Seoul is one of those cities that seems to fly under the radar.
Bangkok, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore – these are the Asian cities most Westerners think of visiting in Asia… but Seoul should absolutely be on your list as well.
This city is an intriguing blend of the old and the new, with modern skyscrapers and vibrant urban centres rubbing shoulders with historic palaces and temples. Seoul, the tech hub of Asia, is home to cutting-edge invention, avant-garde design, and a thriving entertainment industry. Digital nomads, take note: Seoul is an absolute haven with its blazing-fast Wi-Fi and endless coworking spaces.
Finding the ideal location to stay, however, can be overwhelming for backpackers given the city’s 25 million inhabitants and the dizzying amount of accommodation options. That’s where I come in!
I’ve sorted the best hostels into different categories to suit every type of traveler. Whether you’re a party animal, a digital nomad, or on a tight budget, I’ve got you covered. Because, let’s be honest, the sooner you book your hostel the sooner you can focus on eating kimchi, and visiting princess restaurants and raccoon cafes.
Photo: Sasha Savinov
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Seoul
- Best Overall Hostel in Seoul – Insa Hostel Insadong
- Best Hostel in Seoul for Solo Travelers – ZZZIP Guesthouse
- Best Cheap Hostel in Seoul – Hongdae Birdsnest Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Seoul – Time Travelers Party Hostel In Hongdae
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Seoul – G Guest House Itaewon In Seoul
The 5 Best Hostels in Seoul
Don’t sweat it if you’ve not found the best hotel in Seoul for your backpacking trip – I’ve done the legwork for you. I’ve found the best hostels in the South Korean capital and have broken them down into different types so you can be sure that you book a Seoul hostel that’s just right for you. Lemme get into my best Seoul accommodation picks below!
1. Insa Hostel Insadong – Best Overall Hostel in Seoul
- Dorm (mixed): From $18/night
- Private Room: From $50-$72/night
- Address: 48, Insadong 14-gil, Jongno-gu, Jongno-Gu, 03146 Seoul, South Korea
This hostel is the ONLY one in Seoul situated along the traditional Insadong Culture Street, so its location cannot be beaten if you want to absorb all the Korean culture you can. It’s also within walking distance of the majority of Seoul’s major tourist attractions. There’s a plethora of craft shops, souvenir shops, art galleries, cafés, tea houses and local restaurants serving authentic Korean dishes within walking distance so you’ll never go hungry around here.
Why you’ll love this Seoul hostel:
- Comfortable, clean rooms
- Located in the heart of Insadong Culture Street
- Free tea, coffee and noodles!
There’s free WiFi access so you can crack on with some work or travel admin (booooooring) in your choice of the living room, dining area and computer room. The hostel owners are super friendly and helpful and they have an adorable friendly cat whose face is plastered everywhere. I’m talking on the notice board, in the kitchen, on their social media, the list goes on… I’m not complaining, its cute AF.
2. ZZZIP Guesthouse – Best Hostel in Seoul for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $32/night
- Private Room: From $73/night
- Address: 32-16, Seongji 1-gil, Mapo-gu, Mapo-Gu, 04072 Seoul, South Korea
A reasonably priced hostel with private rooms and mixed and female-only dormitory rooms, the freebies at ZZZIP Guesthouse help to shave even more off the costs of visiting Seoul on a budget. Tuck into an included breakfast before heading out with your free city map, and come back to free tea and coffee.
Keep your Instagram feed interesting thanks to the free Wi-Fi. Enjoy discounts on some of Seoul’s major tourist attractions, including Seoul Tower, Lotte World and Dragon Hill and soak up the energy in nearby Hongdae. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and there’s a shared kitchen and a book exchange. Plus, they also offer free cancellation on bookings.
Why you’ll love this Seoul hostel:
- A decent free brekky
- In the vibrant and central neighbourhood of Hongdae
- Super clean rooms
Providing a perfect balance, ZZZIP is among the best hostels in Seoul for solo travellers who want to combine mingling and lone time. All of their amenities made me feel super safe as a solo traveller and with the social atmosphere, you really can’t go wrong with this hostel.
3. Hongdae Birdsnest Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Seoul
- Dorm (mixed): From $12/night
- Private Room: From $25/night
- Address: 18, Yeonnam-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Mapo-Gu, 03988 Seoul, South Korea
For the price, you really can’t get better than this hostel. For $10 a night, you get some real bang for your buck. They have a fully equipped kitchen you use, along with an outdoor BBQ on the rooftop terrace so you can impress your new travel mates by cookin’ up a storm.
