Busan is a colourful, pulsing port city in South Korea known for its nice beaches, beautiful surrounding mountains, and ancient Buddhist temples. Anyone backpacking around South Korea will in all likelihood make the rounds into Busan.
As Busan has grown popular with travellers, more and more hostels have sprung up… And, the results are mixed.
That is exactly why I wrote this no-stress guide to the best hostels in Busan. Because I care about you and your grand globe-trotting plans my fellow broke backpackers! This hostel guide makes it easy for you to book the real gems of Busan instead of staying in a crappy alternative.
Busan is a super fun place for backpackers to explore. Spend your time planning your adventure (and dreaming about kimchi) to Busan instead of taking ages to stumble over different hostels of dubious quality. Busan is a big ol’ city so you might even want to split your time between a couple of hostels.
This is the only guide you will ever need to rock your backpacking trip to Busan. Book your hostel with confidence knowing that this guide only offers up the very best accommodation options in this eclectic South Korean city.
Let’s dive in!
Photo: Sasha Savinov
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Busan
- Overall Best Hostel in Busan – Dynamic Guesthouse
- Best Hostel in Busan for Solo Travelers – Elephant Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Busan – Kimchee Busan Downtown Guesthouse
- Best Party Hostel in Busan – Kimchee Haeundae Guesthouse
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Busan – Mozzi Hostel
The 5 Best Hostels in Busan
If you’re backpacking South Korea then you should swing by Busan. Let’s look at some awesome hostels to help get you sorted.
1. Dynamic Guesthouse – Best Overall Hostel in Busan
- Dorm (mixed): From $15
- Private Room: From $39
- Address: #3604, Tower102, Seomyeon Yulim Norwegian Woods, 865, Beomcheon 1-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan, South Korea
Dynamic Guesthouse Busan is my number one top pick for the overall best hostel in Busan and I’mma tell you why! This place is unique and gives big K-Pop vibes – from the animal print furnishings to the 55th-floor view… It’s giving main character energy.
Yes, the complimentary breakfast is bliss and a big bonus but the location takes the cake for me. Located in the city centre, just a five-minute walk from the heart of Busan, you’ve got an epic base for wherever you want to go. And, if you’re here to party, you’re in luck, Dynamic Guesthouse hosts home Club Parties (for a charge) on Fridays and Saturdays.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- City Centre Location
- Close to Seomyeon Subway Station
- Luggage Storage
It’s easy to feel at home at Dynamic Guesthouse, there’s a restaurant onsite and you’re welcome to make a tea or coffee anytime. There’s unlimited filtered water on offer (the eco-warrior in me loves this!) and a kitchen. Cooking your own food is the best way to stick to your budget when you’re travelling so make the most of it with that view.
There’s air conditioning which is awesome given you’re in a city and it can get muggy AF. They’ve really thought of everything at Dynamic Guesthouse and it’s obviously a cut above the rest – from the epic common room and games room to the hot tub (?!). I mean what more could you want in a Busan hostel?
2. Elephant Hostel – Best Hostel in Busan for Solo Travellers
- Private Room: From $34
- Address: 15-1, Gwangbok-ro 85beon-gil, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
Elephant Hostel is an epic option for solo travellers in Busan, it’s 2km from Busan International Airport, near the Busan International Market. It’s easy to get to and a great place to base yourself to see the sights of Busan, no matter your Busan itinerary. You want to see the Jagalchi fish market? Easy! Nampo-dong? Done!
Located in Jung-ju (literally the central district), Elephant Hostel is a great choice if you want to indulge in shopping and local life. Or just stay in this epic Busan hostel and enjoy it all from a birds-eye view on that rooftop balcony – not bad!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- 2km From Busan Station
- Free Breakfast
- Onsite Cafe
Self-catering is one of the best ways to save money while travelling, but street food is one of the greatest pleasures. At this epic Busan hostel, you can have both! You’re in the perfect spot to enjoy Korean street food AND there’s a fully equipped kitchen at Elephant Hostel too.
The rooms are super clean and tidy at this Busan hostel – with air conditioning, towels included for the big bathrooms and even hair dryers! The dorm rooms are set up to sleep six – a nice intimate size and the option of female-only or mixed dorms. There is the option of a private room too, but this is more of a set up for a group of friends as it sleeps five people.
3. Kimchee Busan Downtown Guesthouse – Best Cheap Hostel in Busan
- Dorm (mixed): From $11
- Private Room: From $22
- Address: 858-61, Beomcheon-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan, South Korea
Kimchee Busan Downtown Guesthouse is the cheapest hostel in Busan and perfect for broke backpackers travelling through South Korea. It’s relatively new and is an epic city centre location and conveniently located at Beomnaegol Subway Station for Busan Line 1 and Busan Station. If getting to Jeju Island is on your to-do list, this Busan hostel is a great place to base yourself!
