A jungle of molten lava tubes. Waterfalls and hiking trails. A crater lake. Stunning beaches…
You must be heading to Jeju Island, South Korea.
For many western backpackers, Jeju Island has flown over the radar. That said, Jeju Island is very popular with people in Asia for obvious reasons. It is bloody gorgeous. In fact Jeju Island is a fantastic place to go backpacking.
Here’s the deal though: while Jeju is amazing, its hostel scene can be hit or miss, with fewer options to choose from. That’s why I’ve done the hard yards, digging through the good, the bad, and the downright weird, to bring you the ultimate guide to the best hostels on Jeju Island.
Book your spot, pack your bags, and get ready to dive headfirst into island life.
Let’s get to it.
Photo: Sasha Savinov
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Jeju Island
- Best Overall Hostel in Jeju Island – Jeju Airport Hostel Yesjun
- Best Hostel in Jeju Island for Solo Travelers – Greenday Guesthouse
- Best Cheap Hostel in Jeju Island – Ttottot Jeju Backpackers
- Best Party Hostel in Jeju Island – Backpacker’s Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Jeju Island – MIDO Hostel
The 5 Best Hostels in Jeju Island
Here it is—the ultimate roundup of Jeju’s hostels, tailored to fit every travel style. Choosing your spot just got way simpler, so you can dive into island adventures without wasting time.
1. Jeju Airport Hostel Yesjun – Best Overall Hostel in Jeju Island
- Dorm (mixed): From $17/night
- Address: 232, Seohaean-ro, Jeju City, 63052 Jeju, South Korea
Yesjun Guest House delivers good vibes and great food in a cosy, homey setting. It may lean on the pricier side, but the homely atmosphere and social dinners—complete with BBQs and shared meals—make it worth every penny. Food has a magical way of turning strangers into friends, and this spot knows how to make that happen. And, let’s be real, South Korean food is pretty damn magical.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Ocean Views
- Weekly BBQs
- Great Tours
The rooms come with ocean views and comfy beds, while the bathrooms are spotless and thoughtfully split by gender. Steven’s tours are an excellent way to explore Jeju, offering great value and insider tips about South Korea. With pickups directly from the hostel, the tours are convenient and hassle-free.
There’s a great breakfast, which is a real highlight, with free toast, cereal, Jeju tangerine juice, and coffee fueling the day’s adventures. The ski-lodge-style wooden interiors give the place a unique charm, and the social vibe makes it the ideal spot for solo travellers. On top of all that, part of every booking supports B’friend, a non-profit feeding underprivileged kids—a stay that feels good in every way.
2. Greenday Guesthouse – Best Hostel in Jeju Island for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $20/night
- Address: 158-3, Namseong-ro, Jeju City, 63170 Jeju, South Korea
Greenday Guesthouse brings all the good vibes to backpackers in Jeju Island. Run by a crew of young Koreans, it’s got that perfect balance of chill and social vibes, with nightly dinner parties that make it ridiculously easy to meet locals and fellow travellers backpacking South Korea. The staff are super welcoming and full of tips to help you make the most of Jeju.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Super Social
- Nightly Dinner Parties
- Kitted-out Facilities
The common area is where the magic happens—think books, board games, and guests hanging out every evening over food and drinks. Solo backpackers fit right in here, with zero effort required to make new mates. Add to that its prime location just five minutes from the buzzing Dongmun Market, and you’ve got yourself a winner.
Facilities are spotless, with extras like hairdryers, brushes, and straighteners in the girls’ bathroom. The dorms are stylish, comfy, and equipped with privacy curtains for a bit of personal space. Breakfast is free and solid, but showing up late means missing out! Greenday nails the social, budget-friendly hostel vibe while keeping things effortlessly cool.
3. Ttottot Jeju Backpackers – Best Cheap Hostel in Jeju Island
- Dorm (mixed): From $12/night
- Private Room: From $40/night
- Address: 10 Sagyenam-ro153beon-gil, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
Ttottot Jeju Backpackers is a dream for budget travellers in South Korea, offering one of the cheapest stays on the island without skimping on quality. The location is next-level, with jaw-dropping views of Sanbangsan Mountain and a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path vibe. The private rooms and dorms are spacious, spotless, and come with everything you need, plus handy laundry facilities to keep things fresh while saving cash.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Insane Mountain Views
- Friendly Stay
- Chill but Social
The lounge area brings the social buzz, making it easy to meet fellow travellers in the evenings. Fun fact—the owner even painted the cabin himself, adding a personal touch to the place. Mornings start with free bread, eggs, jam, and coffee in the kitchen, setting you up for a day of exploring.
