Most of our readers who have never been to South Korea mistakenly think that Seoul is an expensive destination. And when we ask them why they make that assumption, many of them point to Seoul’s reputation as a futuristic metropolis and the glossiness of the K-pop culture. Some even bundle Seoul with the cities of its neighbor to the east, Japan, which are notorious for being way pricier than most Asian cities.

But the truth is, Seoul isn’t as expensive as most people think. And its being more affordable than many major Asian cities *cough* Singapore *cough* Tokyo *cough* is evident in the wide array of pocket-friendly lodging options. Travelers who value their privacy have a lot of budget hotels to choose from, and backpackers can pick from a rich selection of hostels!

Staying at a hostel in Seoul is an experience to remember on its own. Most foster a youthful atmosphere and have a quirky vibe. Here are ten of the best hostels in the South Korean capital as rated by online users (as of Feb 2017).

But before you proceed, make sure you have read the following:

• Where to Stay in Seoul
• Seoul Travel Guide

YE4 Guesthouse

Location: 8, Seongsan-ro 7an-gil, Seo-daemun, Seoul

Beds from: $22 (P1088) with breakfast

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Gateway Korea Guesthouse

Location: 2F, 50, Dongmak-Ro 3-Gil, Hongdae, Seoul

Double room from: $37 (P1827) with breakfast

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Brownie Guesthouse

Location: 24, Yanghwa-ro 23-gil, Mapo-gu 3rd Floor, Hongdae, Seoul

Beds from: $18 (P870)

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Hostel HARU

Location: 11F/12F 43-8, Gwancheol-dong, Jongro-gu, Myeong-dong, Seoul

Beds from: $29 (P1438)

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Dongdaemun EggHouse Hostel

Location: 305-3, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Gangbuk, Seoul

Beds from: $30 (P1479)

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Nabi Hostel Hongdae

Location: 177-1, Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Hongdae, Seoul

Twin/double room from: $70 (P3494) with breakfast

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Sam Stay Hongdae

Location: 16 floor, 21 Magellan 156-2, Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Hongdae, Seoul

Triple Room from: $86 (P4307)

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ZZZIP GUESTHOUSE in Hongdae

Location: 366-37, Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Hongdae, Seoul

Beds from: $19 (P931) with breakfast

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Plan A Hostel

Location: 138 Cheonggu-ro, Jung-gu, Dongdaemun, Seoul,

Beds from: $23 (P1109) with breakfast

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Blueboat Hostel Myeongdong

Location: 2F,24-13, Chung mu ro 3ga, Jung-gu, Myeong-dong, Seoul

Beds from: $19 (P950) with breakfast

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