I stayed in a Backpacker Hostel in Seoul and here's what happened
Written by Nour De Wilde Salhab| Last update: Aug 27, 2025
(First-Hand Travel Experience & Price Comparison)
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Wondering if Seoul Forest Stay is more than just a pretty name? I checked in for two nights and ended up extending to five—proof that comfy beds, a leafy neighborhood, and easy friendships can slow even the busiest itinerary.
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Hostel Price Statistics & Key Numbers in Seoul
| Total number of hostels | 71 |
| Typical dorm bed prices in Seoul | $9 |
| Private room costs in Seoul | $60 |
| Cheapest hostel in Seoul | Star Hostel Seoul Dongdaemun for only $7 |
| Popular Party Hostel in Seoul | Crossroad Backpackers Hongdae (15 hostels for partying in total) |
| Where to stay in Seoul on a budget? | Mapo District, Jongno District, Yongsan District |
Location - Leafy and near Line 2
The hostel sits in Seongsu-dong, three minutes from Ttukseom (Line 2) and Seoul Forest (Bundang) stations. That means a 10-minute ride to Gangnam one way and Hongdae the other, no transfers needed.
By day, you’re steps from hip cafés inside old factories, Seoul Forest Park’s deer enclosure, and the Han-river bike path.
At night, the streets stay well lit yet quiet enough for solo walks; I never felt uneasy grabbing kombucha from the 24 h convenience store next door.
Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Seoul
- Stay Korea Homestay - best for Family-Friendly Hostel, Solo Traveller
- Namsan Guest House - best for Family-Friendly Hostel, Solo Traveller
- Holiday in Korea Hostel
- Backpackers Inside Hostel - best for Solo Traveller
- Grape Garden House - best for Family-Friendly Hostel, Solo Traveller
Social Vibes – Chill Café Energy, Easy Icebreakers
- Common room doubles as a mini-café with free drip coffee—people chat while planning routes.
- Staff host sunset walks to Seoul Forest or cheap BBQ runs on weekends.
- I joined a spontaneous K-drama watch party on the projector and left with three new Kakao friends.
- Overall vibe: relaxed and creative, matching the neighborhood’s indie-studio feel.
Rooms – Simple, Bright, Everything You Need
- Mixed and female-only dorms (4, 6, or 8 beds) plus a handful of privates.
- Sturdy wooden bunks with thick curtains, reading light, outlet, and shelf.
- Good A/C and heating; triple-checked by my picky sleep self.
- Large pull-out lockers under the bed—bring your own lock.
- Bathrooms shared but cleaned twice daily; hot water never failed.
How much are hostels in Seoul?
Let's talk about hostel prices in Seoul. This graph shows you typical, average prices for a bed in a dorm and for a private room. Simply mouse-over to see rates for each month.
Prices can vary a lot, especially on high-season, weekends, and special holidays such as New Years Eve.
Average Dorm Price per Month in Seoul
Average Private Room Price per Month in Seoul
Amenities – Little Perks for Long Days
- Free Wi-Fi everywhere (fast enough for video calls).
- Rooftop terrace with city views and fairy lights—BYO snacks.
- Shared kitchen: fridge space, induction hob, microwave, free spices.
- Laundry machines (coin-operated) and free soap sachets.
- Luggage storage before check-in and after check-out.
- Bike rental arranged through a partner shop if you fancy a riverside spin.
Safety – Secure Doors, Calm Surroundings
Front door and dorm rooms use keypad codes that change weekly. CCTV covers hallways, and reception is staffed until late. Female dorms are on a separate floor behind an extra coded door. I left my DSLR in the locker all day without a second thought.
Still not sure? Pick my Favorite Hostel in Seoul
#1 Top Hostel in Seoul: Original Backpackers
This is the overall best rated hostel in Original Backpackers. The overall rating is 9.8. You cannot go wrong here.
It is your safest bet in case you are not sure which hostel to pick.
The price for a dorm at Original Backpackers starts from $12.73.
Price – Budget-Friendly Without Corners Cut
Beds land on the lower side for Seoul, especially considering the new renovation. The rate includes Wi-Fi, linens, coffee, and rooftop access. Towels, laundry, and bike hire are small extras; breakfast isn’t provided, but bakeries on the street open early and cheap.
Final Verdict
8.5 / 10. Seoul Forest Stay nails the sweet spot for creative backpackers: quiet bunks to recharge, social nooks to connect, and a location that mixes park calm with fast subway links.
Friend-making is effortless if you hang in the café lounge, though hardcore partiers might crave a louder scene. I’ll return for the forest walks and those super-comfy curtains.
Pro tip: Reserve a female dorm early—there’s only one, and café-loving solo travelers snap it up fast.
Backpacking Seoul? Here’s What You Need to Know
These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I’ve been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I’m passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!
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About the author: Nour De Wilde Salhab
A Lebanese-Congolese-French-Belgian girl as likely to be found climbing a volcano in Indonesia or reading a sci-fi book by the sea in the South of France. Always on the hunt for remarkable experiences. My two favorites so far: volunteering in emergency medical services in Lebanon and solo backpacking around the world. Life is enjoyable in all its facets, from its healthy extremes to its mundane slows.
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