I love South Korea. I lived there for a year, taking several trips across the country, often spending a weekend in Seoul before returning to my home in Cheongju (admittedly a place with no tourist interest).
When I explored the capital, I found some pretty cool hostels and hotels along the way. South Korea, like fellow East Asian powerhouse Japan, is famous for being a technologically advanced nation, and that makes for some awesome capsule hotels!
Visiting Seoul is kind of like stepping into the future while still getting a hearty dose of kimchi-fuelled tradition. You’ll find neon-lit streets buzz with K-pop beats, ancient palaces pop up between skyscrapers, and cafés serving coffee alongside robot cats – yep, I said what I said.
Korean capsule hotels often throw in snazzy lighting, mirrors worthy of a K-drama star, and tech gadgets galore. They’re perfect for travellers who want something a little different, a little space-age, and very, very Instagrammable (if that’s what you’re into).
So, are you ready to slide into a space-age sleep? Here are the best capsule hotels Seoul has to offer.
Photo: Sasha Savinov
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In a Rush? Here Are My Favourite Capsule Hotels In Seoul
D A L Premium Capsule Hotel
- > Vibe: Very quiet
- > Location: Jongno-Gu
- > Standout: Free earplugs to help you sleep
- > Good for: Anyone looking for a good rest
The Cube Hotel
- > Vibe: Slightly more social
- > Location: Jung-gu
- > Standout: The cosy cubes
- > Good for: Travellers on a budget
Seoul Cube Jongro
- > Vibe: Community-oriented
- > Location: Jongno-gu
- > Standout: The free breakfasts and gender-split rooms
- > Good for: Remote workers and female travellers
G Guesthouse Itaewon In Seoul
- > Vibe: Mildly sociable
- > Location: Yongsan-gu
- > Standout: Free breakfasts, and private beds
- > Good for: Solo budget backpackers
In Detail: Where I Recommend Staying in Seoul
If these capsule hotels are sounding good to you, just wait until you hear more about them. Here are the top ones in my opinion.
1. D A L Premium Capsule Hotel | Best Overall Capsule Hotel
- Price: $$
- Best For: Travellers looking for a quiet spot in the capital
- Highlights: Free earplugs are always a winner when you’re doing the whole hostel life thing
- Dorms from: $42
- Address: 66, Jong-ro 44-gil, Jongno-Gu, 03120 Seoul, South Korea
D A L Premium Capsule Hotel is a top-notch capsule hotel that you’ll never forget. The capsules are designed with both privacy and comfort in mind, featuring personal lighting, charging ports, and deep storage spaces for your belongings so you’ll feel right at home.
The shared spaces, including a well-equipped kitchen and lounge area, make it easy to meet new people. What sets D A L apart from our other hotels in South Korea’s capital is the attention to detail. From the complimentary breakfast to the availability of earplugs and extra towels for extra levels of comfort.
Here’s why you’ll love this capsule hotel:
- Free breakfast: It’s just a simple one, but when it’s free, you can’t complain!
- Great transport options: Being close to major subway stations makes getting around very easy.
- Free earplugs: A real treat in a hostel where people can be noisy. Fortunately, not such a big deal when it comes to hostels in South Korea.
Centrally located in the popular Jongno-gu district, this hotel is near some of the city’s most iconic attractions, including Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a hub for fashion and culture, while the historic Gwangjang Market offers a taste of traditional Korean street food (which you will love). Transport is also great, with Dongmyo and Dongdaemun subway stations just minutes away, meaning you can get to and from Seoul in a flash.
The shared kitchen and lounge areas provide a communal space to relax, cook, or mingle, and if you want, you can take advantage of the secure lockers, vending machine stocked with essentials, and a 24-hour front desk ready to assist with any queries or issues you may have.
2. The Cube Hotel | Best Budget Capsule Hotel
- Price: $
- Best For: Budget backpackers
- Highlights: The sleek cubes with privacy curtains
- Dorms from: $23
- Address: 31, Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung-gu, Jung-Gu, 04629 Seoul, South Korea
I found the wooden cube dorms to be warm and simplistic, essential in the bleak Korean winters, which get VERY cold. Each capsule offers a comfortable bed, personal lighting, and charging ports. There’s a shared kitchen and lounge, where you can prepare meals, hang out, or simply unwind. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of Namsan Tower and the city skyline.
The hotel’s general atmosphere is made even better by its awesome staff who always helped me with recommendations. Their friendly demeanour added a personal touch to the stay, making me feel truly welcome. I would go as far as saying this place had the friendliest staff of any I met in accommodation across the country.
Here’s why you’re going to love this hotel:
- Amazing value for money: It’s the cheapest place I stayed in Seoul. Great for real Broke Backpackers in Korea.
- Social vibes: Easy to meet people, but unlike other “social hostels”, there’s no wild party scene here.
- Super comfy and clean: As a 30+ traveller, I appreciate a touch of class far more than I did in my 20s, and in true Korean fashion, The Cube takes cleanliness seriously.
Located in Seoul’s vibrant Jung-gu district, you’re near the likes of Myeongdong’s bustling shopping streets, the historic Namsan Tower, and Namdaemun Market, providing cultural and culinary experiences if you want to embrace your sophisticated side. Additional perks include strong Wi-Fi throughout the property and laundry facilities, catering to both short-term visitors and long-term guests.
