Seoul is a shimmering city jam-packed with youthful clubs blaring K-pop, massive stadiums hosting E-sports competitions, palaces with a history stretching back centuries, and cuisine that will have you constantly ordering that second dish of kimchi.
The South Korean capital is a hub for fashion, music, and electronics. The mouth-watering food, neon-lit streets, and dark history are more than enough to attract both your amateur travelers and hardened adventurers alike!
Seoul’s streets are lined with quaint cafes, music venues, dance clubs, and boutique shops, so it is no wonder that you will find tons of guesthouses and cheap hotels.
In a sprawling megacity it is a headache to not only find a decent hotel but to figure out where you want to base yourself out of.
You can breathe easy with our one-stop guide! Now YOU will be the expert on where to stay when exploring the South Korean capital!
Get ready for late night Korean barbeque, your Korean adventure awaits!
Quick Answer: The Best Cheap Hotels in Seoul
Best Overall Cheap Hotel – Roadhouse Hongdae Shinchon
Best Cheap Hotel for Couples – Makers Hotel
Best Cheap Hotel for Business Travelers – Grid Inn
Best Cheap Hotel for Families – Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae
Best Cheap Hotel for People with Pets – Seoul Blues
Best Cheap Hotel in Myeongdong (Downtown) – Guesthouse Philstay
Best Cheap Hotel in Gangnam (Downtown) – Hotel Peyto Samseong
Best Cheap Hotel Near the Airport – Lotte City Hotel Gimpo Airport
Best Cheap Hotel Near Namsan – J-Honor Guesthouse
Best Cheap Hotel Near Gyeongbokgung Palace – Han Hanok Guesthouse
Best Cheap Hotel Near Bukchon Hanok Village – STAY256
Best Cheap Hotel Near Nightlife (Hongdae) – Heima Guesthouse
Best Cheap Hotel with Pool – Hotel L7 Hongdae
15 Best Cheap Hotels in Seoul
Best Overall Cheap Hotel in Seoul
• Roadhouse Hongdae Shinchon •
Hotel Details:
- Nearby Sinchon Metro Station
- Breakfast
- Rooftop Terrace
Why Roadhouse Hongdae Shinchon is a Great Budget Hotel:
For those looking for a centrally located hotel in the heart of Seoul for a cheap price, Roadhouse Hongdae has rooms which cannot be beaten.
Other than Roadhouse’s comfortable airy bedroom, you will be located right on top of Shinchon station which puts all of Seoul before your feet.
Before you call it a night, relax on the rooftop lounge, complete with romantic lighting and a view of the twinkling city of Seoul.
After an evening of bar hopping around the college town in Hongdae, wake up to a breakfast which will put you back on your feet and ready to explore more of South Korea!
Best Cheap Hotel for Couples
• Makers Hotel •
Hotel Details:
- Nearby Jongno 3-ga Station
- Breakfast
- Unique Decor
Why Makers Hotel is a Great Budget Hotel:
For couples looking to get cozy, Makers Hotel offers snug rooms which will have you never wanting to leave your bed.
The first thing you will notice even before stepping into the building is that Makers Hotel has adopted a unique hipster design for everything from the antique pictures and furniture to the light bulbs suspended from the outside of the building.
The rooms, however, don’t take any chances and will have you lounging or catching some Zs in no time.
With Makers, you will start each day with a delicious breakfast and end each night in your own home away from home!
Best Cheap Hotel for Business Travelers
• Grid Inn •
Hotel Details:
- Near Jongno 3-ga Station
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
Why Grid Inn is a Great Budget Hotel:
Grid Inn maintains a perfect balance of being trendy enough to stand out from the crowd without sacrificing any of the high-end comfort and expectations that a business traveler may have for their hotel.
Located right on top of a metro station, getting around the massive megacity of Seoul is a breeze.
Have some time off and are looking to take in some of the local culture? Popular Nansan can be seen right from your hotel window at the Grid Inn.
Top it all off with cozy rooms and a delectable breakfast, Grid Inn makes for the perfect hotel to call home while staying in Seoul!
Best Cheap Hotel for Families in Seoul
• Holiday Inn Express •
Hotel Details:
- Nearby Hongik University and Sogang Stations
- Restaurant
- Fitness Center
Why Holiday Inn Express is a Great Budget Hotel:
When traveling as a family it is best not to leave anything up to chance, go with a name you can trust such as Holiday Inn!
Not only will you get an international standard of comfort and service, but Holiday Inn also provides value rooms which simply can not be beaten.
Need a break from all the kimchi? Dine at the Holiday Inn’s onsite restaurant serving American cuisine.
In the mornings, you will wake up to a ready to eat breakfast free of charge!
Not convinced yet? Holiday Inn is located on top of, not one, but two subway stations, meaning you can drag those youngsters to museums and palaces hassle free!