The calm, dreamy location in Jeju is perfect for unwinding, but having a car is essential to get around since buses are sporadic at best. Lucky for you, there’s free private parking here too. Ttottot Jeju Backpackers has that perfect mix of affordability, comfort, and a slice of tranquillity on the road less travelled.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Backpacker’s Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Jeju Island
- Dorm (mixed): From $12/night
- Private Room: From $21/night
- Address: 24 Jungjeong-ro, Seogwipo City, 63592 Seogwipo, South Korea
It’s the BBQ nights at this Jeju Island backpackers hostel that makes it the perfect place for a good time – the fun moves downstairs to a bar with live music after a certain point in the night. That point. When you’ve moved from beer to soju. We know all about it.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Super Social Vibes
- Fire Pit
- Great Location
If you’re looking for the best party hostel on the island, this is it. The atmosphere is electric, and the owner is a top bloke, always making sure the place runs smoothly—especially when it comes to the fire pit, which turns into the go-to hangout spot after dark. The homely vibe here will have you sticking around longer than planned. Between you and me, it’s actually one of my favourite hostels in South Korea.
The dorms are comfy with privacy curtains, personal lights, and power points, plus lockers for that extra peace of mind. The location is spot-on, right in the heart of south Jeju, with bus stops nearby for easy access to the main attractions, plus food markets and restaurants within walking distance.
5. MIDO Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Jeju Island
- Dorm (mixed): From $17/night
- Private Room: From $39/night
- Address: 13-1, Dongmundong-ro, Seogwipo City, 63590 Seogwipo, South Korea
Located in Seogwipo City, MIDO (meaning ‘beautiful island’ in Korean) is a great place to stay in Jeju Island for those not so keen on hiking or cycling but still want to soak up the vibe of Jeju. Situated in an urban area, it’s all about discovering local eats, chill spots, and bars—basically everything you need when you’re looking to experience a place beyond the usual tourist trail. If you’re after a little free Wi-Fi and a change of scenery to work, this spot’s got you covered.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Dinner
- Authentic Korean Crowd & Experiences
- Rooftop Terrace
Every night, MIDO hosts a free potluck dinner, where you’ll head to the Olle traditional market (just five minutes on foot), pick up what you want, and then return to the hostel for a communal meal. It’s a chance to dive into local culture and connect with both locals and fellow travellers outside the usual backpacker bubble.
The dorms have a cool minimal-industrial vibe, with plenty of space to spread out, whether you’re working remotely or just chilling. It’s budget-friendly, with an on-site café that practically begs you to set up your laptop. If you’re a digital nomad on Jeju Island, MIDO’s the place to be.
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It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Jeju Island 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 Jeju Island below.
SUM Guest House Jeju Airport
- Dorm (mixed): From $20/night
- Address: 2-2, Seogwang-ro 5-gil, Jeju City, 63184 Jeju, South Korea
Normally, I’d avoid anything with ‘Airport’ in its name, but SUM is the exception to that rule. It’s not just conveniently located five minutes from Jeju International Airport by bus, it’s actually a solid hostel. Perfect for exploring the island, it’s right next to the bus depot, making it easy to get around. Plus, it’s a great base for hiking Mount Hallasan.
The vibe here is chill, with a bar in the evening and a fully equipped kitchen to make your own meals. The free brekky is a bonus. Rooms are clean, and each bed comes with a privacy curtain, a small shelf, and lockers—little touches that make a big difference to make you feel comfortable and safe in South Korea. All in all, it’s a quiet, solid spot that won’t let you down.
Mir Guesthouse
- Dorm (mixed): From $27/night
- Private Room: From $56/night
- Address: 2, Yongdam-ro 7-gil, Jeju City, 63152 Jeju, South Korea
If you’ve got a bit of cash to spare, Mir Guesthouse is worth the splurge. Spotlessly clean from top to bottom, this place feels more like a boutique stay, with a quirky design and a rooftop perfect for kicking back and meeting fellow travellers.
