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Where to Stay in Korea

Hotels, guesthouses, hanok stays, and jimjilbang

International hotels

Major chains (Marriott, Hilton, Park Hyatt, Lotte, Shilla, Westin) are concentrated in Gangnam, Myeongdong, and Jung-gu in Seoul. Expect 200,000–500,000+ KRW per night for standard rooms.

Korean luxury hotels (Lotte, Shilla, Hyatt at Lotte World Tower) are excellent and often more affordable than equivalent Western brands.

Mid-range hotels

Best value:

  • L7 (Lotte budget brand) — design-forward, 100,000–180,000 KRW
  • Nine Tree Hotels — clean, central, around 120,000 KRW
  • Hotel Skypark chain — Myeongdong locations, similar pricing

Most include breakfast or have it as a cheap add-on.

Guesthouses

Best for solo travelers and backpackers. Concentrated in Hongdae, Itaewon, and Insa-dong.

  • 25,000–45,000 KRW for a dorm bed
  • 60,000–90,000 KRW for a private room with shared bathroom
  • Usually breakfast included (toast, eggs, coffee)
  • Common areas are great for meeting other travelers

Recommended areas: Hongdae for nightlife and student vibe, Bukchon for traditional atmosphere, Itaewon for international feel.

Hanok stays

Traditional Korean houses converted into bed-and-breakfasts. The signature Korean experience.

  • Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul has dozens
  • Gyeongju and Jeonju have larger hanok stay clusters
  • Sleep on a yo mattress on heated ondol floor
  • Shared bathrooms are common in older hanok
  • 80,000–200,000+ KRW per night

Reservations recommended via Booking.com, Airbnb, or Korean platforms like Stay Folio.

Jimjilbang

Korean bathhouses with sleeping floors. Often used by Koreans on a budget or when public transit shuts down at night.

  • 10,000–20,000 KRW for 12-hour access
  • Gender-separated bathing pools
  • Mixed-gender sleeping floor (you wear provided sleepwear)
  • Snack bar with classic foods (sikhye drink, baked eggs)
  • 24-hour operation at most locations

Famous Seoul jimjilbang: Dragon Hill Spa (Yongsan), Itaewon Land, Siloam Spa near Seoul Station.

Capsule hotels

A few exist now near Seoul Station and Hongdae. Comfortable, ~50,000 KRW per night, all the basics with privacy.

Apartment rentals

Airbnb is legal in Korea but restricted in some areas. Look for hosts with multiple positive reviews. Many serviced apartments operate as licensed accommodations — Fraser Place, Somerset Palace, and similar.

For stays over 1 week, serviced apartments often beat hotels on price.

Budget reality

  • Hostel dorm: 25k KRW/night
  • Mid-range hotel: 120k KRW/night
  • Hanok stay: 150k KRW/night
  • Luxury hotel: 350k KRW/night

Plan around your priorities — Korea has good options at every level.