“10 Tips for Booking Cheap Hotels in Korea”
With international hotel chains costing upwards of ₩250,000 a night in South Korea, budget-conscious travelers should aim for small local lodgings instead. In Seoul, cute boutique options abound. Outside major centers, though, these can be hard to find, so consider a minbak or pension, which are usually ondol-style rooms equipped with underfloor heating and often sleeping mats rather than beds. This article will provide you with 10 tips for booking cheap hotels in Korea, ensuring you can enjoy your trip without breaking the bank.
Key Takeaways
- Consider staying in a Minbak or Pension for a traditional and affordable experience.
- Boutique hotels in Seoul offer charming and budget-friendly accommodations.
- Hostels and guesthouses provide economical options for solo travelers and groups.
- Use booking platforms like Agoda and Hotwire to find the best deals.
- Take advantage of Korea’s efficient public transport to explore different areas without spending a fortune on accommodation.
1. Minbak
Minbak are traditional Korean guesthouses, often run by local families. They offer a unique and authentic experience that you won’t find in typical hotels. Staying in a minbak is a great way to immerse yourself in Korean culture and enjoy the local hospitality.
Key Features
- Affordable: Minbaks are generally cheaper than hotels, making them a great option for budget travelers.
- Cultural Experience: You’ll get to experience traditional Korean living, often in a hanok (traditional Korean house).
- Local Interaction: Since these are family-run, you’ll have the chance to interact with locals and maybe even enjoy some home-cooked meals.
Tips for Booking
- Research: Look for minbaks in areas you want to explore. For example, Bukchon Hanok Village is a popular spot with many minbaks.
- Read Reviews: Make sure to read reviews to find the best options. Sites like Agoda and Hotwire can be helpful.
- Book Early: Minbaks can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons.
If you want to explore Bukchon Hanok Village, staying in a minbak can give you early access to the area before it gets crowded.
Nearby Amenities
- Convenience Stores: Many minbaks are located near convenience stores, making it easy to grab snacks and essentials.
- Public Transport: Most minbaks are within walking distance of public transport, making it easy to get around.
Staying in a minbak is not just about finding a place to sleep; it’s about experiencing Korea in a way that few tourists do. So, if you’re looking for a unique and affordable accommodation option, consider booking a minbak for your stay in Korea.
2. Pension
Pensions in Korea are a fantastic option for travelers looking for a cozy and affordable stay. These are family-run accommodations that offer a more personal touch compared to big hotels. They are perfect for those who want to experience local culture and hospitality.
One of the best things about pensions is that they often come with kitchen facilities, allowing you to cook your own meals. This can be a great way to save money, especially if you’re staying for an extended period. Plus, many pensions are located in scenic areas, giving you a beautiful backdrop for your stay.
- Personal Touch: Family-run and cozy
- Kitchen Facilities: Save money by cooking your own meals
- Scenic Locations: Often situated in beautiful areas
Staying in a pension can make your trip feel more like a home away from home, offering a unique and memorable experience.
When searching for the perfect pension, make sure to check out reviews and ratings. Websites like Agoda and Hotwire can be very helpful in finding the best options. For example, you might find a cheap hotel that appeals to you the most in Jeju, South Korea, with prices starting as low as $16 per night.
3. Boutique Hotels
Boutique hotels in Korea offer a unique and personalized experience that you won’t find in larger hotel chains. These hotels are often stylish, with a distinct charm that reflects the local culture and aesthetics. They are perfect for travelers looking for something different and memorable.
Some of the top boutique hotels in Seoul include:
- L’Escape Hotel in Myeongdong
- Hotel28 Myeongdong
- Tong Tong Petit Hotel
- Gangnamstay (Foreign Female Only)
- Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel in Itaewon
If you’re looking for a cozy and unique stay, boutique hotels are a fantastic option. They often provide a more intimate and personalized experience compared to larger hotel chains.
When booking a boutique hotel, consider the following tips:
- Book early: Boutique hotels have limited rooms, so it’s best to book well in advance.
- Check for deals: Look for special offers or packages that can save you money.
- Read reviews: Make sure to read reviews from other travelers to get an idea of what to expect.
- Location matters: Choose a hotel that is conveniently located near the attractions you want to visit.
In summary, boutique hotels in Korea provide a unique and memorable experience, making them an excellent choice for travelers seeking something special.
4. Hostel
Staying in a hostel is one of the best ways to save money while traveling in Korea. Hostels are budget-friendly and offer a great opportunity to meet fellow travelers. Prices for dormitory accommodations in Busan, South Korea, start from ₩15,000, making it an affordable option for backpackers and solo travelers.
Benefits of Staying in a Hostel
- Cost-effective: Hostels are generally cheaper than hotels and other types of accommodations.
- Social atmosphere: Hostels often have common areas where you can meet and interact with other travelers.
