This blog post is all about the best budget hotel in Seoul.
If you’re heading to Seoul and looking for a budget-friendly stay that’s comfy, well-located, and won’t drain your travel fund, let me put you on to Space Guest House.
We stayed here for one week while exploring South Korea, and honestly? It might just be the best budget hotel in Seoul.
I know the struggle—finding a place that’s affordable but still clean, comfy, and in a good area can feel like a mission. But Space Guest House ticked all the boxes for the best budget hotel in Seoul.
It’s in a great location, the rooms are cozy and well-equipped, and it’s super affordable, leaving you with more won to spend on kimbap, Korean BBQ, and all the shopping in Myeongdong (because priorities).
In this post, I’ll break down why Space Guest House is a solid choice if you’re searching for the best budget hotel in Seoul, covering everything from the location and amenities to what I personally loved about my stay.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Seoul and need a place that won’t blow your budget, keep reading to find out about the best budget hotel in Seoul!
This blog post is all about the best budget hotel in Seoul, South Korea.
Where to Stay in Seoul as a Tourist
Seoul is a massive city with a variety of districts that each offer something different.
Whether you’re interested in history, nightlife, shopping, or food, picking the right area to stay in can make a huge difference in your experience.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel in Seoul, here are some of the best areas to consider.
1. Hongdae – Trendy and Budget-Friendly
Hongdae is known for its youthful energy, artistic vibe, and buzzing nightlife. It’s a popular area for students and travellers alike, offering affordable accommodations, street markets, and live music performances.
This area is ideal for those looking for the best budget hotel in Seoul because it has plenty of affordable guesthouses, hostels, and boutique hotels.
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Hongdae is its well-connected transport system. The Hongik University Station offers access to Line 2, the Airport Railroad, and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line, making it easy to reach other parts of the city.
With countless restaurants, cafés, and shopping streets, you’ll never run out of things to do in this area.
2. Myeongdong – Shopping and Street Food
If shopping is high on your list, Myeongdong is the place to stay. It’s one of the busiest commercial districts in Seoul, packed with cosmetic stores, fashion boutiques, and endless street food stalls.
This area is perfect for those searching for the best budget hotel in Myeongdong, as there are plenty of budget-friendly hotels, as well as high-end options.
Myeongdong is also a great location for sightseeing. Many of Seoul’s top attractions, like Namsan Tower, Namdaemun Market, and the historic Myeongdong Cathedral, are within walking distance.
If you want to stay in a vibrant area with plenty of food and shopping options, this is an excellent choice.
Useful Links & Resources
✈️ SafetyWing Travel Insurance
Make sure you’re insured with travel insurance! SafetyWing offers great deals for digital nomads as well as travelers booking a backpacking trip.
🚌 12Go Asia
We booked all of our transport in Asia via 12Go. Use this to book sleeper buses, day buses, trains and more to your next destination in South Korea.
📲 Airalo Travel eSIM
Access the internet with ease as soon as you land in Seoul with an Airalo eSIM. Use code ORLAGH3 for $3 off your first Airalo eSIM.
👩🏻💻 NordVPN
If you plan to use public WiFi a lot or want to stream your favourite TV shows from your home country, make sure you have a VPN connection.
3. Insadong – Culture and History
For travellers who want a taste of traditional Korea, Insadong is a fantastic area to stay.
It’s home to traditional teahouses, antique shops, and cultural attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village.
This area is great for those looking for budget accommodation in Seoul that still provides a cultural experience.
4. Gangnam – Modern and Upscale
Gangnam is known for its skyscrapers, luxury shopping centres, and high-end restaurants.
It’s not the most budget-friendly area in Seoul, but if you’re looking for a luxury budget hotel in Seoul that offers modern amenities at a reasonable price, you can find some good options here.
Gangnam is perfect for travellers who want to experience Seoul’s trendiest cafés, designer stores, and nightlife while staying in a more upscale environment.
