Your Seoul-Saving Guide to Budget-Friendly Areas in Seoul

Seoul is a tourist-favorite destination that offers an exciting blend of traditional and modern culture. Jam-packed with trendy shopping areas, historical hotspots, delectable eats, and an impressive K-Entertainment scene, this dazzling city is a must-visit for all travelers! 

With its growing popularity, making your way around can be a bit costly–but don't let this scare you! We know just what you need to experience Seoul without draining your travel funds. If you’re heading to the heart of South Korea, plan your stay with this guide on the best budget-friendly areas in Seoul!

Hongdae is a vibrant and youthful neighborhood packed with unique shops, delicious food spots, street buskers, and more. Known as Hongik University Street thanks to its close proximity to the school, this trendy area offers affordable prices for university students and young crowds to enjoy–and for you to make the most of!

Stay at the conveniently located THAT House hostel to be at walking distance from the ultimate K-Pop dance class to try your hand at being an Idol, an epic group pub crawl adventure, and more fun-filled activities! Whatever you choose to do in Hongdae, you can definitely enjoy your trip to the fullest while staying within your budget.

Seongsudong, or the “Brooklyn of Seoul”, is an industrial neighborhood turned into a modern creative hub. From street murals to special activities like an artisan-guided silver ring making class to artsy boutiques in repurposed warehouse spaces, this area is the hippest place to be in the city!

This is definitely one of the best areas to stay in Seoul if you’re looking for a laid-back trip that won’t break your bank. Seongsudong’s energetic streets filled with art, unique architecture, pop-up stores, and good eats on every corner, you’re sure to be entertained even if you’re just strolling through the area!

A perfect pick for first-time travelers and a great introduction to the best that Seoul has to offer! Myeongdong is a primary shopping district in the city known for its fashion and beauty scene, as well as the endless street food and boutique shops to fill up your schedule.

Whether you’re deciding between street food or a Michelin-level meal, or even a night at a cozy hostel or a luxury hotel, Myeongdong has endless options for you no matter the budget. 

Book a stay at Line Hotel for affordable lodging that’s only a stone’s throw away from Myeongdong’s main shopping street and nearby cultural sites! Perfect for adventure-packed days and midnight snacks. Time to throw on a traditional hanbok and hit this must-visit shopping district! 

If you’re looking for a cost-free cultural excursion, you need to visit Insadong! This budget-friendly area in Seoul transports you to a traditional neighborhood without an entrance fee. If you’re interested in going deeper into the history of the area, you can even book a guided cultural tour! 

At the heart of this neighborhood is Insadong Cultural Street, a famous street lined with restaurants, street vendors, and artisanal shops. Don’t worry about entrance fees–you can explore museums and temples, take a break at a teahouse, and walk through beautiful traditional alleyways without spending a dime! If you visit in the evening or on a weekend, you can even catch free performances from buskers.

For budget-friendly Seoul accommodations, try staying at a hostel or hotel in/near a university town like Hongdae! 

There are many affordable, budget-friendly areas in Seoul! Visit Myeongdong for an inexpensive place with fun daytime activities and a vibrant nightlife or Insadong for a traditional cultural experience. 

Due to the boom in tourism, affordable hotels are easy to book in South Korea. You can find a lot of high-quality yet cheap hotels in Seoul through Klook! 

If you’re on a budget, the best areas to stay in Seoul are definitely Myeongdong and Hongdae due to their low costs and abundant attractions!

Budget-friendly areas are everywhere in Seoul! Whether you decide to visit one of these neighborhoods or hop through all of them, you’re bound to have a memorable time in South Korea that won’t leave you with an empty wallet.