🛏️ Best Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in Seoul for Foreigners

Top Guesthouses & Airbnbs in Hongdae & Itaewon 🇰🇷

Planning a trip to Seoul but don’t want to break the bank? Whether you're a solo traveler, digital nomad, or group adventurer, Seoul has tons of affordable and cozy places to stay — especially in hotspots like Hongdae and Itaewon. This guide introduces the best value-for-money guesthouses and Airbnbs loved by foreign visitors.

Let’s dive in! ✨

---

📍 Why Hongdae & Itaewon?

✅ Hongdae (홍대):

• Known for youth culture, indie music, art, cafes, and nightlife

• Direct AREX train from Incheon Airport

• Easy subway access (Line 2, Gyeongui-Jungang, AREX)

• Near Ewha, Sinchon, and Yeonnam-dong

✅ Itaewon (이태원):

• International vibe, global food, lively nightlife

• Great for English-speaking travelers

• LGBTQ+ friendly area

• Close to Namsan Tower & Gyeongnidan-gil

---

🛌 Best Guesthouses in Hongdae

1. BB Hongdae Guesthouse

• 💰 From: $30–$45/night

• 🛏️ Dorms & private rooms

• 🍽️ Free breakfast, rooftop terrace

• 🚇 5 min walk from Hongik Univ. Station

• 👤 Friendly English-speaking hosts

“Great for solo travelers. The vibe was cozy and the rooftop was perfect to chill with new friends!”

---

2. Bounce Guesthouse Hongdae

• 💰 From: $25–$40/night

• 🧼 Clean, modern, minimalist design

• 👯‍♂️ Social events like game night & KBBQ parties

• 🚉 Close to Yeonnam-dong park street

---

3. UWA Guesthouse

• 💰 From: $35–$50/night

• 👪 Private family rooms available

• 🍞 Complimentary breakfast included

• ✈️ Luggage storage for early/late flights

---

🏠 Best Airbnbs in Hongdae

1. Cozy Studio with Balcony (Yeonnam-dong)

• 💰 From: $60/night

• 🛏️ Entire apartment, sleeps 2

• 🌿 Private balcony & kitchen

• 📶 Fast Wi-Fi, washer, microwave

• 🌇 Near Gyeongui Line Forest Park

---

2. Artist’s Loft in Hongdae

• 💰 From: $55/night

• 🖼️ Industrial, artsy interior

• 🎨 Inspired by local culture

• 🛍️ Walking distance to shops and clubs

---

🛌 Best Guesthouses in Itaewon

1. G Guesthouse Itaewon

• 💰 From: $30–$50/night

• ☕ Free breakfast, rooftop view of Namsan Tower

• 🧳 Large lockers, late check-out

• 🌈 LGBTQ+ friendly

• 🗺️ Near Itaewon Subway Exit 3

---

2. SP@Itaewon Guesthouse

• 💰 From: $35–$55/night

• 🧼 Clean private rooms

• 👤 Staff fluent in English & Japanese

• 🍻 Steps from nightlife but quiet rooms

---

🏠 Best Airbnbs in Itaewon

1. Modern Loft with City View

• 💰 From: $70/night

• 🛋️ Spacious, clean, large windows

• 🌃 View of Namsan & downtown

• 🛁 Bathtub + Netflix available

---

2. Studio in Gyeongnidan-gil (Hidden Gem!)

• 💰 From: $55/night

• 🪴 Cozy design with plants and soft lights

• 🍽️ Surrounded by brunch cafés and craft beer bars

• 🧳 Good for couples or solo travelers

---

💡 Tips for Booking

✅ Look for Superhost badge on Airbnb for trusted stays
✅ Book early — Seoul gets crowded during cherry blossom & fall foliage seasons
✅ Most hosts provide towels, toiletries, and Wi-Fi
✅ Use Google Translate app or Papago to communicate with hosts, if needed
✅ Many guesthouses offer airport shuttle assistance (ask in advance)

---

✈️ Airport Access from Hongdae & Itaewon

Neighborhood	Incheon Airport	Gimpo Airport
Hongdae	AREX train (50 min)	AREX (15 min)
Itaewon	Subway + Transfer (70 min)	Line 6 + Line 5 (40 min)

---

🌟 Final Thoughts

Seoul is full of comfortable, stylish, and budget-friendly places to stay — and neighborhoods like Hongdae and Itaewon offer not just accommodations, but a full-on cultural experience. Whether you want to party all night, explore cute cafés, or meet fellow travelers, you’ll feel right at home in these areas.

So pack your bags, book that room, and get ready to enjoy Seoul like a local — with style and savings! 🎒🇰🇷💸