The surrounding neighbourhood is a treasure trove of experiences. From traditional tea houses and local eateries to contemporary art galleries and vibrant markets, there’s something to captivate every traveller. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a foodie, or a shopaholic, The Cube Hotel’s location offers a gateway to the diverse charms of Seoul.
3. Seoul Cube Jongro | Best for Digital Nomads
- Price: $$
- Best For: Remote workers
- Highlights: Free breakfast, and decent workspaces
- Dorms from: $41
- Address: 4F, 51, Samil-daero 17-gil, Jongno-gu, Jongno-Gu, 03189 Seoul, South Korea
Seoul Cube Jongro offers a unique blend of privacy and community, allowing guests to retreat into their personal pods or mingle in shared spaces. The ambience is calm and inviting, with soft lighting that creates a tranquil environment. The capsules themselves provide enough space to relax. Each pod includes essentials like a comfortable mattress, reading light, and charging ports, ensuring guests have everything they need within arm’s reach.
Beyond the physical space, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Staff members are friendly and attentive, always ready to lend a hand with recommendations or directions. The communal lounge serves as a social hub, where travellers in Korea can exchange stories or plan their next adventure over a cup of coffee, which is part of the beauty of these types of accommodations.
This is why you’ll love this hotel:
- Gender-split rooms: Despite having private pods anyway, there are male and female single-gender rooms, especially good for ladies, although I will say that this is one of the world’s safest countries anyway.
- Community feel: I only spent a night here, but felt at ease meeting cool people in the communal spots.
- Close to lots of popular attractions: It’s near the palaces, which are some of my personal Seoul highlights.
Seoul Cube Jongro places guests at the epicentre of Seoul’s cultural and historical landmarks. A short walk leads to iconic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong’s art-filled alleys, and the bustling streets of Myeongdong. The nearby Jonggak Station is also perfect for getting around easily, making it both easy and convenient to explore the surroundings.
The shared kitchen is equipped with modern appliances, allowing guests to prepare meals or store snacks – great for saving money while you’re travelling. The lounge area provides a comfortable space to relax, work, or socialise – whatever you need. Additional perks include free Wi-Fi throughout the property and laundry facilities, catering to both short-term visitors and long-term guests.
4. G Guesthouse Itaewon In Seoul | Best Capsule Hotel for Solo Travellers
- Price: $
- Best For: Remote workers
- Highlights: Free breakfast, and decent workspaces
- Dorms from: $20
- Address: 14-38, Bogwang-ro 60-gil, Yongsan-gu, Yongsan-Gu, 04406 Seoul, South Korea
G Guesthouse Itaewon in Seoul is where global nomads come together in a vibrant tapestry of cultures. The atmosphere is an epic blend of laid-back charm and energetic buzz. Step inside, and you’re greeted by a warm, welcoming environment. The rooftop garden isn’t just a place to catch a view – it’s a social hub where stories are swapped over sizzling BBQS.
The rooms strike a balance between functionality and comfort, offering personal lockers, reading lights, and privacy curtains, which is always a welcome bonus. It’s a space designed for rest after a day of Seoul adventures!
- All-day breakfast: Yes you read that right. No need to be up at dawn in this place!
- Perfect for socialising and meeting people: Hit up the barbie and you’ll make new buddies in no time.
- Beds with privacy: A common theme in capsule hotels, but always something I welcome.
Nestled in the heart of Itaewon, G Guesthouse is a gateway to Seoul’s eclectic culture. The neighbourhood is a mixture of cuisines, shops, and nightlife, ensuring there’s always something to explore. Inside, guests can enjoy amenities like free Wi-Fi, a communal kitchen, and laundry facilities – score! The shared spaces foster a sense of community, perfect for solo travellers looking to connect with other people.
The hotel’s proximity to Itaewon Subway Station means the city’s attractions are just a quick ride away. Whether you’re heading to the historic palaces or the bustling streets of Myeongdong, convenience is key.
Getting Insured BEFORE Travelling to Seoul
Seoul is a super safe and fun place to visit, but you just never know what might happen and when. Travel without worries with good travel insurance. There was a deadly stampede during Halloween celebrations in Itaewon a few years back, so even the safest country on earth can have (very rare) incidents that you need to be covered for.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Still Unsure On Which Of The Best Capsule Hotels To Choose In Seoul?
Seoul’s capsule hotel scene follows a trend of being chilled and quiet, with privacy curtains common, and little technological touches like a nice light by the bed, and a good charging socket being the norm.
But my top choice is, without a doubt, D A L Premium Capsule Hotel. It’s super central, incredibly stylish, and very cost-effective, never mind the awesome amenities and added extras they kindly throw into the mix – hello free breakfast and handy earplugs!
Overall, capsule hotels here are kind of like the perfect combo of the ones you find in the USA and Japan – they’re designed really nicely and look epic inside (like in America), but they’re very easy on the budget (like in Japan). They’re also swanky and are known for the good (and sometimes quite social) vibes.
So, if you’re looking for somewhere budget-friendly to stay in Seoul that’ll allow you to be in a good location and still be super comfy, I highly recommend you give one of these capsule hotels a go! And hey, if you do, let us know what it’s like!
- Our in-depth backpacking Souteast Asia guide has all the essential info for your trip.
- You’ll also wanna stay in the best hostels in South Korea too!
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- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- And get yourself covered with good travel insurance!
