South East Asia is so well loved and travelled by backpackers but how many of you have actually taken the leap to go further afield to South Korea?! You’re missing out if you haven’t.
South Korea pulls in backpackers for its perfect mix of vibrant city life, delicious street food, and stunning natural beauty, all at a price that won’t wreck your budget. The culture’s buzzing with neon lights, K-pop, ancient temples, and enough quirky experiences to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a whole new world while still feeling right at home.
You may have Seoul in mind, with its towering skyscrapers and chaotic city buzz, when you think of South Korea but I promise you there’s so much more to this country. You have everything from the serene hikes in places like Jeju Island, or the fascinating history in cities like Gyeongju — if you want to get off the backpacker trail here, you certainly can.
South Korea is an incredible destination with an emerging backpacking culture. Still in its infancy, you won’t find the same kind of gems that you would in South East Asia. That’s why, my friends, my ultimate guide to the best hostels in South Korea will sort you out when planning this bucket list country.
Because the more money you save on your accommodation, the more cash you’ll have for karaoke sessions and late night dumpling sessions.
Photo: Sasha Savinov
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- Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in South Korea
- The 5 Best Hostels in South Korea
- The Best Hostels in Seoul
- The Best Hostels in Busan
- The Best Hostels in Gyeongju
- The Best Hostels in Jeju Island
- The Best Hostels in Sokcho
- FAQs About Hostels in South Korea
- What to Pack for your South Korea Hostel
- Final Thoughts on South Korea’s Hostels
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in South Korea
- The Best Hostels in Seoul
- The Best Hostels in Busan
- The Best Hostels in Gyeongju
- The Best Hostels in Jeju Island
- The Best Hostels in Sokcho
The 5 Best Hostels in South Korea
While the backpacking scene in South Korea isn’t nearly as well-carved as other Asian destinations, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t an awesome hostel scene. It’s not just Seoul either; all over South Korea are places to stay with backpackers in mind. Saying that, Seoul is a HUGE city so basing yourself close to a Seoul station will make your life massively easier
So, first up, the crème de la crème. It’s the very best of the very best hostels in South Korea!
1. Bunk Guest House (Seoul) | Best Overall Hostel in South Korea
- Dorm (mixed): From $44 (2 night-stay)
- Private Room: From $127 (2 night-stay)
- Address: 19-1 Wausan-ro 29ra-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Bunk Guest House is the overall best hostel in South Korea. This iconic hostel is perfect for travellers of every style and delivers all the facilities you could ask for.
The free breakfast is a great little bonus, as is the late check-out service. At the tours and travel desk, the wonderful staff can give you a rundown of what’s happening in Seoul during your stay.
This modern space is a refreshing change to your traditional backpacker’s hostel and you’ll be stoked with your choice. It’s a cracking place from which to kick around Seoul’s attractions. Don’t miss out on drinking on the rooftop!
2. Zzzip Guesthouse (Seoul) – Best Hostel in South Korea for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $31
- Private Room: From $60
- Address: 32-16, Seongji1-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
Zzzip Guesthouse in Seoul is an ideal South Korea backpacker’s hostel for solo travellers. Open, friendly, warm and welcoming, solo travellers will find a true home from home at Zzzip Guesthouse.
The hostel attracts a fantastically diverse collection of guests throughout the year. You will leave with new friends spread across the world.
The hosts Jina and Brian are conscious of creating an inclusive atmosphere and encourage all of their guests to come together at breakfast time. So encouraging in fact they made it free. There’s no excuse to not meet and connect with new people while visiting Seoul.
3. SUM Guest House (Jeju Island) | Best Cheap Hostel in South Korea
- Dorm (Male/Female): From $16
- Address: 2829-1 Yongdam-1Dong Jeju-Si (Seo Gwang-ro 5Gil 2-, Jeju Island, South Korea
SUM Guest House is the best budget hostel in South Korea. Compared to some other countries in Asia, South Korea is not the cheapest to explore (but maybe not as expensive as you think!) Within South Korea, Jeju Island is one of the more expensive destinations too.
