There are four preferred accommodation areas in Seoul : Jongno, Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Gangnam.
Along with the palace, Jongno is an attractive place with a mixture of Korean traditions and novelty such as Insa-dong, Bukchon and Ikseon-dong.
Myeongdong is mixed block where shopping and food are concentrated.
Hongdae(Hong-ik Univ.) is the place of youth where you can see clubs, cafes, restaurants , and K-pop dancing,
Gangnam is the most expensive and dynamic place in Korea, and each has its own charm.1
It is not an exaggeration to say that the trip to Korea was half done just by visiting these places.
So, especially during the peak travel season in Korea, accommodation costs in this area are really expensive. Of course, it is cheaper than Europe and the Americas, but if you are a traveler from Southeast Asia, accommodation costs will feel even more expensive.
In fact, the easiest way to find the cheapest accommodation in the popular areas above is to avoid the peak season. You can criticize me for stating the obvious. However, if your reason for visiting Korea is to be the setting for a K-pop or K-drama, off-season may be a much better choice. Also, It’s not bad to participate in festivals such as the “Psy Soaked Show,싸이흠뻑쑈”, which is only held in summer.
– The peak season for travel to Korea is from March to May, the blooming season, from October to November, the autumn foliage season, and the year-end holiday in December when snow falls. Actually, I don’t think Korea is a place to visit to enjoy the beauty of nature. –
However, if you only have time to visit Korea during the peak season, I will advise you on what I think are considerations for choosing a cost-effective accommodation.
Page Contents
Considerations for choosing accommodation
1. Accommodation near subway line 2
Click Here for Seoul Metropolitan Subway Map
Actually, as you know, I work at a travel agency. Therefore, I need to persuade guest to buy my travel agency products. But to be honest, public transportation is the best way to travel in Seoul.
Not only are there subway stations everywhere, but it’s also comfortable, as long as you avoid rush hour (7-9am, 5-7pm).
In particular, even if you only use subway line 2, you can visit all the hot places you know.
Hongdae, Seongsu, Gangnam(Coex), Myeongdong, Dongdaemun and City Hall (Grand Palace) are all connected to Subway Line 2. Additionally, Subway Line 2 is a circular line, so if you are not confident about navigating the complex Seoul subway, just turn around and you will return to your original position.
Therefore, if you choose a hotel that is easily accessible by subway line 2, you can save money and choose a quiet hotel without wasting time in transportation.
So, first, I will recommend good hotels centered on subway line 2.
2. Newly built or renovated hostel(backpacker’s guesthouse) in the city center
There are several budget hotels or backpacker’s guesthouse that have recently been renovated since the end of the coronavirus pandemic. So, you can get clean facilities at a relatively cost-effective price. Representative examples include Ikseon-dong and Jongno. This is the best place for those who are satisfied with a clean place.
Recommended hotels
Shilla Stay Guro : subway line no.2
The first place I recommend is Shilla Stay Guro, which is a little far from Myeongdong or City Hall, but it is near Guro Digital Complex Station on Subway Line 2, so you can easily go to Myeongdong / City Hall / Hongdae / COEX Gangnam / JAMSIL / SEONGSU. In addition, it is also attractive that you can use a four-star hotel at a relatively low price.
Hi Seoul Youth Hostel : subway line no.2
Hi Seoul Youth Hostel is an accommodation facility operated by Seoul Metropolitan Government and is the best place for cost-effectiveness.
It is not fancy, but it is well equipped with clean facilities, making it the best facility for family travelers or backpackers.
Likewise, it is a 10-minute walk from Yeongdeungpo-gu Station on Subway Line 2, making it a really good place to travel to other places.
Ramada by Wyndham Seoul Sindorim : subway line no.2
I think the Ramada Seoul Sindorim Hotel is a really undervalued hotel.
First of all, there is Sindorim Station on Line 2, so it is natural to go to all the famous tourist attractions in Seoul. In addition, Mullae-dong, a hip space for young people, is right in front. If you want to visit wonderful cafes in Korea, it is the best place to visit.
The best season of the Ramada Sindorim Hotel is spring. Yeouido, the most famous cherry blossom festival in Seoul, can be visited with a basic taxi fare.
It is even better for those who want to travel not only to Seoul, but also to Incheon or Suwon. Sindorim Station is also a transfer station on Subway Line 1, so it is convenient to go to Incheon, Suwon, and Cheonan.
Fairfield by Marriott Seoul : subway line no.1
This hotel is on subway line 1, not line 2. To go to Gangnam, you need to transfer to Line 2, but it is good for going to the old city center, where traditional Seoul tourist attractions such as City Hall, Gwanghwamun, and Myeongdong are located. In that regard, I think the Fairfield Marriott is the best choice for a 4-star hotel at an affordable price. In addition, since it is located in Yeongdeungpo, a bustling area for Koreans rather than foreign tourists, it is also good that it is equipped with sufficient convenience facilities.
Urbanstay boutique Ikseon : Newly built
Urbanstay boutique Ikseon is a hostel that was built just a year ago after demolishing an old hostel. Although the room is a bit small, it is very clean for the price. Above all, the location is truly fantastic. It is located in Ikseon-dong, the hottest place in Seoul recently, and is the best place as it is only a 2-3 minute walk from Changdeokgung Palace, which I personally think is the most beautiful palace in Korea.
Hotel Dada Insadong : Newly built
HOTEL DADA Insadong is also a hotel right next to Urban Stay Boutique Ikseon-dong. It was renovated just before the start of the coronavirus pandemic, so it is still in a clean condition. However, the downside is that the room space is really small.