The private rooms and dorms are clean and comfortable and have everything you need for a good night’s kip, including air conditioning. If you’re looking for a quieter, more cosy, and homely stay then you definitely won’t be disappointed by the dormitory rooms here.
Why you’ll love this Seoul hostel:
- Peaceful guesthouse with cosy rooms
- The outdoor BBQ
- It won’t hurt your wallet
The staff are the really shining light of this hostel though- they do an amazing job to manage the hostel and keep everyone involved and socialising. A word of advice – ask them to take you out, it’ll be a wild night 😉
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Time Travelers Party Hostel In Hongdae – Best Party Hostel in Seoul
- Dorm (mixed): From $20/night
- Private Room: From $40-$64/night
- Address: 11, Yeonhui-ro 2-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seodaemun-Gu, 03784 Seoul, South Korea
Located in lively Hongdae, this is, true to its name, one of the best hostels in Seoul for party-loving travellers. The sociable bar keeps the tunes pumping and the beer flowing, and you’re just a stone’s throw from some of Seoul’s best clubs, bars, and restaurants.
Members of staff are like buddies, going on bar crawls, hosting Korean BBQs on the rooftop terrace, challenging guests to a game of pool, darts, or foosball, and doing loads more fun stuff. Seoul’s Time Travelers Party Hostel In Hongdae really is a place for party animals. The washing machine is free to use, there’s free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning in the dorms.
Why you’ll love this Seoul hostel:
- The basement bar fully stocked with Soju and beer
- Weekly Friday Korean BBQ dinner
- Staff who double up as reps to take you to the club!
Partying aside, the amenities here are also impressive. The washing machine is free to use, there’s free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning in the dorms. The artwork dotted about the hostel is also super cool and there’s a communal lounge, and kitchen for you to cook up a storm.
5. G Guest House Itaewon In Seoul – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Seoul
- Dorm (mixed): From $20-$30/night
- Private Room: From $92-$105/night
- Address: 14-38, Bogwang-ro 60-gil, Yongsan-gu, Yongsan-Gu, 04406 Seoul, South Korea
Lonely Planet crowned this hostel as one of Korea’s top six hostels for 2023, so it’s easy to see why it’s so loved by travellers. It’s in one of the best neighbourhoods in Seoul as it boasts the best of both worlds – Itaewon’s party area & Namsan Mountain and Han River Park are all within walking distance. This means you can hit up as many cultural sites as you can, no matter how short your stay.
They claim to have some of the fastest wifi in the city and offer free printing and photocopying services, making it perfect for digital nomads. They offer private rooms and dorms so you can crash however you like.
For those of you taking the scenic route and spending a bit more time in Seoul, they’ve got a whole host of amenities, including air conditioning. You can rent a bike to explore the city at your own pace or grab a hair iron and ironing board to clean up for that Zoom call where you need to look like you haven’t been living out of a backpack for weeks.
Why you’ll love this Seoul hostel:
- Peaceful guesthouse with cosy rooms
- The outdoor BBQ
- It won’t hurt your wallet
Plus, the crowd here are pure gold. Expect to meet some cool, fun-loving travellers ready to experience Seoul’s vibrant nightlife alongside you.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Seoul Hostels
Haven’t found the right hostel for you yet? Don’t worry, there are plenty more options waiting for you. To make the search a bit easier, I’ve listed more epic hostels in Seoul below.
6. Time Travelers Relax Guesthouse Seoul
- Dorm (mixed): From $20/night
- Private Room: From $37-$52/night
- Address: 90-13 Sinchon-ro 1-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
This hostel is like the chilled older brother of Time Travelers Party Hostel In Hongdae with no party and aalll about the cosy vibes. AKA you’ll actually be able to catch a couple of Zzzs here.
This place prides itself on being a space where you can relax and unwind and they provide lots of novel & cartoon books so you can find a good nook and put your nose in a book for a couple of hours.
There are tons of cool murals and artwork throughout the hostel which have all been painted by the owner which is super cool. He also does his best to get everyone involved and socialising which really adds to the welcoming atmosphere of this place.
7. Jin’s Paradise
- Dorm (mixed): From $40-$60/night
- Private Room: From $58-$142/night
- Address: 358-115 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Jin’s Paradise offers uniquely themed private rooms and dorms and a lively rooftop for guests to soak up the buzz of the city. The staff, a bunch of seasoned travellers themselves, personally show guests to their rooms and dish out insider tips for exploring Seoul like a pro. They can also hook you up with tips and hidden gems to soak up all the Korean culture you can get, including some epic cultural sites. They also sort out daily events, including weekend Korean BBQs that bring the party.