This is why SUM Guest House is the best hostel in South Korea for you. Offering insane value for money and a great selection of facilities, SUM Guest House is a winner through and through.
In fact, SUM Guest House is the best hostel in South Korea near the airport… Jeju airport that is. It’s just a couple of stops away on the train.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Time Travelers Party Hostel (Seoul) | Best Party Hostel in South Korea
- Dorm (mixed): From $21
- Private Room: From $38
- Address: 457, Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Time Travelers Party Hostel is the best party hostel in South Korea. This super welcoming and highly sociable hostel is perfect for party people.
The incredible team of staff even organize a traditional Korean BBQ every Friday night! This is the ultimate social occasion in South Korea. You don’t want to miss out on such an authentic experience.
The basement bar is always fully stocked with traditional Soju and beer too. This is the place to stay in South Korea if you want to get chatting with your fellow hostel crew. This is the most fun hostel in Seoul!
5. Empathy Guest House (Daegu) – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in South Korea
- Dorm (Male/Female): From $14
- Private Room: From $73
- Address: #32 Jungangdaero 79-gil Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea
This place has such a chill vibe. The staff are lovely, the dorms are cosy, and the communal areas have everything you need. But it’s the little extras that really make it shine – heated floors, free laundry, and fridges and microwaves that make it easy to settle in for a bit. It’s perfect for digital nomads kicking it back for a while.
The rooms are spacious, beds are super comfy, and the communal space is perfect for cracking on with some work, unwinding and meeting fellow backpackers exploring South Korea. The rooftop terrace is absolute gold for kicking back in the evenings, with killer views over Daegu. Plus, it’s right near a fantastic shopping street – you couldn’t ask for a better spot to stay in Daegu as a digital nomad.
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Seoul is a magnificent city that deserves every traveller’s attention. Whether you’re passing through on a layover, or it’s the first stop in your backpacking South Korea adventure, Seoul is a must-visit.
From top-notch street food, to authentic Korean neighbourhoods and cyberpunk urban jungles, there’s a lot to offer the humble traveller backpacking in Seoul. It’s a global behemoth of a metropolis so book the right Seoul hostel!
Insa Hostel Insadong
- Dorm (mixed): From $20
- Private Room: From $48
- Address: 48, Insadong 14-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
This Seoul hostel is the ONLY one in the city situated along the traditional Insadong Culture Street, so its location cannot be beaten if you want to absorb all the Korean culture you can. It’s also within walking distance of the majority of Seoul’s major tourist attractions and close to a Seoul station.
There’s a plethora of craft shops, souvenir shops, art galleries, cafés, tea houses and local restaurants serving authentic Korean dishes just a short walk away so you’ll never go hungry around here.
The hostel owners are super friendly and helpful and they have an adorable friendly cat whose face is plastered everywhere. I’m talking on the notice board, in the kitchen, on their social media, the list goes on… I dig it.
G Guesthouse Itaewon In Seoul
- Dorm (mixed): From $19
- Private Room: From $87
- Address: 14-38, Bogwang-ro 60-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
G Guesthouse Itaewon is a laid-back, no-fuss spot right in the heart of Seoul, pulling in a solid backpacker crowd with its chill vibes and prime location. The rooms won’t blow your mind, but they’re clean, comfortable, and come with private bathrooms that actually have decent showers—always a win.
Smack bang in Itaewon, you’ve got clubs, pubs, international restaurants, shops, and public transport right on your doorstep to keep your Seoul itinerary interesting. The staff are welcoming, the owner’s a gem, and the laundry’s dirt cheap—and let’s be real it’s all about the backpacker bonuses you gotta tally up when on the road.
