Busan is a colorful, pulsing port city in South Korea known for its nice beaches, beautiful surrounding mountains, and ancient Buddhist temples.
Anyone backpacking around South Korea will in all likelihood make the rounds into Busan.
As Busan has grown popular with travelers, more and more hostels have sprung up.
The results are mixed.
That is exactly why I wrote this no-stress guide to the best hostels in Busan for 2024!
This hostel guide makes it easy for you to book the real gems of Busan instead of staying in a crappy alternative.
Busan is a super fun place for backpackers to explore. Spend your time planning your adventure (and dreaming about kimchi) to Busan instead of taking ages to stumble over different hostels of dubious quality.
This is the only guide you will ever need to rock your backpacking trip to Busan. Book your hostel with confidence knowing that this guide only offers up the very best accommodation options in this eclectic South Korean city.
Let us now dive right in…
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Busan
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Busan – Mozzi Hostel
The 10 Best Hostels in Busan
If you’re backpacking South Korea then you should swing by Busan. Let’s look at some awesome hostels to help get you sorted.
INSIDE Busan – Best Cheap Hostel in Busan #3
There are restaurants and bars on the doorstep of INSIDE Busan. You can really get INSIDE BUSAN FROM HERE- Oh, caps lock. Maybe that was their trouble. And with a location like this – near Chinatown – it actually does give you the opportunity to really get IN the bustling city, explore it, walk around, try food, drink soju with the locals, away from the beach scene (and therefore – at some times of the year at least – the tourist scene) and more properly INSIDE the city. Really IN it. But seriously we can’t fault this highly, highly recommended hostel IN Busan. Especially for its price.
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View on Osprey View on REIMozzi Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Busan
Quite possibly the coolest hostel in Busan, Mozzi is the sort of place you could easily sink into for a week or two – or even longer. Comprehensive desk and table space in the common areas means working on your laptop is a breeze, with stylish modern surroundings that make for a refreshing change. We also think that this is the best hostel for digital nomads in Busan because of its location: 1km from the ferry terminal means trips to the rest of Korea – or even Japan – aren’t a trauma. Busan Station is really close too. Plus a games room feat. foosball table and other things help keep it nicely social. 10/10 – we love it. You’ll definitely want to stay here while exploring your Busan itinerary!
Hostel The Local – Overall Best Hostel in Busan
One of the best hostels ever let alone the overall best hostel in Busan, The Local is a DREAM of a place to stay. We’re talking quiet. We’re talking cozy. We’re talking cafe on level 2 which is a cute cafe by day and place-to-drink-beer-you-got-in-the-nearby-convenience-store by night. There are places to chill, places to work, places to meet people and make friends – a lot of space in general. Not to mention that this Busan backpackers hostel is also in a pretty good location too. It’s pricey compared to the rest, but for the best hostel in Busan 2021, well, it’s worth it.
The Wendy House – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Busan
It makes a huuuge difference when the staff is on hand to make sure everyone’s having a good time. Well actually not even that, just that the team running a hostel are friendly, and knowledgeable about the area around the hostel, the city, and actually helpful enough to share that knowledge – well, that’s The Wendy House. Cute name, right? But the host, Wendy, is literally a star. This fact and the hearty breakfast is a combo to be reckoned with. But the friendliness, and willingness to help guests, simply have to make this the best hostel for solo travellers in Busan. We know what it’s like to be by yourself in a new city – trust!
Melon Guesthouse – Best Cheap Hostel in Busan #1
Great great great budget hostel in Busan, this one. It’s great value for money based on location alone – very near the famous Haeundae Beach, which (especially in summer) is a beautiful spot to chill. Sure, the dorms feel a little bit as though you’re sleeping in a children’s room, but it’s kinda cute – if a little basic. The common areas are great though, spacious, nice big TV lounge area, plus an outdoors bit for, well, outdoors socialising. More of the same, but outside. Also very very clean. We like very very clean. And for these reasons and more it’s the best cheap hostel in Busan. Melon, though – what?
The New Day – Best Cheap Hostel in Busan #2
Ominously named The New Day is fresh and friendly, warm and homely, all of that stuff – a classically superlative top hostel in Busan, to be honest. Rooms and facilities are modern and clean, there’s a spaaacious common room (complete with guitar and piano for a knees-up and a sing-song and all that… maybe?) and there’s a serve-yourself free continental breakfast. Staff are great. Location is great. The eclectic decor is really fun, mismatched rugs and different table/chair sets – yet another little detail of greatness in this top-notch youth hostel in Busan.
