Seoul is the spectacular capital city of South Korea. Although it isn’t as popular among backpackers from the West as some Asian cities, it won’t let down anybody who takes the time to come here. Aside from its ultra-modern vibe, the city is rich in culture, hospitality, and energy.
By Lizzy
Most of the city’s hostels are found in Hongdae, and it has some of the best nightlife spots in Seoul. Also, it is a fun area to base yourself, but some parts can get a bit loud at night, so prepare your earplugs or other sleep tools.
Top 4 Hostels in Seoul:
- 1. Hongdae Lazy Fox Hostel
- 2. LEE & NO Guesthouse & Hostel
- 3. Comeinn Guesthouse Hongdae
- 4. Seoul I Guesthouse
The 4 Best Party Hostels in Seoul
Hongdae Lazy Fox Hostel
Price: $18.75 to $23.44
Hongdae Lazy Fox Hostel is a fun and unique place to stay in Seoul. It’s the perfect place to socialize with other travelers because there are a very social atmosphere and a diverse crowd of guests. The hostel is also located conveniently in Hongdae, which is a great area with an exciting ambiance. There is a lot of shopping close by and several eclectic stores that sell anything that you can imagine. Also, the hostel is very close to Hapjeong Station, and it’s just a short walk to cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants.
The hostel also offers both dorm rooms and private rooms. Private rooms also differ in size and include singles, twins, doubles, triples, and quads. Dorm rooms have six beds, and you can choose between single-sex (male only or female only) and mixed. Read more..
- Very social atmosphere
- Great location
- Lots of room options
LEE & NO Guesthouse & Hostel
Price: $178.78 to $282.34
If you’re want to stay in a peaceful and pleasant, then LEE & NO Guesthouse & Hostel is one of the best options. They also have a comfortable atmosphere that accommodates solo travelers as well as families or groups. The staff is also very friendly and welcoming, and the homey breakfast that is served each morning is the perfect opportunity to meet other guests. The breakfast includes freshly baked bread, fruits, and light snacks.
Also, there are small dorms and private rooms available, so you’ll have no trouble choosing a room according to your budget.
The staff makes your stay at this hostel very pleasant as they’re friendly and outgoing. Also, most of them speak excellent English. They’ll let you know about the best places to go, the city’s culture, or just make small talk. So, you’ll quickly feel like you’re at home and have a family in Seoul. Read more..
- Fun atmosphere
- Friendly staff
- Free breakfast
Comeinn Guesthouse Hongdae
Price: $12.34 to $38.58
Come Inn Guesthouse is a fun and welcoming place to stay in Hongdae. It’s also easy to reach many interesting places on walking, and the area is full of shops, restaurants, clubs, and bars. Also, the nightlife scene in the area is great, so there is no shortage of things that you can do. But it can get a bit loud at night sometimes, so bringing earplugs are a good idea.
The hostel’s rooms are spotless and comfortable, and the hostel offers plenty of space where you can relax in peace. There is also a variety of room types available, including dorms that can accommodate four to eight people and private rooms that range from singles to triples.
Also, the staff is accommodating and friendly, and they always try to maintain the hostel’s fun and social vibe. If you’re traveling alone, they’ll even make sure you enjoy the city.
- Great location
- Fun atmosphere
- Friendly staff
Seoul I Guesthouse
Price: $15.06 to $16.94
Seoul I Guesthouse is located about a two-minute walk from Hongik University Station in the Hongdae area of the city. The accessibility to the subway means you can easily reach most of the city’s best tourist attractions. The hostel also has a lot of events, restaurants, and shops in the surrounding area. The hostel is embellished with traditional Korean design. They also offer the usual amenities, including free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and a massive selection of movies. Also, there’s a full kitchen available to all guests as well as a laundry room. The hostel also has a pleasant common area and a rooftop where you can chill out and socialize with other guests.
The hostel has a total of eleven rooms and eight bathrooms, and there are private rooms and small dorms. So, they can accommodate a lot of people and cover all budget types. It is a beautiful place to be in the center of Seoul’s nightlife scene. Also, you’re sure to meet other people and make new friends during your stay here. The staff also offers a variety of travel information and can arrange tours, ticket purchases, or any other types of travel arrangements.
- Accessible to public transportation
- Great amenities
- Lots of room options
How is Seoul’s Nightlife?
As the sun falls asleep, the capital city of South Korea, Seoul, comes to life. The city becomes altogether different from what it is in the day time. For a fact, Seoul is reckoned to be one of the best nightlife destinations in the world, and it has a range of Seoul nightlife activities. Whether locals or foreigners, no one is a stranger to the nightlife scene of Seoul; after all, the city is dotted with some internationally-renowned Korean night clubs, all-night cafes, amazing markets, street food stalls, and much more. Not just this, the city also has several fantastic shopping districts where you can spend an entire night without even getting bored.
One of the reasons for that is these shopping districts have lately converted into cultural hubs where you can expect to be a part of fashion shows, live concerts, and dance performances.