Seoul Dalbit Dongdaemun Guesthouse
Neo Seoul Guesthouse is a highly recommended hostel in South Korea with private rooms. This epic hostel offers a heap of great facilities and ticks all the right boxes for even the most high-maintenance of travellers.
Chilled out and relaxed to the max, Neo Seoul Guesthouse will have you feeling like a local in no time. Nearby to dozens of the must-visit landmarks in the Seoul, Neo Seoul Guesthouse puts you right at the heart of the action. You can book guided tours and day trips at the in-house travel desk.
And the best places to visit in Seoul.
Schedule-lovers, plan your itinerary for Seoul.
The second-biggest city in South Korea, Busan is the cultural and economic epicentre of the southeast. Colourful, chic, and cut by gorgeous nature – mountains and twinkling beaches – choosing where to stay in Busan can be tricky. There’s so much awesomeness!
Find a hostel in Busan that’s in a good location (because it’s almost as big as Seoul) and soak up the city’s vibes. When you’re finished, you can just catch the ferry to Japan!
Kimchee Busan Downtown Guesthouse
- Dorm (mixed): From $10
- Private Room: From $20
- Address: 858-61, Beomcheon-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan, South Korea
For social vibes in South Korea’s hostel game, this place pretty much nails it. The hosts are super involved and always around at check-in, ready to help with anything you need. It’s just a short walk away from Seomyeon, aka the ultimate shopping and party zone in Busan, so if you’re up for a night out, you’re definitely in the right spot.
The showers and kitchen are spotless, the beds get the job done, but heads up—the lockers are a bit snug, so don’t expect to stuff your entire backpack in there. Still it makes you feel safe in South Korea and for a sociable stay in Busan, this place is a winner!
Dynamic Guesthouse
- Dorm (mixed): From $14
- Private Room: From $36
- Address: #3604, Tower102, Seomyeon Yulim Norwegian Woods, 865, Beomcheon 1-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan, South Korea
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.
Dynamic Guesthouse may just be the coolest hostel in Busan. Don’t miss you – book your bed now.
Kimchee Haeundae Guesthouse
- Dorm (mixed): From $13
- Private Room: From $24
- Address: 16-1, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 221beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea, Busan, South Korea
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). But with a hostel this social, who cares?!
There are private setups too with private bathrooms and the option to sleep up to eight. So if you’re on tour with the homies visiting the popular Haeundae Beach on your Busan itinerary, this is a great option! There’s also a 7-Eleven right next door so you can pop out for party essentials and hangover remedies easily.
Backpackers House
For pumping backpacker vibes in Busan.
If you’re trying to figure out where to stay in Busan, Backpackers House attracts a crowd of happy and young travellers. There are memories to be made here, that’s for sure. The bar gets pretty pumping, and you best find your love of Korean dance music ASAP!
Backpackers House is a truly international South Korean backpacking hostel, playing host to budget travellers from the East and from the West. It is a real cultural melting pot and it is amazing to experience. The dorms are super cute and offer just the right amount of space – arguably they are on the compact side.
For history buffs and lovers of the Old World, Gyeongju is the best place to go in South Korea. This city is positively stacked with ancient cultural goodies! Tombs, temples, traditional architecture, palaces, ruins… it’s all here. Don’t just take my word for it — it even made it onto The Times’ “World’s Greatest Places 2021” list.
Mixed together with modern infrastructure, it all makes for one of the more visually curious places to visit in South Korea. It’s big though. Give yourself enough time to enjoy Gyeongju.
Han Jin Hostel
A warm home-away-from-home for solo travellers in Gyeongju.
- Dorm (mixed): From $20
- Private Room: From $26
- Address: 173-1 GyeongBook-Do GyeongJu City NoSeo Dong, Gyeong-ju, South Korea
Han Jin Hostel in Geyong-ju is a top hostel in South Korea for solo travellers. This hostel is ideal for travellers who want to connect with locals and fellow travellers too. This is a simple hostel that provides you with everything you need. The late check-out service is a treat too.
