Hostels in Seoul (2026): Best Picks in Hongdae, Myeongdong and Insadong, With Prices

Looking for hostels in Seoul? Seoul is one of Asia’s best cities for budget travellers: dorm beds are clean, safe and usually include Wi-Fi and a simple breakfast, and the subway gets you anywhere for a couple of dollars. Most hostels cluster in three areas — Hongdae for nightlife and the airport train, Myeongdong for shopping and central location, and Insadong/Jongno for palaces and quiet evenings. Here are well-reviewed picks in each, with the nearest station and honest downsides.

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Last checked: October 2026. Prices are rough ranges per night and change by date and season. Dollar figures use about 1,330 KRW = 1 USD (October 2026).

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Which Seoul hostel suits you?

Hostels in Hongdae

Hongdae has Seoul’s biggest hostel scene and the airport train (AREX) stops at Hongik University Station. Expect noise around the club streets on weekends. More on the area in our hotels in Hongdae guide.

Kimchee Guesthouse Hongdae (김치게스트하우스 홍대)

Budget: $ (dorms roughly 28,000–42,000 KRW)
Getting there: a short walk from Hongik University Station

Good for: solo travellers and backpackers.
Why we like it: a long-running chain with a friendly, social atmosphere and several room types; there’s also a Sinchon branch.
Watch out for: dorms share bathrooms; basic rooms.
Check-in tip: book a private room early if you want one.

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Crossroad Backpackers Hongdae (크로스로드 백패커스 홍대)

Budget: $ (dorm beds from roughly 30,000 KRW; private rooms more)
Getting there: central Hongdae, walking distance from the station

Good for: sociable travellers who want breakfast included.
Why we like it: large lockers, dorms and private rooms, and breakfast included.
Watch out for: busy and lively; light sleepers should bring earplugs.
Check-in tip: check whether your dorm is mixed or single-sex when booking.

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Hostels in Myeongdong

Myeongdong is the most central base: shopping and street food on the doorstep, Namsan above, and Seoul Station’s airport train one stop away. See also our best hotels in Myeongdong.

Philstay Myeongdong Boutique Hostel (필스테이 명동 부티크)

Budget: $ (dorms) to $$ (private rooms)
Getting there: in central Myeongdong, a few minutes from Myeongdong Station (Line 4)

Good for: solo women and first-timers.
Why we like it: women-only dorms in 2-, 4-, 6- and 8-bed sizes, breakfast and laundry.
Watch out for: small rooms; the area is busy until late.
Check-in tip: choose a smaller dorm if you value quiet.

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Hostels in Insadong and Jongno

For palaces, hanok lanes and calmer nights, stay around Anguk and Jongno 3-ga. It’s a short walk to Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon and Insadong (Insadong guide).

INSADONG hostel (인사동 호스텔)

Budget: $ (bunk rooms) to $$
Getting there: about 3 minutes from Anguk Station (Line 3)

Good for: sightseers who want the palaces on foot.
Why we like it: a small, well-rated hostel with a rooftop terrace, laundry and luggage storage.
Watch out for: the front desk has limited hours (check-in roughly 2–10 p.m.); minimum age 19.
Check-in tip: tell them if you’ll arrive late.

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Halfrest Hostel Jongno Insa (하프레스트 호스텔 종로인사)

Budget: $
Getting there: between Jongno 3-ga and Anguk stations, about 15 minutes’ walk from Myeongdong

Good for: solo women and budget travellers who want a quiet base.
Why we like it: an 8-bed women-only dorm and a central location between Insadong and Jongno.
Watch out for: simple facilities; check bathroom arrangements for each room.
Check-in tip: Jongno 3-ga Station has three subway lines for easy connections.

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Hostels in Itaewon

G Guesthouse Itaewon (G게스트하우스 이태원)

Budget: $ (roughly 40,000–70,000 KRW)
Getting there: walking distance from Itaewon Station (Line 6)

Good for: budget travellers who come for food and nightlife.
Why we like it: English-friendly and in the middle of everything.
Watch out for: basic rooms; shared facilities in some room types.
Check-in tip: more options in our hotels in Itaewon guide.

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Tips for booking a hostel in Seoul

• Weekdays are cheaper: Friday and Saturday rates run noticeably higher; book cherry-blossom, autumn-foliage, Chuseok and Lunar New Year weeks a month or two ahead.
• Check the room type: mixed or single-sex dorm, bathroom inside or down the hall, and whether the room has a window.
• Luggage: most hostels hold bags for free before check-in (usually 3 p.m.) and after check-out (11 a.m.); otherwise use station lockers.
• Late arrivals: small hostels may close the front desk at night; message them in advance, or sleep near the airport (hotels near Incheon Airport).
• Bring earplugs for dorms and capsules.

What are the alternatives to hostels?

• Capsule hotels: about 30,000–55,000 KRW for a private pod with a curtain or door.
• Jjimjilbang: the cheapest overnight option (how jjimjilbang work).
• Budget hotels: small private rooms from about 50,000–90,000 KRW; compare neighbourhoods in where to stay in Seoul.

FAQ

How much is a hostel in Seoul?
About 25,000–45,000 KRW for a dorm bed in popular areas like Hongdae; private hostel rooms from about 50,000 KRW.

Which area is best for hostels in Seoul?
Hongdae for nightlife and the airport train, Myeongdong for central sightseeing, and Insadong/Jongno for palaces and quieter nights.

Are Seoul hostels safe for solo female travellers?
Seoul is very safe, and many hostels offer women-only dorms; read recent reviews before booking.

Sources: Seoul Tourism – Budget accommodation in Seoul (Oct 2026) · MileAsia – Best hotels in Hongdae 2026 · Klook – Seoul hostels for solo travellers