Planning a trip to South Korea? Whether you're heading to the buzzing streets of Seoul, the peaceful temples of Gyeongju, or the beachy vibes of Busan, one of the most important parts of your travel planning is choosing the right place to stay. South Korea has a wide variety of accommodations for every kind of traveler and budget. But with so many options, it can be tricky to decide what’s best for you.
Hotels in Korea: Reliable Comfort and Premium Amenities
Best for: Travelers who value convenience, comfort, and full services
South Korea has an excellent hotel infrastructure. You’ll find everything from international luxury chains like Shilla, Lotte, and Grand Hyatt to affordable business hotels like Hotel PJ or Toyoko Inn. Hotels are ideal if you're looking for modern amenities, private rooms, and top-notch services such as 24-hour check-in, room service, and concierge help.
A travel trend called "hocance" — a combination of "hotel" and "vacance" (vacation) — has grown in popularity among locals. Travelers opt to relax in high-end hotels instead of going on long trips, enjoying spas, buffets, rooftop pools, and room service. This trend makes hotels an ideal destination in themselves.
Also, when choosing hotels, keep an eye out for Korea Quality-certified accommodations or hotels under the Benikea chain, which are officially recognized by the Korea Tourism Organization for offering excellent service and reliability. The Korea Quality mark helps travelers identify hotels, guesthouses, and other lodgings that meet strict standards in facilities and hospitality.
Pros:
- Affordable rates, making hostels a top pick for students and budget-conscious travelers.
- Great for meeting other travelers through common areas, shared kitchens, and organized events like pub crawls or walking tours.
- Often located near nightlife, subway stations, and tourist attractions for convenient access
- Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and sometimes guided tour options or cultural experiences. provided by hostel staff.
Cons:
- Less privacy due to dormitory-style rooms and shared living spaces, which may not suit everyone.
- Noise or shared bathrooms might be an issue for light sleepers, especially in larger hostels or during peak travel seasons.
- Security can vary, so it's important to choose hostels with lockers and 24/7 reception for peace of mind.
Travel Tip: Book directly through hotel websites or compare prices on platforms like Agoda and Booking.com to find exclusive deals. Look for the Korea Quality or Benikea marks for a trusted experience.
Hostels in Korea: Budget-Friendly and Social
Best for: Solo travelers, students, backpackers, and social butterflies
Korea’s hostel scene is vibrant, especially in places like Hongdae, Itaewon, and Myeongdong. Hostels offer a mix of dormitory beds and private rooms, plus shared kitchens, laundry facilities, and common spaces where travelers can mingle. They’re clean, safe, and usually run by friendly staff who offer travel tips and event info.
Many hostels are also Korea Quality certified, meaning they meet strict standards for safety, service, and cleanliness — a great perk for budget travelers.
Pros:
- More space and privacy than hotels, making it easier to relax or work remotely without interruptions.
- Access to kitchens, laundry, and living areas — perfect for travelers who want to cook meals, do laundry, or have a home-like setup during longer stays.
- Unique listings and experiences, including traditional Hanok homes, modern lofts, and scenic villas that offer a personalized atmosphere not often found in hotels.
- Good value for longer stays or groups, as nightly rates tend to decrease for week-long bookings or entire apartments shared among several guests.
Cons:
- Not all listings follow local rental laws, which can lead to last-minute cancellations or safety concerns.
- Less consistent service than hotels — while some hosts are exceptional, others may be unresponsive or unprepared to handle issues like broken appliances or unclear check-in instructions.
- Communication challenges with some hosts, especially if there’s a language barrier or if the host is not actively managing the property.
Travel Tip: Check sites like Hostelworld or Airbnb Experiences for unique hostel-run activities.
Airbnb in Korea: Local Living With Flexibility
Best for: Groups, families, digital nomads, and long-term travelers
Airbnb is popular across Korea, offering everything from trendy apartments in Gangnam to cozy Hanok (traditional houses) in Jeonju. Airbnb gives you flexibility and space — ideal if you want to cook your own meals, work remotely, or travel with a group. Plus, it often places you in residential neighborhoods where you can live like a local.
Pros:
- More space and privacy than hotels, ideal for families or groups
- Access to kitchens, laundry, and living areas for self-sufficiency
- Unique listings and experiences, such as staying in a Hanok or a luxury penthouse
- Good value for longer stays or groups, especially when compared to hotel rates.
