List of the Best Backpacker Hostels in South Korea

In this article, you will find the following – Best hostels in Seoul; Best hostels in Jeju Island; Best hostels in Gyeongju; Best hostels in Sokcho; Best hostels in Daegu; Best hostels in Jeonju; Best hostels in Gwangju; and Best hostels in Incheon.

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Providing you the ultimate list of the BEST HOSTELS IN KOREA – includes rates, locations, and great reviews that will help you with your stay in the amazing cities of South Korea!

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Hostel	About this Hostel	Price
	Namu Guesthouse Hongdae features a garden, shared kitchen, and living areas. It offers organic breakfasts, free Wi-Fi, and parking. Cheerful rooms feature bright colors, simple wood furnishings, and air conditioning.
	Love In Busan Guesthouse is within a 10-minute drive of Seomyeon Street and Seven Luck Casino. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage.
	Slowciti Hostel is located in the center of Seogwipo City. Each room at Slowciti comes with air-conditioning and extra-long beds. The private bathroom includes a shower, toothpaste, soap, and hairdryer. Free WiFi is available in all areas and breakfast is provided between 08:00 and 09:00 at an extra charge.
	Gyeongju Momojein Guesthouse provides homely accommodation, a comfortable living room, and a common kitchen. Rooms at Gyeongju Momojein Guest House are equipped with air conditioning and heating systems, private lockers and fine beddings.
	The House Hostel features complimentary breakfast and is located in Sokcho. Each room here will provide you with air conditioning. Featuring a shower, the private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries.
	Empathy Guesthouse is an affordable property located just a 4-minute walk from Jungangro Station. Air-conditioned rooms include dormitory-style beds. They come with heating facilities and private bathrooms with hot-water showers and free toiletries.
	Nearest Guesthouse is a 5-minute walk from Jeonju Duty-Free Shop and a 10-minute walk from Jeonju Hanok Village. The dormitory rooms are equipped with air conditioning and heating systems. Shared facilities include a kitchen, bathroom, and living room.
	Gwangju Namdo Hostel is located in the Seo-gu area of Gwangju Metropolitan City. The hotel features 2 beautifully appointed guest rooms, many of which include internet access – wireless (complimentary), air conditioning, desk, and blackout curtains.
	Better Guest House is ideally situated in Seo-gu, one of the city's most popular locales. Guests can choose from 4 rooms, all of which exude an atmosphere of total peace and harmony. Top Features of the property include free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour security, laundromat, taxi service, and a kitchen.

The Best Hostels in Seoul

NAMU Guesthouse

PRICE: Dorms from $20.46 while Privates from $20.46

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Korea?

FAMOUS FOR: The guesthouse is located right beside a whole street full of cafes/restaurants and a 7-8 minute walk to Hongdae, but it’s such a quiet and peaceful area that you almost forget that you are so close to the vibrant night time scene just a few minutes walk away. What you can expect is a cozy and quiet home with wonderful hospitality provided by the owner, Yeowon, and her staff. Between exploring the vast and impressive city of Seoul, this guest house pushes all the right buttons to get some needed homely comfort. Highly recommended, this is one of the best hostels in Seoul, Korea.

Dalkom Guest House

PRICE: Dorms from $25.35 while Privates from $17.79

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Korea?

FAMOUS FOR: The guesthouse is very homey and cozy! The location of the guesthouse is very convenient, within short walking distance to the airport shuttle bus and the Chungmuro metro station. The room is comfortable with cute pastel colors and has these basic appliances like a TV, a hairdryer, a small fridge, and air conditioning. They also offer towels and a nice simple breakfast. The price is great, and there is a kitchenette should you want to make anything on your own. The staff is also very nice and helpful. With its great location and cute design, this is one of the best hostels in Seoul, Korea.

Trick Art Hostel In Hongdae

PRICE: Dorms from $17.79 while Privates from $22.24

Check the latest price on Agoda

You can also read the recent reviews, here.

Why is it one of the best hostels in Korea?

FAMOUS FOR: It is centrally located in the student neighborhood of Hongdae, only seven mins walk from the metro. Location is ideal for exploring Hongdae’s upcoming quieter area, full of wonderful restaurants, a beautiful creek, and park and close to the subway and Hongdae’s famous nightlife. The hostel in itself smells positive with art on every wall. You feel inspired when you are there. Spacious rooms, clean, lots of bathrooms, efficient kitchen, and a super cool rooftop terrace. Rooms are really clean, luminous, and well-decorated with artistic drawings. Facilities are well-equipped, and you can wash your clothes for free! Modern, friendly, and inviting, this is truly one of the best hostels in Seoul, Korea.

The Best Hostels in Busan

Love in Busan Guesthouse

PRICE: Dorms from $17.79

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Korea?