The staff are friendly, helpful and kind at Kimchee Busan Downtown Guesthouse and will give you all the hot Busan tips. Yes, the public transport is amazing here, but also, you’re within walking distance of downtown Busan (obviously) AND the cluuuurbs (see Output Club). Solo travellers will have a ball here too, there’s a fun social vibe and a sweet shared lounge.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Below Average Prices
- Free Wifi
- Free Luggage Storage
Hostel prices in Busan are pretty budget-friendly and I suggest using Hostelworld for the best hostel deals for budget travelling. There are a variety of rooms at Kimchee Busan Downtown Guesthouse, from privates that sleep up to four (with ensuite bathrooms) as well as dorms. The dorm rooms each sleep 10 people and you have the option of mixed or female-only dorms, each with air conditioning and hot showers.
You’ll feel super safe in this Busan hostel, there are CCTV cameras in the common areas and other safety amenities like fire alarms and extinguishers. There’s also a filtered water dispenser for drinking so bring your reusable bottle and save the planet you super backpacker, you!
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Kimchee Haeundae Guesthouse – Best Party Hostel in Busan
- Dorm (mixed): From $18
- Private Room: From $49
- Address: 16-1, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 221beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea, Busan, South Korea
Sleeping up to 150 people and one minute from Haeundae Beach, this Busan hostel is as close to a party hostel as you gon’ get. With drinking completely leage on Haeundae beach, I suggest starting with beers there and then making your way to one of the hot bars. There are ususally plenty of other travellers around to make friends with and the staff are super friendly and helpful too.
Full disclosure though, this isn’t a strictly party hostel, they’re not really a thing in Busan but there’s a good vibe here. Plus, you’re a good location to hit the fun bars and clubs in Haeundae Beach or walk to Haeundae Station and head into the city.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Housekeeping
- Vibey Shared Lounge With Games
- Air Conditioned Rooms
This place is definitely not the freshest hostel out, BUT all it needs is a good lick of paint and it’d be fresh AF! The rooms sleep between four and eight people in bunk beds with air conditioning (you might have to fight for the remote though). Besides – what sort of party hostel hunting backpacker are you if you’re bothering about these minor details?
There are private set ups too with en suite bathrooms and the option to sleep up to eight. So if you’re on tour with the homies visiting the popular Haeundae Beach, this is a great option! There’s also a 7-eleven right next door so you can pop out for mixers, other party essentails or hangover remedies easily.
5. Mozzi Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Busan
- Dorm (Male/Female): From $28
- Address: 16-12, Jungang-daero 196beon-gil, Dong-gu, Busan, South Korea
Quite possibly the coolest hostel in Busan, Mozzi Hostel is the sort of place you could easily sink into for a long while. Comprehensive desk and table space in the common areas means working on your laptop is a breeze, plus stylish modern surroundings make for a refreshing change. I also think that this is the best hostel for digital nomads in Busan because of its epic location.
I’m talking about one km from the ferry terminal, which means trips to the rest of Korea – or even Japan – aren’t a drama. Busan Station is really close (a two-minute walk away) to Mozzi Hostel and Haeundae Station is just a 10-minute ride away from there! Yes, you can spend time away from work on the popular Haeundae Beach.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wifi
- Self Catering Facilities
- Games Room
So, yeah, the games room… Featuring a foosball table and board games with a view over the city, there is to help break the ice at Mozzi Hostel. There’s also a book exchange, and other things help keep it nicely social too. You’ll definitely want to stay here while exploring your Busan itinerary!
I mean, come on, it can’t be all work and no play, right? Chill out at Mozzi Hostel with your new hostel mates after you’ve got your business done and make the most of the shared lounge. Busan hostels are great for making travel buddies you can continue on your adventure with.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Budget Stays in Busan
Stay in the middle of the action (or in an off-the-beaten-path location) using my comprehensive neighbourhood guide for Busan! Busan is spread out so it’s important o know where you want to be to be able to do what you wana do, Ya know?
Calli Hostel
- Dorm (Male/Female): From $13
- Private Room: From $26
- Address: 30, Saessak-ro 14beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busanjin-Gu, 47254 Busan, South Korea
Located in Seomyeon, popular for it’s vibrant nightlife, shopping and tasty street food, Calli Hostel is a great choice for you. Busan is so spread out, it’s important to know where you want to be and what you want to be there for. With this in mind, you are central here, so expect city smells and sounds and maybe bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.