RELATED Best Budget Hotel in Seoul blog post to read: The Best Coffee Shops in Seoul, South Korea
Why Space Guest House is a Great Base
One of the most important factors when choosing accommodation in Seoul is its proximity to public transport.
Thankfully, Space Guest House is in an incredibly convenient location in Hongdae, making it the best budget hotel in Seoul for easy travel around the city.
The nearest subway station, Hongik University Station, is just a short walk away. This station serves Line 2, which is one of Seoul’s most important subway lines, connecting you directly to major areas like Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, and Gangnam.
It also connects to the Airport Railroad Express (AREX), which means you can get to Incheon International Airport quickly and affordably.
There are also several bus routes nearby that can take you to key attractions in Seoul, and if you prefer walking, Hongdae itself has plenty to explore within a short distance.
Whether you’re heading to historical sites, markets, or nightlife spots, Space Guest House is in the ideal location for easy transport access.
RELATED Best Budget Hotel in Seoul blog post to read: How to Spend An Amazing 10 Days in South Korea: Travel Route
Top Attractions Near Space Guest House
One of the best things about staying at Space Guest House is that you’re surrounded by amazing places to visit and eat.
4 Attractions Near Space Guest House
- Hongdae Free Market – A weekend market showcasing handmade crafts, art, and street performances.
- Trick Eye Museum – A fun, interactive museum with optical illusions and 3D art.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace – Just a short subway ride away, this is one of Seoul’s most famous historical landmarks.
- Hongdae Street Performances – Every night, local musicians and dancers take over the streets, creating an electric atmosphere.
3 Best Places to Eat Near Space Guest House
- Isaac Toast – Famous for its delicious, buttery toast sandwiches, perfect for breakfast.
- Kyochon Chicken – One of the best spots in Seoul for Korean fried chicken.
- Hongdae Night Market – Offers a variety of street food, including tteokbokki, odeng, and hotteok.
Why I Enjoyed Staying at Space Guest House
Staying at Space Guest House was a fantastic experience. The rooms were clean, the staff were incredibly welcoming, and the location made it easy to explore Seoul without spending too much time on transport.
It was great to be in the middle of a vibrant neighbourhood while still having a quiet and comfortable place to come back to at the end of the day.
The affordability of Space Guest House was another huge plus. Finding the best budget hotel in Seoul that is both comfortable and well-located can be challenging, but this place exceeded expectations.
The rooms were simple but well-equipped, and everything was kept spotless throughout our stay.
RELATED Best Budget Hotel in Seoul blog post to read: First Time in South Korea: Essential Tips You Need to Know
More Useful Links & Resources
🚁 Tours & Activities
Book your tours, cooking classes, boat trips and more via the below activity booking platforms:
- GetYourGuide: great for things like cooking classes, private tours and more
- DMZ Tour: this is the DMZ tour we took that picked us up near our hotel and was excellent!
- Seoul Tower Sky Deck: head to the top floor of the tallest building in Seoul for incredible views
- Seoul River Cruise: take a sunset cruise along the river for light displays and a great time
- Viator: use Viator to book tours and transport to other destinations across Southeast Asia
🏨 Hostelworld
Book your hostel accommodation in Seoul with Hostelworld, the most reliable hostel site.
Why I’d Recommend Space Guest House
If you’re looking for the best budget hotel in Seoul that is well-located, comfortable, and affordable, I highly recommend Space Guest House.
- Perfect for different types of travellers – Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a couple looking for a budget hotel in Seoul for couples, or a group of friends, this guesthouse is a great choice.
- Convenient location – Being in Hongdae means you’re surrounded by great food, shopping, and entertainment, and transport links make it easy to explore other parts of the city.
- Great value for money – Space Guest House offers a balance of affordability, cleanliness, and convenience that makes it stand out as one of the top-rated budget hotels in Seoul.
For anyone wondering where to stay in Seoul without spending a fortune, this is an excellent option as the best budget hotel in Seoul.
If I visit Seoul again, I would absolutely stay at the best budget hotel in Seoul a second time.
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