FAMOUS FOR: Rooms are spacious and clean even for six people. There’s a big cupboard in the room and you can lock it while on the go. The WiFi is for free and is fast. There are many bathrooms with lots of top Korean products like Etude, Nature Republic, Face Shop, etc. And the best thing, there are lots of homemade Korean food inside the refrigerator. The fruits are available at all times so as the juices and milk in the fridge. There is a big television in the hall along with a desktop and a printer. There’s also a washing machine for your laundry. The owner and the employees are friendly too. Highly recommended, this is truly one of the best hostels in Busan, Korea.

Hi Busan Guest House

PRICE: Dorms from$13.62 while Privates from $33.59

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Korea?

FAMOUS FOR: It’s a great place to stay, super convenient, literally a 5-minute walk from the street to all the bars/restaurants, Mcdonalds, and the beach! The hostel has friendly staff too. Facilities are clean, and they serve a lovely breakfast. The layout of the dorm bedrooms is pretty cool, and you get your curtain with a lamplight and charger outlet. Worth your money/perfect for a group of young people traveling together, truly one of the best hostels in Busan, Korea.

The Best Hostels in Jeju Island

SLOW CITI Hostel

PRICE: Dorms from $18.68 while Privates from $19.12

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Korea?

FAMOUS FOR: SlowCiti Hostel is located along a food street in the center of Seogwipo and only 5 min walk from a bus stop where the buses to Jeju City/Jeju Airport are departing from. The staff is extremely super friendly and helpful. The rooms are very clean and new, the kitchen is well equipped, and the hostel has a community room and terrace which is large to hang around with others. The hostel runs trips as well. The whole place is modern, WiFi is good, and breakfast is also good. It’s a decent place to meet people making it one of the best hostels in Jeju Island, Korea.

U & I Guesthouse

PRICE: Dorms from $16.90

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Korea?

FAMOUS FOR: The facilities are clean, the rooms have private bathrooms (+ new towels and water bottles every day), and the public area is terrific – a big basement with couches and tables, a TV, games and a ton of flyers and information about things to do in Jeju. On top of that, the location is good; a young area of Jeju-si with bars and restaurants open at night. The best thing is the staff being very friendly, helpful and patient. They have a lot of knowledge of the area, and its attractions and they are willing to share it. Reasonable price plus good service, this is truly one of the best hostels in Jeju Island, Korea.

MIDO Hostel

PRICE: Dorms from $19.57

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Korea?

FAMOUS FOR: It’s a good hotel with a hipster interior, definitely a cozy place. It’s a great place for exploring Jeju island. The staff is really helpful and provides lots of information about the attractions in Jeju. The room and the bathroom are clean and big. Exceptional with great hospitality, definitely one of the best hostels in Jeju Island, Korea.

The Best Hostels in Gyeongju

Coolzaam Guesthouse

PRICE: Privates from $20.01

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Korea?

FAMOUS FOR: Coolzaam Guest House is a wonderful accommodation right in the downtown of the historic city of Gyeongju. It is a 15-minute walk from the bus terminal or a 5-minute walk from the train station. The owner, who also lives at the hostel (it’s part of their home), is really friendly and super helpful at offering advice about what to see in the local area. The rooms are clean, the beds are comfy, the toilets are stocked with all the necessary toiletries, Gyeongju tourist maps are available, and bikes are available for rental. The place is very clean; common areas are perfect to meet other travelers while the rooms are quiet and so comfortable! It is a great hostel for meeting other travelers and truly one of the best hostels in Gyeongju, Korea.

Guesthouse Momojein

PRICE: Privates from $16.01 while Privates from $26.68

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Korea?

FAMOUS FOR: It’s a very nice, charming and well-situated hostel. The location is near the shopping area, local market and train station. It is easy to find if you follow the map given. The host is very welcoming. The room and bathroom are clean and very comfortable. The place is very lovely, a cottage type of place. It also has a lovely garden place with a swinging couch. Breakfast is available in the kitchen and consists of coffee, tea, toast, jam, OJ, and delicious homemade soup. It’s very clean, private, secure, and quiet making it one of the best hostels in Gyeongju, Korea.

The Best Hostels in Sokcho

The House Hostel

PRICE: Dorms from $18.23 while Privates from $16.90

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Korea?

FAMOUS FOR: The House Hostel is a great, affordable and comfortable base for exploring Sokcho. It is a five-minute walk from Sokcho Intercity bus terminal while Sokcho central market and Abai village are 15 mins away. Rooms are even very affordable. The double room has a small desk, bed (with electric blanket) and a separate bathroom. Breakfast and laundry are available too. The reception is friendly as well. They will brief you on how to go around Sokcho. The hostel itself has a very homely and welcoming feel to it and is conveniently located making it one of the best hostels in Sokcho, Korea.