The dorms are generous in size and the beds are comfortable. The shared bathrooms are always clean and there are hot showers available too. The hosts are really welcoming and knowledgeable about Geyong-ju. Anything you need, just ask!
Blueboat Hostel Gyeongju
Minimal but cosy and with South Korea’s budget backpackers in mind.
- Dorm (Male/Female): From $22-24
- Address: 2F, 125-2, Hwango-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeong-ju, South Korea
No matter how you’re travelling in South Korea, Blueboat Hostel Gyeongju is a great choice for any type of traveller. Offering a free breakfast and self-catering facilities, this is a great option for budget travellers backpacking South Korea on a budget.
The whole hostel has a sense of warmth and homeliness that you will surely enjoy. It’s minimalistic, ultra-clean, and ultra-comfy. Wi-Fi is free and unlimited and can be accessed throughout the hostel.
Guesthouse Momojein
Futons > Bunk Beds
- Private Room: From $39
- Address: 129-7 Dongseong-Ro, 38153 Gyeongju, South Korea
Guesthouse Momojien is one of the best hostels for couples in South Korea. Offering cute private rooms WITH breakfast all for an affordable price, it’s not hard to see why Guesthouse Momojien is a favourite.
The private rooms offer traditional futon-style sleeping. This technique is great for people with sore backs. People like…ummm…weary backpackers who have been lugging their life halfway around the world! Right?
Guesthouse Momojien will offer you and your lover the chance to experience authentic South Korean life in the gorgeous destination of Gyeong-ju all the while still getting to soak up the good vibes of the hostel life.
Jeju Island sometimes gets referred to as “The Hawaii of South Korea”. Popular as a domestic holiday destination in South Korea, Jeju Island has been drawing tourists in for a long time and with good reason. It’s gorgeous!
Lush countryside, exquisite beaches, endless hiking trails, and even climbing South Korea’s biggest mountain are just some of the many awesome things to do on Jeju Island. However, as you may expect with any place compared to Hawaii, Jeju Island is not a cheap place in South Korea to visit. So mitigate those travel costs by staying at any one of Jeju Island’s backpacker hostels!
Yesjun Guest House
Put your money to good use!
- Dorm (Male/Female): From $16
- Address: 2F, 232, Seohaean-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Jeju Island, South Korea
Yesjun Guest House is an ideal youth hostel in South Korea for solo travellers. This authentic hostel offers everything you could possibly ask for and more. The free breakfast is just the beginning.
Yesjun Guest House has both a cafe and an in-house travel desk. The garden area is a welcome treat if you are arriving in Jeju Island from the chaos of Seoul or Busan.
The hostel even donates a portion of its profit to a local NGO that helps to provide food for underprivileged children and young families in the area. Sleep well and feel good at Yesjun Guest House.
Kims Cabin
A simple and friendly hostel in Jeju Island.
- Private Room: From $38
- Address: 88-54, 53-gil, Shiheungsangdong-ro, Seongsan, Jeju Island, South Korea
Kims Cabin is the best hostel in South Korea if you are planning on visiting Jeju Island. This modern and happy hostel offers awesome room rates and even a free breakfast.
This is a chilled sociable hostel. You’ll make a heap of new friends if you pitch up in the cafe for an hour or so. Home comforts are available at Kims Cabin like laundry facilities and hot showers. Of course, WiFi is included in your room rate.
There is a minimalist theme to the hostel but you know what they say, less is more. You’ll love it here. Get booking your bed now.
Backpacker’s Home
A low-key party hostel in Jeju Island.
- Address: 315-2, Seogwi-Dong, Seogwipo-Si, Jeju Island, South Korea
Backpacker’s Home on Jeju Island is a top hostel in South Korea for party people. This chilled-out and fun-loving hostel is a place where like-minded budget travellers can connect and party in Korean style.