Calli Hostel is an epic hostel with a great shared lounge, full of games to break the ice with your new hostel mates. You’re close to the subway and busses at this Busan hostel so getting around is easy. While there aren’t the best eco prinicipals in place, you do get well looked after. There are fresh towels daily, housekeeping, plentiful toiletries and the facilities to do your own laundry for free.
Blueboat Hostel Haeundae
- Dorm (Male/Female): From $20
- Private Room: From $48
- Address: 13-4, Jungdong 1-ro, Haeundae-gu, 48095 Busan, South Korea
Blueboat Hostel Haeundae is (obviously?) located 600m from Haeundae Beach and 400m from Haeundae Station. The perfect place to see Haeundae for a day or two? Absolutely! If you’re travelling with a crew, note that you will be split up by guys and gals as the accommodation atht his Busan hostel is single sex only.
But the location! Steps away from the beautiful Haeundae Beach, surrounded by bumping bars, restaurants, cafes and shops, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips. The amenmities on hand are sufficient too, whether you need a pharmacy, or a mini mart to get snacks for your beach day.
INSIDE Busan Hostel
- Private Room: From $33
- Address: 13-6 Choryangjung-ro, Dong-gu, Busan, South Korea
There are restaurants and bars on the doorstep of INSIDE Busan Hostel (which is a slightly misleading name as there aren’t any dorm rooms). With a location like this – near Busan China Town – it allows you to get IN the bustling city. You can explore it, walk around, try food and drink soju with the locals.
This is all away from the beach scene (and therefore – at least sometimes – the tourist scene) and more properly INSIDE the city. As in, really IN it. But seriously I can’t fault INSIDE Busan Hostel, especially for its price. While you’re (somewhat) in the area of Busan China Town, you could even make the trip down to Jagalchi Fish Market from INSIDE Busan Hostel.
One Way Guesthouse Busan
- Dorm (mixed): From $11
- Private Room: From $26
- Address: 6-3 Jungang-daero 196beon-gil, Dong-gu, Busan, Busan, South Korea
One Way Guesthouse Busan is a great option for accommodationin Busan, this Busan hostel is within walking distance of Busan Station. Busan Hostels are sparse so if you need to be on the train early or have made plans to arrive late, this is the one. There are aslo really great restaurants nearby so stay here if you love discovering a place by eating local cuisine.
Solo travellers will find it easy to make friends here – there’s a pool table in the shared lounge. Everyone loves making friends over a game of pool right? And, the dorms sleep eight people so you’ll all be pretty friendly soon enough and making the most of the tour desk to see the city!
K-guesthouse Premium Nampo
- Private Room: From $64
- Address: 40-2, Nampo-gil, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
K-guesthouse Premium Nampo is lovely, fresh, clean, has an epic complimentary breakfast and rooms that sleep up to four people. The rooms are all private, each with an ensuite bathroom with hot showers and air conditioning but they are on the small side. The breakfast is fabulous and is on the 10th floor with an epic view (it can get pretty noisy so try avoid staying on this floor).
Coffee is always available to so any time you want to grab a caffene hit an go – you can! Whether you wanna see Jagalchi Fish Market or Yongdusan park, you’re in an epic location in Nampo. Nampo Station is on Busan Line 1 and just two stops from Busan Station so getting here from Seoul or vice versa is easy.
Hostel The Local
One of the best hostels ever let alone the overall best hostel in Busan, The Local is a DREAM of a place to stay. I’m talking quiet. I’m talking cozy. I’m talking cafe on level two which is a cute cafe by day and place-to-drink-beer-you-got-in-the-nearby-convenience-store by night.
There are places to chill, places to work, places to meet people and make friends – a lot of space in general. Not to mention that this Busan backpackers hostel is also in a pretty good location too. It’s pricey compared to the rest, but it’s worth it.
The Wendy House
It makes a huuuge difference when the staff are on hand to make sure everyone’s having a good time. Well actually not even that, just that the team running the hostel are friendly, knowledgeable about the area around the hostel. Actully, not just the immediate area but the city too, and actually helpful enough to share that knowledge – well, that’s The Wendy House.
Cute name, right? But the host, Wendy, is literally a star. This fact and the hearty breakfast is a combo to be reckoned with. But the friendliness, and willingness to help guests, simply has to make this a top hostel for solo travellers in Busan.
Backpackers’ House
What if a very convenient hostel also turns out to be the best party hostel in Busan? No awards for the name ‘Backpackers House’ (though the grammar is exactly correct), it’s nevertheless an amazing place if you want to have some FUN. The hosts like, never stop trying to entertain you in some form – whether it’s a bit of Korean BBQ at the hostel itself… Or going out drinking in one of the area’s (many) local bars or various other events, they’re always going for it.