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Best Cheap Hotel for People with Pets in Seoul
• Seoul Blues •
Hotel Details:
- Located Near Seoul Station Exit 12
- Free Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Bar
Why Seoul Blues is a Great Budget Hotel:
Traveling the world with your furry friend can’t be easy, be once you check in to Seoul Blues you are sure to have your tail wagging for this homey guesthouse.
From the outside, Seoul Blues looks like a quirky intricate collection of small working-class houses. Once the doors are opened, however, you will find yourself at home and with friends.
Smack in between Seoul Station and Namsan, navigating around the capital is a sinch.
After a long day of exploring, your paws are sure to be sore, relax at the hotel’s bar or chow down at their onsite restaurant!
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Best Cheap Hotel in Myeongdong (Downtown)
• Philstay Myeongdong Station •
Hotel Details:
- Nearby Myeongdong Station
- Free Breakfast
- Shared Kitchen
Why Philstay Myeongdong is a Great Budget Hotel:
For many people around the world, they travel to South Korea for one reason alone: Myeongdong. This shopping hub is the center for those wanting the latest fashion and cosmetics that Korea has to offer.
There is no better way to shop till you drop then to base yourself out of Philstay, located right on top of Myeongdong Station.
Striking a perfect balance between hotel privacy and a hostel’s social atmosphere, you may find yourself hard to tear yourself away from the comforts of your room while wanting to snack in the shared kitchen to meet other travelers.
With a perfect location and staff that will make you feel right at home, Philstay will have you falling in love with Seoul in no time!
Want to learn more about Seoul? These are the most AMAZING tours in Seoul!
Best Cheap Hotel in Gangnam (Downtown)
• Hotel Peyto Samseong •
Hotel Details:
- Currency Exchange
- Buffet Restaurant
- Business Center
- Gym
Why Peyto Samseong is a Great Budget Hotel:
No matter if you are in Seoul on business or looking to taste a bit of the high life, Hotel Peyto Sameong puts their guests in the beating heart of Gangnam, the city’s own luxury district.
With an onsite business center, buffet restaurant, currency exchange, laundry facilities, and even a fitness center, you will have everything you need to before heading out to the club or to that important company meeting.
Even from your bedroom, guests will have every comfort they could possibly need while staying in Seoul.
From a mini fridge to a flat screen TV, you will find yourself lounging around in your bathrobe watching the game on your in-suite flatscreen TV in no time!
Best Cheap Hotel Near the Airport
• Lotte City Hotel Gimpo Airport •
Hotel Details:
- Connected to Gimpo Airport
- Free Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Gym
Why Lotte City Hotel Gimpo Airport is a Great Budget Hotel:
Winding up your trip, just flew into town, or on a long layover, Lotte City Hotel will give you a perfects night sleep so you will be refreshed and ready for more the next morning!
At Lotte’s, you will not just close to Gimpo Airport, but you have a direct link straight to the International Terminal! Got some time to kill? You will also be in walking distance of Lotte Mall and two subway terminals!
You may find yourself not wanting to part from the comfort of your hotel. Lotte City Hotel is complete with its own restaurant, a fitness center, meeting rooms, and even a garden!
The rooms will have you sleeping on cloud 9 with all the comforts you need right at your fingertips. A flat-screen TV, water, a safe, and a desk are just a few of the many things you will find in your spacious abode!
Best Cheap Hotel Near Namsan
• J-Honor Guesthouse •
Hotel Details:
- Near Myeongdong Station
- Free Breakfast
- Terrace
Why J-Honor is a Great Budget Hotel:
When staying at J-Honor Guesthouse, you are within a few steps of the Namsan cable car and less than half a mile hike to the scenic view from the top of Namsan itself!
Not only will you have a stunning panoramic view of the of Seoul just a mere few steps from your hotel, but Myeongdong subway will have you whizzing to the farthest corners of the city in no time!
Other than J-Honor’s stellar location, the hotel pampers their guests with a breakfast complete with a piping hot cup of coffee served on the terrace, tour information, and computers so you can get in touch with loved ones back home.
With snug rooms, a tastefully decorated dining room, and staff that will make you feel like part of the family, J-Honor Guesthouse is the perfect start to your vacation in Seoul!
Best Cheap Hotel Near Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Han Hanok Guesthouse •
Hotel Details:
- Traditional Korean House
- Shared Kitchen
- Free Breakfast
- Near Gyeongbokgung Subway Station
Why Han Hanok Guesthouse is a Great Budget Hotel:
Wanting to truly immerse yourself in Korean culture? There is no better way to do that than staying in an actual traditional Korean style house in the shadow of the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace!
Sleeping on the floor has never seemed more appealing. With thick blankets, fluffy pillows, and even a flat screen TV, you are getting all the comforts of a 4-star hotel, Korean style!
Surrounded by a quaint garden, you will feel as if you have your own personal slice of heaven when walking around Han Hanok Guesthouse.