Indy Guesthouse – Best Hostel for Couples in Busan
Very new and very clean, the quiet cosy atmosphere of Indy Guesthouse easily put it up there as the best hostel for couples in Busan. In fact, we’re gonna go all out and call this place extremely clean. There, we said it. But seriously: everything’s so neat and tidy here you’ll be second-guessing every other hostel you’ve stayed in before this point. And since the price is based on a couple sharing a private room it’s P expensive, but the dorms aren’t bad at all. Oh, and those private rooms? Like boutique hotel rooms. Super, super nice. Not like a youth hostel in Busan at all. Except it is. And OMG they offer FREE access to jimjilbang (Korean-style sauna)… ugh we’re in heaven.
Backpackers’ House – Best Party Hostel in Busan
What if a very convenient hostel also turns out to be the best party hostel in Busan? No awards for the name ‘Backpackers House’ (though the grammar is exactly correct), it’s nevertheless an amazing place if you want to have some FUN. The hosts like, never stop trying to entertain you in some form – whether it’s a bit of Korean BBQ at the hostel itself, or going out drinking in one of the area’s (many) local bars, or various other events, they’re always going for it. And we always say it, but the staff really make a place. They’ve definitely made this place a highly recommended hostel in Busan. Also that 3 min walk from the beach, whaaat!
Good Day Mate – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Busan
Good Day Mate. Well, it is a good day, mate, if you get to stay in this Busan backpackers hostel. It’s seriously stylish AF. The rooms have, like, polished plaster walls, wood flooring, wooden beams exposed in the ceiling, all clean and minimalist. It’s the best hostel with a private room in Busan, not only because it exclusively offers private rooms, but because these rooms are NICE. Truly, truly. Chuck in a free breakfast, a lounge to chill and meet other travellers, a rooftop terrace for a beer or two in the evening, super super nice staff and this place is hard to beat. Contender for best hostel in Busan, really – just that price though. Ouch.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Best Hostels in Busan
Stay in the middle of the action (or in an off the beaten path location) using our comprehensive neighborhood guide for Busan!
Busan L’ete
Another fine, fine example of a budget hostel in Busan, this one is right next to a metro station that takes you to the Gwangalli Beach area in 2 mins. Now that’s a nice location: think restaurants, shops, nice neighbourhood, things to do, – and a beach, obviously. Busan L’ete is quite a kooky hostel with a friendly owner and modern (but a little bit basic) decor. But it’s fine, effortlessly minimalist and stylish in its own way, and, well what else do you want? The beds are comfy, it’s neat and tidy, the location is great, it’s a bargain, etc. etc. ETC. Yep, it’s another top hostel in Busan – the city of top hostels, it seems!
What to Pack for your Busan Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Busan
Alas, we have reached the end of my guide to the best hostels in Busan for 2024.
All the information you need to book a quality, low-priced hostel for yourself in Busan is at your fingertips.
Backpacking in Busan is bound to be one of the highlights of your South Korean adventure. To take full advantage of what this city has to offer, I recommend booking up your hostel as soon as you shore up your travel plans to ensure you score the hostel YOU have your eye on.
Still not sure which hostel to go with? Feeling conflicted over which hostel is best for you? Picking a hostel is like picking the right kimchi: only you can decide which one is the best.
I’ll simplify things for you. When folks are in doubt I usually recommend that you just book my top pick for best overall hostel in Busan: Hostel The Local. Everyone one who stays here seems pretty damn stoked!
I wish you the best of luck as you explore Busan and South Korea.
See you down the line my friends…
FAQ about Hostels in Busan
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Busan.
How much does a hostel cost in Busan?
The average price of hostels in Busan can range from $15 – $37+ per night. Of course, the private rooms are on the higher end of the scale than the dorm beds.
What are the best hostels in Busan for couples?
Great location and private rooms with bathrooms make MAMA Guesthouse Haeundae the top-rated hostel for couples in Busan.
What is the best hostel in Busan near the airport?
Ideal for catching an early flight, AIRPORT Guesthouse is 1 km from Gimhae International Airport and has a 24-hour front desk.
Travel Safety Tips for Busan
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.
More Epic Hostels in South Korea and Asia
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Busan.
Planning an epic trip all across South Korea or even Asia itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Asia, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Busan has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in South Korea for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Busan covered.
- Check out the best places to stay in Busan before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