James BLuE

PRICE: Dorms from $21.35 while Privates from $16.01

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Korea?

FAMOUS FOR: This hostel has a perfect location which is within a few minutes walking distances to the bus station and bus stop. It is close to the local market and few tourist spots and also just about 30 minutes bus ride to Seoraksan. The hostel itself is very comfy, clean, and social and you get a great breakfast of toast, cereal, and proper coffee. The room and bathroom are very clean. The dorm has its TV and refrigerator with free one bottle of mineral water. Soap and shampoo are also available and free in the bathroom. Hot water and room heater are just perfect when you go in winter. The manager is also really helpful, friendly and he can speak English. An excellent place, this is one of the best hostels in Sokcho, Korea.

The Best Hostels in Daegu

Empathy Guest House

PRICE: Dorms from $23.13

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Korea?

FAMOUS FOR: It’s an exceptional hostel with kind and helpful staff. The location is perfect for seeing the rest of Daegu, about a 10-20 minute walk to the club district and shopping areas. The rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable. Truly, it is one of the best hostels in Daegu, Korea.

Danim Backpackers

PRICE: Dorms from $17.79

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Korea?

FAMOUS FOR: Danim is the place where backpackers gather. The place is located near downtown where you can shop and dine inexpensively. The hostel has a very friendly staff, and it is a good location away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Daegu but close enough for you to get involved. Danim Backpacker, truly one of the best hostels in Daegu, Korea.

The Best Hostels in Jeonju

Carpediem Hostel

PRICE: Dorms from $19.57

Check the latest price on Agoda

Why is it one of the best hostels in Korea?

FAMOUS FOR: Rather than a hostel, it is more like staying at someone’s home. The common area makes it easy to meet other travelers and Ashley, the hostess, is great at introducing everyone to each other. The room and bed are so so so clean. Albeit small, the hostel has whatever that you need. It’s a great hostel with an amazing host and truly one of the best hostels in Jeonju, Korea.

Nearest Guesthouse

PRICE: Dorms from $18.68

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Korea?

FAMOUS FOR: If you are traveling to Jeonju, this is the place you must stay in. It is conveniently located near Jeonju Hanok Village which is a quick 10-minute walk. The owners are hospitable and kind. Each bed is equipped with electric blankets, which is very helpful during cold nights. Cereals, toast, jams, fruits, and dumplings are available for breakfast. Exceptional and one of the best hostels in Jeonju, Korea.

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The Best Hostels in Gwangju

Namdo Hostel

PRICE: Dorms from $19.57

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Korea?

FAMOUS FOR: Namdo is a family-run hostel, located in a quiet residential area, about 30 mins walk to the hostel from the bus terminal. Owners are super friendly and extremely helpful. Breakfast is simple but fulfilling with toast and eggs. WiFi is free and fast. The hostel is relatively well maintained. Awesome place, definitely one of the best hostels in Jeonju, Korea.

Baenang House

PRICE: Dorms from $19.57 while Privates from $26.68

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Korea?

FAMOUS FOR: The homestay feel. The owners don’t speak much English, but their generosity makes up for the difficulty in communication. The hostel is conveniently located along the main road which makes it easy to find. The facilities are clean and in good condition. Clean place, exceptional, and truly one of the best hostels in Jeonju, Korea.

The Best Hostels in Incheon

Nube Guesthouse

PRICE: Dorms from $31.13 while Privates from $24.91

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Korea?

FAMOUS FOR: A spotlessly clean hostel, comfortable and homely. The place provides towels, water, dryer and is cleaned daily. There’s a place downstairs where you can make your free breakfast. It’s no restaurant or high-end service, but it’s a very humble atmosphere. There are a few Korean restaurants and a cafe nearby, and it’s a good option near the airport. It is one of the best hostels in Incheon, Korea.

Better Guest House

PRICE: Dorms from $15.12 while Privates from $15.57

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Korea?

FAMOUS FOR: It is an easy reach with few stations away from Incheon international airport, and it would only take around one and a half hours to reach interesting places in Seoul. The hostel is well maintained for its cleanliness, such a nice place and worth staying for. Breakfast is included, and in addition to that, free rice is also available anytime. The kitchen is well stocked so you can cook your meals. The room and shared bathroom are always clean. The place is decorated tastefully. The owner is kind-hearted too. He cooks breakfast for the guests every morning and is very helpful. This is one of the best hostels in Incheon, Korea.

This list is based on our personal experiences and/or reviews online. Do you own a Backpackers Hostel and want to be featured in our series? If yes, please contact us kach.howe@gtravelgurus.com

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