You’ll be treated to a free homemade breakfast every morning, and if luck’s on your side, the resident dog might swing by to keep you company. The owner and staff are genuinely lovely and go out of their way to help. Location-wise, Mir Guesthouse is spot on, just a 3-minute walk to the coast, with plenty of bus connections and a 15-minute stroll to Jeju Town.
Kim’s Cabin
- Private Room: From $40/night
- Address: 88-54, Siheungsangdong-ro 53beon-gil, Seongsan-eup, Seongsan, 63638 Seogwipo, South Korea
There’s not a lot in the prices of hostels in Jeju, but relative to others Kim’s Cabin is at the priciest end. So don’t be put off by the triple-dollar sign. It’s relative. But then again, being the overall best hostel in Jeju Island, Kim’s Cabin is probably in a position to charge a little more. It’s SO NICE! It’s really homely, and has a cosy common area, decent dorms, and a great atmosphere.
This top hostel in South Korea is also located very near to the famed Jeju Olle Trail, the footpath winding around the island, on Jeju’s east side, making it very convenient if you’re dropping in mid-hike (or bike!).
Island Guesthouse
Bright, cosy and colourful, Island Guesthouse is offered up as a chance to escape city life, with its nice non-urban location and quiet, relaxed atmosphere. This is not the best hostel in Jeju Island, but it is cute and the people that run it are super friendly and helpful, going above and beyond to help order taxis and things like that (if you can’t speak Korean, which you probably can’t). That makes all the difference. So, sure, it’s not in town, and you need to get buses everywhere, and it’s a bit more than other hostels, but what it lacks it makes up for with a really warm and welcoming atmosphere. The private rooms are definitely the highlight of this laid-back hostel.
Backpackers in Jeju City Center
Backpackers in Jeju City Center is a pretty decent option when it comes to a budget youth hostel in Jeju Island. There’s a great breakfast (free of course) and the staff serving it up are super friendly too. The location is pretty decent (especially if you like exploring towns and cities), and everything is nice and clean. It is also close to the nightlife scene in Jeju Island. The downside is that being in the city centre, it can get pretty noisy but hey this is city living right? Earplugs all the way. Overall, a solid choice for convenience.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Jeju Island
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 Jeju Island.
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.
FAQs About Hostels in Jeju Island
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Jeju Island.
What to Pack for your Jeju Island 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!
What are the best things to do in Jeju Island?
Jeju Island is the ultimate escape with its otherworldly lava tubes, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and beaches that look straight out of a postcard. Hike Mount Hallasan if you’re up for a challenge, or take it easy with coastal walks and local markets stuffed with fresh seafood and Jeju tangerines.
Add in quirky museums and enough natural beauty to blow your mind, and you’ve got a backpacker’s dream destination.
How much does a hostel cost in Jeju Island?
The average price for a hostel dorm in Jeju Island is $15 USD. Private rooms start from $23 USD.
What are the best hostels in Jeju Island for couples?
If you’re in the market for a swanky private room, Mir Guesthouse has your back. This boutique hostel is packed with modern perks and radiates the kind of chill vibes that make it perfect for a laid-back Jeju Island escape with your partner.
What is the best hostel in Jeju Island near the airport?
My favourite hostel in Jeju, Jeju Airport Hostel Yesjun is super close to Jeju International Airport, other transport links AND is nice and social. What a winner.
Final Thoughts on Jeju Island’s Hostels
Jeju Island has everything a backpacker could dream of—epic hikes, surreal landscapes, pristine beaches, and a culture that feels a world away from the mainland.
Now that you’re armed with the best hostel picks, you’re all set to experience the magic of Jeju Island on your own terms.
Still undecided? I’d go with Backpacker’s Hostel—just don’t blame me when you leave the island reeking of Soju and smoke after one too many crazy nights around the fire pit. All part of the Jeju charm eh?!
And hey, if you discover any hidden gems or must-try spots along the way, drop me a comment – I’m always looking for the best new spot on Jeju. Happy travels!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in South Korea for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Jeju before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
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