Be sure to ask the staff for travel tips in South Korea and directions to the local hangouts as there are heaps nearby, in the meantime, you’re welcome to BYOB. But remember, as always, to be respectful.
The outdoor terrace is a top spot for sharing a beer or two, as is the common room and the communal kitchen. This is a truly international backpackers hostel that attracts a global community through its doors.
Sleepy Sokcho. Sokcho should be a major tourist spot in South Korea – it’s the gateway to the magnificent Seoraksan National Park – but it’s not. Instead, it’s just fishing village vibes through and through… Except it’s a city.
But, well, it’s a fishing city. And Korea has stupidly tasty food… So what are you waiting for? It’s time to visit Sokcho!
WITH U Hostel & Guest House
The best hostel in South Korea for working travellers.
- Private Room: From $25
- Address: 3993, Donghae-daero, 24892 Sokcho, South Korea
WITH U Hostel & Guest House believes in creating authentic and wholesome connections as they believe that is what travelling is all about. Isn’t that what being a digital nomad is all about? We think so.
This is why WITH U Hostel & Guest House is the best hostel in South Korea for digital nomads. Offering free, super-fast WiFi and a great space to work in is just the beginning!
WITH U Hostel & Guest House provides towels, a clothes rack, LCD television and private bathrooms in every room. The dorms are generous in size and the private rooms are pretty affordable too.
The House Hostel
A hostel and hidden gem of South Korea.
- Private Room: From $25
- Address: 5, Jungang-ro 205beon-gil, 24825 Sokcho, South Korea
The House Hostel is a highly recommended hostel in South Korea if you are looking for a private room. One of only a handful of hostels in Sokcho, The House Hostel is a great find. The private rooms are a great deal and even include a complimentary breakfast.
The eclectic decor and super-friendly staff will make you feel right at home. This is possibly Sokcho’s best-kept secret. South Korea is fast becoming a popular backpacking destination and Sokcho won’t lay low for long. What are you waiting for? Book your bed for the best price today!
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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!FAQs About Hostels in South Korea
Here are the some questions I get asked most about backpacking in South Korea.
What to Pack for your South Korea 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 our top packing tips!
What is the best location to stay in South Korea?
Seoul’s packed with energy, cheap eats, and hostels that keep you close to the action without draining your budget. Busan’s got the beaches, fresh seafood, and a more laid-back pace, but still plenty of life when you want it.
But South Korea’s backpacking scene is far and wide — veer off the usual backpacker route out of the main cities and you’ll find that’s where the real fun starts.
What is the best cheap hostel in South Korea?
SUM Guest House on Juju Island is an absolute gem if you’re travelling to South Korea on a budget. It’s a super chill spot so don’t be surprised if you extend time and time again (I wouldn’t blame ya).
What’s the weirdest part of hostel life in Korea?
Everyone’s either super quiet or mid-chaotic group activity — there’s no in-between. One minute you’re sipping tea in silence; the next, someone’s handing you soju and asking if you’ve tried live octopus.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting South Korea
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 South Korea.
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.
Final Thoughts on South Korea’s Hostels
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on where to crash while you explore South Korea, it’s time to start planning your adventure. Whether you’re karaoke-ing your way through the evening, hiking up mountains in Jeju (after a few too many soju shots), or getting lost in the never-ending markets, these hostels will set you up for a wild ride.
Still unsure on where to stay? South Korea is a big country, but chances are you’ll be swinging through Seoul at some point. When you are, definitely stay at Bunk Guest House. A perfect starting point in the country, it’s super chill and the staff can help you get set up for an unbelievable trip, whether that be perfecting your itinerary or just setting you up with a SIM.
So pack light (the shopping here is insane, trust me), prepare your karaoke songs, and get ready to eat your weight in dumplings — South Korea’s calling, and it’ll be like nothing you’ve experienced before.
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in South Korea for a wealth of info!
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
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