The 5 Best Budget Hotels in Hongdae, Seoul, Korea
Hongdae is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Seoul, known for its creative youth culture, indie cafés, street performances, and lively nightlife. For travelers who want to experience this energetic side of Seoul without overspending, Hongdae offers some of the best budget hotels in Seoul.
Here’s a carefully curated list of the 5 best budget hotels in Hongdae, each offering comfort, convenience, and value for money.
And, just like every part of Seoul and Korea, 'budget hotels' will be perfectly safe and clean, so rest assured!
1. Aank Hotel Hongdae (아늑호텔 홍대지점)
Price: $70 – $110
Why we recommend it:
- 4–6 minutes on foot to Hongik Univ. Station - right in the middle of Hongdae’s nightlife, cafés, and shops
- Compact but cleverly designed rooms with modern layouts
- Aank Hotel is a relatively new brand that focuses on providing a unique experience for guests at a reasonable price
Pros:
- Excellent walkability to Hongdae Street
- Easy access to AREX/subway lines
- Great value for a private ensuite room
Cons:
- Rooms are small
- Cleanliness varies slightly by room
- Some guests found the mattresses too soft (but some people prefer this)
Review of past customers:
- ⭐ 5-star: “Great location near Hongdae Station… very convenient.”
- ❗ Lowest rated: “Room is compact and not very clean; hair on bed.”
How to get there:
- Subway: Line 2 (Green Line) → Get off at Hongik Univ. Station (Exit 1) → Walk 5 minutes
- From Airport (ICN): Take AREX (All-stop train) → Get off at Hongik Univ. Station → Walk
Book your room now:
2. DW Stay Hongdae
Price: $60 – $90
Why we recommend it:
- Affordable, clean, and simple rooms near the center of Hongdae
- Great reviews for value-for-money and helpful service
Pros:
- Budget-friendly rates
- Walking distance to cafés, bars, and street food (save your precious money on taxi)
- Friendly and responsive owner
Cons:
- No elevator (stairs only, but we can all use the exercise)
- Some guests said the location was a bit tricky to find initially
- Basic facilities
Review of past customers:
- ⭐ 5-star: “Friendly, welcoming staff… excellent value for money.”
- ❗ Lowest rated: “Hard to find and no lift.”
How to get there:
- Subway: Line 2 (Green Line) → Get off at Hongik Univ. Station → Walk 10–12 minutes
- From Airport (ICN): Take AREX → Hongik Univ. Station → Walk
Book your room now:
3. iHouse ChinChin (아이하우스 친친)
Price: $55 – $85
Why we recommend it:
- Guesthouse-style stay in Yeonnam-dong, a quieter part of Hongdae (definitely for people who want to get away from the party scene at night)
- Rooftop terrace and cozy communal areas
- Family/triple room options at a great value for single travelers
Pros:
- Calm neighborhood, but still walkable to Hongdae
- Good cleanliness ratings
- Affordable private and shared rooms
Cons:
- Limited facilities
- Rooms can be small
- About 10–15 minutes from the main Hongdae strip
Review of past customers:
- ⭐ 5-star: “Room was spotless… quiet location to unwind.”
- ❗ Lowest rated: “Bunk bed and bathroom were inconvenient.”
How to get there:
- Subway: Take Line 2 (Green Line) → Hongik Univ. Station (Exit 3) → Walk 10–15 minutes
- From Airport (ICN): Take AREX → Hongik Univ. Station → Walk or short taxi
Book your room now:
4. Neat House Hongdae
Price: $60 – $100
Why we recommend it:
- Clean, modern rooms in a convenient location near both Hongdae and Hapjeong
- Great transport access and nearby airport bus stops
- For foreigners only, making it easier to mingle with other travelers
Pros:
- Near both subway Line 2 and AREX routes
- Good pre-arrival communication from host
- Practical for quick city stays
Cons:
- Some semi-basement rooms are small
- Occasional noise or hot-water inconsistency
- Limited on-site amenities
Review of past customers:
- ⭐ 5-star: “Location is very good… airport bus to Incheon was useful.”
- ❗ Lowest rated: “Room is small and not well cleaned.”
How to get there:
- Subway: Take AREX/Line 2 (Green Line)→ Hongik Univ. Station or Hapjeong Station → Walk 8–10 minutes
- From Airport (ICN): Take AREX → Hongik Univ. Station → Walk
Book your room now:
5. Petercat Hotel Sinchon Hongdae
Price: $50 – $80
Why we recommend it:
- Conveniently located between Sinchon and Hongdae, near Sogang Univ. Station (~200 m)
- Perfect for travelers wanting an affordable private hotel room close to both nightlife and public transport
Pros:
- Very affordable private rooms
- Great neighborhood for cafés and shopping
- Excellent subway access (Line 2 + Gyeongui-Jungang)
Cons:
- Older property
- Mixed cleanliness reviews
- Rooms are compact
Review of past customers:
- ⭐ 5-star: “Great location with cafés and restaurants nearby… great price.”
- ❗ Lowest rated: “Hotel was not clean; wouldn’t stay again.”
How to get there:
- Subway: From Line 2 (Green) transfer to Gyeongui-Jungang Line → Sogang Univ. Station → Walk 3 minutes
- From Airport (ICN): Take AREX → Transfer at Hongik Univ. Station → 1 stop to Sogang Univ. → Walk
Book your room now:
Although Hongdae is known as the 'nightlife central' district, it's not all this place has to offer. You can easily venture out to the most major historical places in Seoul, and visit a few of the most well-known traditional markets, and even nature by visiting Yeouido or Hangang (River) parks nearby.
I would recommend staying in one of these places if you are a budget-conscious traveler and want the convenience of being in the center of Seoul.
* Note: Photos of hotels in this article are from Klook.com
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