The Best Bars and Clubs in Seoul
1. Octagon
Virtually the Zouk of Korea, Octagon is considered as the best club in the city and ranked as one of the top 5 in the world. No Seoul clubbing experience will be complete without trying to party here, and if you had to pick one club to visit, this is easily it.
Throw any plans to club leave immediately because this club has got two stories, 3 bars, private mezzanine VIP bunkers, and even a swimming pool to explore all through the night.
As proof of its popularity among foreigners and locals alike, the queues here can get pretty long, so make sure to head down a little earlier to account for queue time.
2. Arena
The Arena is known for its vibrant and luxurious dance parties. With a penchant for having professional models and dancers inside as well as a strict dress code, Arena has a reputation for attractive, well-dressed partygoers.
The club also has a unique aesthetic, and it is one of Seoul’s best places for new EDM and progressive house tunes. VIP booths are available near the main stage for those on a no-expenses-spared night out. The club is open Friday to Saturday and is occasionally open on Sunday, depending on what events are lined up.
3. Once in a Blue Moon
If you love jazz music, then this is a must-visit if you are in Seoul. The bar spans three floors, each featuring a musical genre theme. Based on the design of the Blue Moon bars in the US, Once in a Blue Moon gives a more romantic and intimate setting where local musicians can unleash their creativity in front of an appreciative audience. They also serve French, Mexican, and local cuisine. Also, the food quality is high, and the service is second to none.
4. Korea Beer Exchange
If you’re a craft beer enthusiast who isn’t content with the usual Korean beers, this is the right place for you. They also have a wide array of beverages is readily available, both on tap and bottled, and the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about the drinks they serve. The atmosphere is inviting and warm, and there is a good selection of food to start. Although the Korean craft beer scene is small, it is growing, which makes this bar a unique gem.
5. WooBar
WooBar a very modern, sleek, and stylish outdoor lounge bar that is very popular among the younger crowd. Also, there is a live DJ each night, and you are spoiled for choice when it comes to the spirit and wine selection. Behind the bar is an interactive art installation, and the bar is also the longest in the country, stretching a full 18 meters. So, it’s a very cool place if you want your soul to be wooed, hence the name.
About Seoul
With more than 24 million people, a figure that significantly increases if you include surrounding suburbs and cities, Seoul is the largest city in the country and its uncontested economic, political, and cultural hub. By some measures, it is the fifth-largest urban agglomeration on the planet, after Delhi in India.
But the tourists who do visit won’t be disappointed. This sprawling metropolis is very expansive – though the casual traveler can see almost all of the main attractions in a few days. So, you can spend months exploring all the city’s nooks and crannies and adjoining neighborhoods. As the center of a country that has experienced massive development in the past sixty years, Seoul is continuously changing at a breakneck pace, comparable only by the mainland Chinese cities. This frantic way of life can be seen everywhere – in Seoul’s state-of-the-art digital technology, in the massive number of commuters rushing to work every day in the world’s third most extensive subway system, in one of the world’s most vibrant nightlife scenes, and the countless skyscrapers and residential buildings still under construction.
But one may be forgiven for not knowing that Seoul harks back to the country’s dynastic past. It has been settled since as early as 18 BC, but the city was first declared as the capital back in the 14th century. The city was once named Hanseong, and it was the capital of the Joseon Dynasty that lasted until 1910 when Japan colonized the country. The dynasty built some of the most recognizable attractions in Seoul today, like the Five Grand Palaces and the Namdaemun. After the fall of Japan in 1945, the city was still the capital of South Korea, but it was renamed to its current name. It has also been occupied twice by the communist forces from North Korea during the Korean War. When the hostilities ended, the city was rebuilt extensively, and it emerged as one of the major metropolises in Asia. A lot of the city’s infrastructure and facilities, including the stadiums, public transportation systems, and airports are ultra-modern and very clean.
Lizzy
Traveler & Blogger
Hi, I’m Lizzy! In the past 10 years I’ve travelled 60 countries and I’m still counting. While I was backpacking I could not find a website that provides valuable information about hostels. After months of thinking, doubting and brainstorming, hostelstobook.com was born.
I hope to make your trip easier, so you’d only stay in the best hostels around the globe. Do you have any questions? Don’t hesitate to send me a message.
Related Questions
Seoul is a very massive city, and it has things in nearly every price range available. It’s a lot more affordable than Tokyo, but it more pricey than most of the major cities in China. Also, bargains can be found in the hostels and hotels in the city, and extreme luxury is also available.
North Korea and South Korea are officially still at war. Despite this, more than 15 million people went to South Korea in 2018, and it is still among the safest tourist destinations in the world.
Many South Koreans can speak and understand English, as almost all those under 40 years old have been taught the language at school.
Incheon International (ICN) airport is about 49 km away from Seoul. To complete this trip, you can take a taxi, which will take about 60 minutes, the Limousine City Bus, which takes approximately 70 minutes or the Express Train or All Stop train, which takes around 51 and 60 minutes, respectively.
Seoul is a safe city to visit. The city’s crime rates are much lower than in US cities and almost on par with most European ones. It mostly means that, for tourists and anyone else, it is perfectly safe to walk around at night. Thinking of exploring some more? Visit nearby cities like Shanghai and Hongkong.