- Flexibility in check-in/check-out times and the ability to customize the stay
Cons:
- Not all listings follow local rental laws, potentially leading to cancellations or fines
- Less consistent service than hotels, with some properties lacking amenities like daily cleaning or concierge support
- Communication challenges with some hosts, such as delayed responses or language barriers
- Quality of accommodation can vary widely depending on the host and property
Tip: Always read recent reviews, check cancellation policies, and make sure the location is near a subway station for easy transport.
Guesthouses in Korea: Cultural Charm and Local Hospitality
Best for: Cultural travelers, budget tourists, and those seeking a homey atmosphere
Guesthouses in Korea are often family-run and offer a cozy, authentic experience. Some are built in traditional Hanok style with heated floors (ondol) and floor bedding. They're common in cultural cities like Gyeongju, Jeonju, and smaller neighborhoods of Seoul. You’ll find options like female-only guesthouses, single or double rooms, and even night parties for socializing with other travelers.
Many guest houses also have the Korea Quality certification, ensuring a clean, well-maintained, and hospitable stay.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly and often include breakfast
- Warm, personalized hospitality
- Great way to experience Korean traditions
- Some Korea Quality certified guest houses are available.
Cons:
- Shared bathrooms in some locations
- Fewer modern amenities compared to hotels
Travel Tip: Many guesthouses offer tea ceremonies, cooking classes, or language exchanges — a great way to immerse yourself in Korean culture.
Unique Accommodations in Korea
Hanok Stay
For travelers seeking a deep cultural experience, staying in a Hanok (traditional Korean house) is a must. These serene wooden homes let you enjoy Korea’s architectural beauty and peaceful ambiance. Many Hanok stays now offer modern comforts like beds and private bathrooms while preserving their traditional charm. Popular in Jeonju Hanok Village, Bukchon Hanok Village (Seoul), and Andong.
Look for Hanok stays with the Korea Quality mark to ensure high standards of comfort and service.
Motels
Korean motels are budget-friendly options often located near city centers and transport hubs. Surprisingly modern, some feature whirlpool tubs, large-screen TVs, and even high-performance PCs. Keep in mind that some motels may appear under the name "hotel," so always check reviews first.
Pensions
Korea’s pensions range from cozy cottages to luxurious homes in the countryside or beachside. Many are built for photo-worthy aesthetics with stylish interiors and beautiful views. Pensions are great for families or couples looking for a quiet getaway and often need to be booked months in advance.
Glamping
Want to connect with nature but not ready to rough it? Try glamping — luxury camping with all the gear provided. Popular in mountainous or seaside areas, glamping in Korea combines nature with comfort. High-end resorts like The Shilla Jeju even offer their own glamping options.
Comparison Table
| Accommodation Type | Best For | Average Price (per night) | Pros | Cons |
| Hotel | Comfort & services | ₩70,000–₩300,000+ | High-quality service, privacy, certified options | Expensive, less local interaction |
| Hostel | Budget & socializing | ₩20,000–₩60,000 | Affordable, social, centrally located | Noisy, shared spaces |
| Airbnb | Long stays & groups | ₩50,000–₩200,000+ | Space, kitchen access, flexibility | Service inconsistency, legality |
| Guesthouse | Cultural experience & coziness | ₩30,000–₩100,000 | Traditional feel, personal service | Basic amenities, shared bathrooms |
| Hanok Stay | Cultural immersion | ₩50,000–₩200,000+ | Traditional architecture, ambiance, certified stays | Limited availability, basic style |
| Motel | Budget-conscious travelers | ₩40,000–₩80,000 | Centrally located, upgraded amenities | Mixed quality, minimal service |
| Pension | Couples & families | ₩100,000–₩300,000+ | Scenic, aesthetic, spacious | Needs early booking, remote areas |
| Glamping | Nature lovers & comfort | ₩150,000–₩400,000+ | All-in-one camping setup, luxury feel | Weather-dependent, pricey |
When choosing where to stay in Korea, think about your budget, travel goals, and level of comfort. Here’s a quick guide:
- On a budget? Choose a hostel or motel.
- Looking for comfort and convenience? A hotel or Airbnb is your best bet.
- Want to live like a local or stay longer? Airbnb or pensions offer more flexibility.
- Seeking cultural immersion? Go for a Hanok stay or guesthouse.
- Craving nature with comfort? Try glamping.
For peace of mind and reliable quality, consider booking accommodations with the Korea Quality certification or stay at a Benikea hotel.
Wherever you decide to stay, South Korea’s hospitality, clean accommodations, and efficient public transportation system will make your trip comfortable and memorable.
Happy travels 🌟