place rich in heritage and culture. Besides K-pop and K-drama, living with Koreans allow you to learn their way of life such as Kimchi making, and where honor and family relationships are important.
Let me help you make the best memories! 🚀 If you find this information helpful, any tips are appreciated for my work:)
In April 2023, I brought a group of Americans to Asia on a low-budget trip where we visited different tourist attractions and soak in the Asian culture. I enjoy sharing my knowledge about different cultures and how we can be culturally sensitive when we visit another's country. A few of my favorite memories also include going to the dressing up in Hanboks to visit the Korean Palaces, Florida's Disneyworld, Night Markets in Thailand and floating on the Dead Sea in Israel!
I have stayed and visited in many different countries such as Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, Taiwan and the United States etc. My favourite things to do is to climb mountains, visit beaches, eat local food and visit farmer's markets. In Asia, we have a very buzzling night life that I hope you get to experience too!
I hope that you find my information helpful and any tips are appreciated for my work :)