You can expect free coffee and tea around the clock, laundry free of charge (love that) and super secure, rooms with air-conditioning. Plus, there’s free cancellation for if your travel plans happen to change.
A haven of fun and relaxation, Jin’s Paradise is kept running by experienced backpackers who understand what makes a trip truly memorable.
8. Inno Hostel & Pub Lounge Hongdae
- Dorm (mixed): From $31/night
- Private Room: From $98/night
- Address: #F1, 37-7 World Cup-ro 8-gil, Mapo-gu , Mapo-Gu, 04029 Seoul, South Korea
Inno Hostel & Pub Lounge Hongdae is much more than just a hostel, it was created for backpackers, by backpackers. The beds are massive by Korean standards and there’s air-conditioning so you’re sure to get a good night’s kip. The bunk beds are set up in a way where they almost feel like pods so it feels super private, making it one of my favourite South Korean hostels I’ve ever stayed in!
There’s a sociable pub downstairs where you can meet tons of other travellers. You literally cannot spend a night here without making friends.
They even provide blow driers and hair straighteners for my fellow girlies who constantly travel with a bird’s nest for hair…
9. The Cube Hotel
- Dorm (mixed): From $24/night
- Address: 31, Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung-gu, Jung-Gu, 04629 Seoul, South Korea
This hostel offers pod-style dormitory rooms—a bit like Marmite, you either love ‘em or think they give off big coffin vibes. Personally, I love them; they give me the privacy I need knowing someone won’t be staring me down at 2am. We’ve all had those weird hostel experiences.
Coffin or not, the beds are super comfy and are fully qualified as a place to crash after a day of exploring. The bathrooms are super modern and clean and kitted out with toiletries which is great for when you’ve run out of soap and haven’t quite got around to buying some more (consider this your friendly nudge to get on that).
Travellers have reported that the vibes here are pretty chilled and not the most social which is great if you’re looking to recharge your social batteries after a long day following your hectic Seoul itinerary. But not so much for those wanting to let off some steam. The choice is yours!
10. H HOSTEL Itaewon
- Dorm (mixed): From $31/night
- Private Room: From $61/night
- Address: 103-2 Bogwang-ro, Yongsan-gu, Yongsan-Gu, 04391 Seoul, South Korea
This hostel is in a prime spot in Itaewon, making it a super convenient base for your Seoul adventures. They dish out a solid free breakfast that includes pastries, toast, cereal, and a surprisingly good, strong filter coffee. I mean, who can say no to a free brekky, right?
The dorms here are super cool, there’s a wall in between every bed and you get your own privacy curtain so you can really feel like you’re in your own private room. The shared bathrooms are hotel-like so you definitely get a lot of bang for your buck here.
You even get two pillows here, one soft and one hard. Perfect for all your princesses out there who live with a constant crick neck from crappy hostel pillows (myself included…)
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Seoul
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Seoul.
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.
FAQ about Hostels in Seoul
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Seoul.
What to Pack for Your Seoul 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 my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips
How much does a hostel cost in Seoul?
On average, hostel prices depend on the room type and location, but you can generally expect to pay between $17 and $50 per night for a dorm.
What are the best hostels in Seoul for couples?
For couples exploring Seoul, H HOSTEL Itaewon is a cosy gem, perfect for a romantic escape. It’s comfy, conveniently located near a subway station, and has a welcoming vibe. If you’re looking to mingle with fellow travellers while staying in a cool spot, Insa Hostel Insadong is another fantastic choice. It’s got a lively atmosphere and is ideal for couples who enjoy socializing.
What are the best hostels in Seoul near the airport?
ZZZIP Guesthouse is my top pick for those needing to make a quick dash to Gimpo International Airport. It’s also great for solo travellers – you can’t go wrong here.
Final Thoughts on Seoul’s Hostels
Whether you’re a social butterfly, a budget-savvy traveller, or a digital nomad searching for the perfect Wi-Fi signal, Seoul’s got you covered like kimchi on bibimbap.
Hostels in Seoul vary far and wide so whether you want hotel-style pod dorms or a good old-fashioned party hostel like Time Travelers Party Hostel In Hongdae, you’ll certainly be able to find something for you.
A word of warning: practice your favourite karaoke songs now and prepare for some sore throats in the morning as those daily karaoke sessions can get kinda wild here.
So book your hostel, make some new friends (and maybe a few enemies during that intense game of beer pong), and dive into a truly epic South Korean adventure!
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any hidden gems to add, hit me up in the comments!
Photo by Sasha Savinov
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Seoul for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Seoul covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Seoul if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Seoul before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate South Korea backpacking guide.
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