And I always say it, but the staff really make a place. They’ve definitely made this place a highly recommended hostel in Busan. Also that three min walk from the beach, whaaat!
Melon Guesthouse
Great great great budget hostel in Busan, this one. It’s great value for money based on location alone – very near the famous Haeundae Beach, which (in summer) is a beautiful spot to chill. Sure, the dorms feel a little bit as though you’re sleeping in a children’s room, but it’s kinda cute – if a little basic.
The common areas are great though, spacious, nice big TV lounge area, plus an outdoors bit for, well, outdoors socialising. More of the same, but outside and also very very clean, me like very very clean.
The New Day
Ominously named The New Day is fresh and friendly, warm and homely, all of that stuff – a top hostel in Busan, to be honest. Rooms and facilities are modern and clean, there’s a spaaacious common room and there’s a serve-yourself free continental breakfast. The shared lounge is complete with guitar and piano for a knees-up and a sing-song and all that… maybe?
Staff are great. Location is great. If you’re looking for a day out, visit the Japanese Ruins of Busan built 400 years ago! The eclectic decor is really fun, mismatched rugs and different table/chair sets – yet another little detail of greatness in this youth hostel in Busan.
Indy Guesthouse
Very new and very clean, the quiet cosy atmosphere of Indy Guesthouse easily put it up there as the best hostel for couples in Busan. In fact, I’m gonna go all out and call this place extremely clean, there, I said it. But seriously: everything’s so neat and tidy here you’ll be second-guessing every other hostel you’ve stayed in before this point.
And since the price is based on a couple sharing a private room it’s P expensive, but the dorms aren’t bad at all. Oh, and those private rooms? Like boutique hotel rooms, not like a youth hostel in Busan at all – except it is. And OMG they offer FREE access to jimjilbang (Korean-style sauna), potentially one of the best things to do in Busan!
Good Day Mate
Good Day Mate. Well, it is a good day, mate, if you get to stay in this Busan backpackers hostel, it’s seriously stylish AF. The rooms have, like, polished plaster walls, wood flooring, wooden beams exposed in the ceiling, all clean and minimalist. It’s the a great option for a hostel with a private room in Busan, because these rooms are NICE. Truly, truly.
Chuck in a free breakfast in a lounge to chill in and meet other travellers and it’s getting a bit social… Plus a rooftop terrace for a beer or two in the evening, super super nice staff and this place is hard to beat! Contender for best Busan hostel, really – just that price though. Ouch.
Busan L’ete
Another fine, fine example of a busan hostel, this one is right next to a metro station taking you to Gwangalli Beach in two mins. Now that’s a nice location: think THE BEST Busan restaurants, shops, nice neighbourhood, things to do, – and a beach, obviously. Busan L’ete is quite a kooky hostel with a friendly owner and modern (but a little bit basic) decor. But it’s fine, effortlessly minimalist and stylish in its own way, and, well what else do you want? The beds are comfy, it’s neat and tidy, the location is great, it’s a bargain, etc. etc. ETC. Yep, it’s another top hostel in Busan – the city of top hostels, it seems!
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Busan
Everyone needs good hostel insurance – even in the hustle and bustle of Busan!
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 Busan
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Busan.
What to Pack for your Busan 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 Busan?
The average price of hostels in Busan can range from $15 – $37+ per night. Of course, the private suites are on the higher end of the scale than the dorm beds.
What are the best hostels in Busan for couples?
Great location and private rooms with bathrooms make INSIDE Busan the top-rated hostel for couples in Busan. The quirky set up and exclusively private rooms make it the perfect spot to be if you’re travelling with your lover.
What is the best hostel in Busan near the airport?
Elephant Hostel is an epic option for solo travellers in Busan, it’s 2km from Busan International Airport, near the Busan International Market. Always get in touch with your hostel to suss the best way to transfer between the airport and your accommodation.
Final Thoughts on Busan’s Hostels
By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Busan has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! Busan is a big, bustling city with heaps going on, all the time so no matter what you’re here for, I’m sure you’ll find it. Make sure you check out what you want to get up to or stay near a train station as it is pretty big and spread out.
If you’re still unsure about where to stay, check out my top overall hostel in Busan, Dynamic Guesthouse. Dynamic Guesthouse is in an epic central location with great public transport access and a high-rise building. Make the most of this typical Busan stay and enjoy the view over the city.
Wherever you stay in Busan, enjoy the epic seafood on offer, or just the market vibe in general! And definitely make a trip to Haeundae Beach if you don’t stay there, it’s a beautiful spot.
Have you been to Busan before? Do you have a bomb recommendation? If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments, I’d love to chat!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in South Korea for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Busan covered.
- Check out the best places to stay in Busan before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
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