With a delicious breakfast and an owner which will make you feel like part of the family, this is a guesthouse that you will never want to check-out of!
Best Cheap Hotel Near Bukchon Hanok Village
• STAY 256 •
Hotel Details:
- Traditional Korean Style House
- Free Breakfast
- Patio
Why Stay 256 is a Great Budget Hotel:
While other guesthouses located in the old districts of Seoul make you feel like you are at home, Stay 256 ups the ante by presenting Korean culture with luxury comfort.
As soon as you pass through the threshold you are sure to fall in love with the romantic design of this traditional hanok.
All of the traditional wooden rooms with intricate paper windows look out to a central courtyard which makes one feel like they are stepping on to the set of a Korean drama.
With thick soft mattresses on the bamboo floor, Korean style, you are sure to find yourself living in a dream when you are sleeping at Stay256.
It is no surprise that this hotel is only a short walk away from the cultural sights of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Village, but nothing will be able to top the experience you will have at Stay 256!
Best Cheap Hotel Near Nightlife (Hongdae)
• Heima Guesthouse •
Hotel Details:
- Free Breakfast
- Shared Kitchen
- Near Hongik University Station
Why Heima is a Great Budget Hotel:
Seoul is not short on clubs where you can have an all-night rager or bars to loosen up and grab that karaoke mic with confidence. By far the best place to party like a Korean is in the University district of Hongdae.
After roaming the street markets or swaggering home from the bar, the best place to call it a night is Heima Guesthouse.
When booking into Heima you truly get the most bang for your buck!
With cozy rooms, complete with a flatscreen TV as well as a complimentary breakfast served promptly every morning, guests will find themselves wanting to extend their Seoul vacation a little bit longer!
Best Cheap Hotel with Pool
• Hotel L7 Hongdae •
Hotel Details:
- Rooftop Pool
- Bar
- Gym
- Restaurant
Why Hotel L7 is a Great Budget Hotel:
Picture yourself floating on a relaxing rooftop pool with a 360 view of the city of Seoul below. You can have this outdoor pool and so much more when you check into Hotel L7!
If the pool alone was not enough to win you over, Hotel L7 Hongdae also has a snazzy onsite bar, a fitness center, and even a restaurant where you can dine in class every evening!
After a day jam-packed full of exploring the lively streets of Seoul and night partying in the bars of Hongdae, guests can retire to a cozy room complete with a flat screen TV, fridge, and a bed which will have you sleeping like a baby!
More Great Cheap Hotels in Seoul
• Oh My Guesthouse •
Hotel Details:
- Lounge
- Shared Kitchen
- Free Breakfast
Why Oh My Guesthouse is a Great Budget Hotel:
Oh My Guesthouse provides travelers with all the comforts of a 4-star hotel with the personal touch of an Air B&B.
Your new home away from home will welcome you to make yourself comfortable in their cozy lounge, take in the fresh air on their outside terrace, and even whip yourself up a snack in their kitchen.
Each room is complete with all of the essentials, making sure that you have everything you need to have a good night’s sleep and energy to take on the next day.
With Gyeongbokgung Palace and other cultural sights close by, adventure is literally right at your doorstep!
• Mini Hotel Insa •
Hotel Details:
- Near Anguk Station
- Free Breakfast
- Coffee Shop
Why Mini Hotel Insa is a Great Budget Hotel:
If you are looking for contemplative temples and grand palaces, Mini Hotel Insa is a cute little boutique abode perfect for basing yourself out of when exploring Seoul’s cultural sites!
Mini Hotel Insa offers quaint budget rooms complete with a TV, coffee, and some even with a balcony overlooking the lively streets below.
Wanting to sip on something a little more fancier? Hotel Insa has you covered with a small coffee shop on site!
The staff will greet you with a warm smile every morning, ready to serve you your breakfast and be your guides on your Seoul adventure!
Conclusion to the Best Cheap Hotels in Seoul
Is it the fashion, the shopping, the culture, or the cuisine that will make you fall in love with Seoul? It may be hard to pinpoint just one thing that has tourists planning their next trip to South Korea the second they board the plane back home.
With many centers spread out around the city, you will find yourself drinking with families one night while dancing with Korean superstars the next! From video games to massive palaces, you are sure to have a new experience every day!
With guesthouses and hotels galore, you will not be short on places to stay in Seoul by any stretch of the imagination.
If you are looking for the best “Korean” experience, however, we fell in love with STAY256. Not one hotel in the city can hold a light to staying in a romantic traditional Hanok!
Brush up on your Korean and say “anyong haseyo” to your perfect home when exploring vibrant Seoul!
While you’re in research mode, why not check out our other amazing guides?
- Our ultimate guide to the best hostels in Seoul will find you a sweet hostel in Seoul!
- Our epic guide to the best day trips from Seoul shows you the absolute best hidden gems the South Korean capital has to offer!
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