🏨 Where to Stay in Korea (2025 Guide) – Best Hotels, Hostels & Areas from Seoul to Jeju

Top Hotels, Boutique Inns & Budget Hostels in Seoul, Busan, Jeju & Beyond

South Korea is a country of contrasts—ultramodern skylines next to ancient palaces, bustling markets, serene temples, and Insta-famous cafes. Whether you're exploring Seoul’s shopping streets, relaxing on Jeju’s beaches, or tracing history in Gyeongju, this guide has your stay covered.

Here’s an updated 2025 list of where to stay in Korea, categorized by city, price, and traveler type—with hotel tips, contact details, and a local touch.

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🏙️ SEOUL – The Heart of K-Culture

📍Best Areas to Stay in Seoul:

Area	Ideal For	Vibe
Myeongdong	First-time visitors, shopping	Central, busy, touristy
Hongdae	Youth, nightlife, cafes	Trendy, hipster, energetic
Insadong/Jongno	Culture, palaces, older charm	Traditional, central
Gangnam	Luxury, business, shopping	Sleek, modern
Itaewon	Expats, nightlife	International, diverse

🏨 Top Picks in Seoul

💎 Luxury:

Lotte Hotel Seoul (Myeongdong)
🌐 lottehotel.com
💡 Great views, direct Lotte Department Store access

Andaz Seoul Gangnam
🌐 hyatt.com
💡 Stylish, high-end hotel with spa and bar in trendy Gangnam

🧳 Midrange:

Nine Tree Hotel (Myeongdong)
🌐 ninetreehotel.com
💡 Affordable and close to shopping and metro

RYSE, Autograph Collection (Hongdae)
🌐 marriott.com
💡 Design-forward hotel in the heart of Hongdae's art scene

💸 Budget:

Zzzip Guesthouse (Hongdae)
🌐 zzzipguesthouse.com
💡 Cozy, great hosts, and walking distance to nightlife

Insadong Hostel
💡 Close to palaces, markets, and local eateries

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🌊 BUSAN – Beaches, Seafood, and Sea Views

📍Best Areas:

• Haeundae (beach life, luxury stays)
• Seomyeon (shopping, food, transit hub)
• Nampo-dong (markets, older vibe)

🏨 Recommended Stays:

Park Hyatt Busan (Luxury – Haeundae)
🌐 hyatt.com
💡 Stunning marina views, perfect for a romantic escape

Hotel Foret Premier Nampo (Midrange)
💡 Steps from Jagalchi Fish Market & Gukje Market

Inside Busan Hostel (Budget)
💡 Great for solo travelers or backpackers

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🌴 JEJU ISLAND – Nature, Volcanoes, and Waterfalls

📍Where to Stay:

• Jeju City – Near the airport, markets
• Seogwipo – Near waterfalls, nature spots
• Jungmun – Resorts and beaches

🏨 Best Picks:

The Shilla Jeju (Luxury – Jungmun)
🌐 shilla.net
💡 Perfect for honeymooners or luxury retreats

Hotel Whistle Lark (Midrange – Jeju City)
💡 Near Dongmun Market with ocean views

Slow Citi Guesthouse (Budget – Seogwipo)
💡 Clean, social, great for hikers and travelers

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🏯 GYEONGJU – The "Museum Without Walls"

🏨 Stay Options:

Hilton Gyeongju
💡 Near historical sites and the Bomun Lake resort area

Nol Guesthouse
💡 Friendly, traditional hanok-style budget guesthouse

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🏔️ OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH STAYS

• Andong – Stay in a hanok (traditional house) at Hahoe Folk Village
• Gangneung – For surf spots and cafes near the east coast
• Pyeongchang – Ski resorts like Yongpyong or Alpensia in winter

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✨ Travel Tips

🧭 Transportation:

• T-money card: For buses/trains
• KTX: Use the high-speed train to travel between cities (Seoul–Busan in ~2.5 hrs)

📅 Best Time to Visit:

• Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms
• Autumn (Sept–Nov): Red maple leaves and festivals

📲 Book Ahead For:

• Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) and Seollal (Lunar New Year)
• Peak seasons in Jeju or during cherry blossom festivals

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📣 🇰🇷 Whether you're hiking Hallasan, shopping in Myeongdong, or stargazing in Gyeongju—there’s a perfect stay waiting for you in Korea!

💬 Stayed somewhere amazing? Share it or tag @LakwatserangLigaw with #StayInKorea2025 and get featured in our next post!