Finding a comfortable and affordable hotel in Seoul can be overwhelming. If you’re looking for a well-located hotel with great amenities, this guide covers the best budget hotels in Myeongdong, Insadong, and Hongdae—perfect for sightseeing and shopping.
Why Not Gangnam?
Gangnam is great for business, but it’s far from major tourist attractions like Gyeongbokgung, Myeongdong, and Insadong. Staying north of the Han River is much more convenient for exploring Seoul.
Here are the top budget-friendly hotels in Seoul that offer the best value, location, and comfort.
Top 5 Budget Hotels in Seoul (100,000–200,000 KRW)
Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae
3-Star Hotel | Best for Young Travelers & Shopping
From: 134,250 KRW per night
Address: 188 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Subway: Hongik Univ. Station (Line 2 & Airport Railroad, Exit 5) – 2 min walk
Contact: +82-2-768-3000
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Why Stay Here?
- Great for nightlife & shopping in Hongdae.
- Easy airport access (Incheon: 50 min, Gimpo: 20 min).
- Free breakfast buffet & fitness center.
Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae

4-Star Hotel | Best for Modern Comfort
From: 209,900 KRW per night
Address: 144 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Subway: Hongik Univ. Station (Line 2, Exit 5) – 5 min walk
Contact: +82-2-3774-1101
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Why Stay Here?
- Modern & stylish rooms with city views.
- Close to Hongdae’s nightlife, shopping, and cultural spots.
- On-site restaurant & breakfast buffet available.
Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Insadong

4-Star Hotel | Best for Sightseeing
Contact: +82-2-6917-3099
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From: 156,913 KRW per night
Address: 49 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Subway:
- Anguk Station (Line 3, Exit 6) – 2 min walk
- Jonggak Station (Line 1, Exit 3-1) – 10 min walk
Why Stay Here?
- Walking distance to Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Insadong.
- “Special 9 Pillows” for extra comfort.
- Rooftop lounge with great views.
Lotte City Hotel Myeongdong

4-Star Hotel | Best for Shopping & Business
From: 219,450 KRW per night
Address: 362 Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Subway: Euljiro 3-ga Station (Line 3, Exit 1) – 3 min walk
Contact: +82-2-6112-1000
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Why Stay Here?
- Close to Myeongdong shopping district & Cheonggyecheon Stream.
- High-end business hotel with a fitness center & convenience store.
- On-site international buffet & Middle Eastern restaurant.
Migliore Hotel Seoul Myeongdong

4-Star Hotel | Best Budget Option
From: 120,771 KRW per night
Address: 115 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Subway: Myeongdong Station (Line 4, Exit 5 & 6) – Directly connected
Contact: +82-2-6936-6000
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Why Stay Here?
- Most affordable hotel in Myeongdong.
- Direct subway access for easy travel.
- On-site shopping & business facilities.
Best Areas to Stay in Seoul
Myeongdong & Insadong: Perfect for sightseeing & shopping, with easy access to palaces, markets, and historic sites.
Hongdae: Ideal for young travelers who love cafés, nightlife, and street performances.
Euljiro & Jongno: Great for history lovers & business travelers, near Cheonggyecheon Stream & Gwanghwamun.
Why Not Stay in Gangnam?
Gangnam is a great business district, but it’s not ideal for first-time tourists because:
- Far from major attractions – Takes 40+ minutes to reach Gyeongbokgung, Insadong, and Myeongdong.
- More expensive hotels with fewer budget-friendly choices.
- Better for business travelers, not sightseeing.
If you want a convenient, budget-friendly stay, it’s best to stay in central areas north of the Han River.
Travel Tips for Booking Hotels in Seoul
Book Early: Seoul hotels fill up fast, so reserve in advance for the best deals.
Check Subway Access: Staying near subway stations makes traveling much easier.
Look for Free Breakfast & WiFi: Many hotels offer complimentary breakfast & WiFi, saving you extra costs.
Compare Prices & Book Your Hotel in Seoul
Final Thoughts – Best Budget Hotels in Seoul
Seoul has plenty of affordable, well-located hotels perfect for travelers who want a comfortable stay without overspending. Whether you’re shopping in Myeongdong, sightseeing in Insadong, or exploring Hongdae’s vibrant culture, these hotels provide a great balance of price, location, and amenities.
Which hotel are you considering for your stay? Let me know in the comments!