- Convenient locations: Many hostels are located in central areas, making it easy to explore the city.
Things to Consider
- Shared facilities: Be prepared to share bathrooms and kitchens with other guests.
- Noise levels: Hostels can be noisy, especially if they are popular with younger travelers.
- Security: Always use the lockers provided to keep your belongings safe.
If you’re looking for a dormitory in South Korea, Kimchee Bookings offers listings for dormitory accommodations in Busan, starting from ₩15,000. Options are available to suit different preferences and budgets.
5. Guesthouse
Guesthouses in Korea are a fantastic option for budget travelers. They offer a cozy and often more personal experience compared to larger hotels. One of the best parts about staying in a guesthouse is the opportunity to meet other travelers and share experiences. Many guesthouses are located in central areas, making it easy to explore the city.
- Best suited for: Couples, Solo Travel, Business
- Nearby convenience store: Paris Baguette is about 5 mins walk away, GS25 on the north side of Anguk Station.
- Room tips: Ask for a room with a view of Jogyesa Temple when booking.
- Other info: Rooms were modern and walls decorated with beautiful hanji (traditional Korean paper), which was a nice touch. Easy self check out at dedicated kiosks. Loved the free luggage lockers to store my suitcase before I was able to check in!
For example, a 4-bed room w/ shared bathroom at Kimchee Bookings in Busan offers cozy housing with friendly staff, amenities, and a central location. Plus, they have a free cancellation policy and a Google rating of 4.3.
6. Self-Catering Apartment
When looking for accommodation in Korea, consider staying in a self-catering apartment. This option provides flexibility and allows you to experience the local culture by preparing your own meals. Self-catering apartments are usually equipped with a kitchenette, dining area, and essential amenities for a comfortable stay. You can find self-catering apartments in various neighborhoods, offering a more personalized and homely experience during your trip. Additionally, staying in a self-catering apartment can be cost-effective for travelers looking to save money on dining out.
7. Agoda
Agoda is a fantastic platform for finding cheap hotels in Korea. I booked both on Agoda which was the cheapest at that point of time! The site offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget options to more luxurious stays. You can find everything from traditional guesthouses to modern hotels.
Tips for Using Agoda
- Check for Discounts: Agoda often has special promotions and discounts. Make sure to check their deals section regularly.
- Use Filters: Utilize the filters to narrow down your search. You can filter by price, location, and amenities.
- Read Reviews: Always read the reviews before booking. This will give you an idea of what to expect.
- Book Early: Prices can vary, so it’s a good idea to book early to get the best rates.
Agoda is especially useful for finding accommodations in popular areas like Seoul and Busan. For instance, the Kimchee Guesthouse Busan offers affordable and comfortable accommodations in downtown Busan. Private and shared rooms are available with friendly staff, amenities, and a convenient location.
Additional Features
- Price Match Guarantee: Agoda offers a price match guarantee, so if you find a cheaper rate elsewhere, they will match it.
- Agoda Points: Earn points with every booking that you can use for future discounts.
- Mobile App: The Agoda mobile app is user-friendly and makes booking on the go a breeze.
8. Hotwire
Hotwire is a fantastic option if you’re flexible about the exact hotel or location. You can save up to 60% off your hotel bookings with Hotwire’s Hot Rate, allowing you to get "4-star hotels at 2-star prices." However, keep in mind that you won’t know the exact hotel until after you pay, and the payment is non-refundable.
How Hotwire Works
Hotwire’s gimmick is that you can book a room at a deeply discounted rate, but the catch is you don’t find out which hotel you’ve booked until after you pay. This is because hotels don’t want people to know that their rooms are available on Hotwire; if they did, no one would ever pay full price.
Tips for Using Hotwire
- Use Hotwire if the exact hotel or location isn’t that important to you.
- Only use Hotwire if you’re not gambling-averse.
- If Hotwire shows the city as divided into different areas, do some research to figure out where you want to be. Is the local transportation good? Is it considered a safe area? If you know someone in the city you’re planning to visit, ask them.
- Double-check that you’ve entered your information correctly: the dates you want to stay, the number of rooms, and the number of guests.
Hotwire can be a great way to save on your next trip with these travel coupon deals, but it does come with some risks. Make sure you’re comfortable with the uncertainty before you book.
9. Street Food Stalls
For homey, satisfying eats, head to the traditional markets, where you can find heaping portions of noodles, soups, and fried snacks at reasonable prices from the restaurants and food stalls tucked inside. Budget travelers should keep an eye out for pojangmacha (tented dining areas), where you can order dishes like meat skewers, fish cake soup, and tteokbokki rice cakes (as well as soju and beer) while seated outside at a plastic table. Small mom-and-pop places also provide big bang for your buck, serving delicious and affordable meals.
Do as the locals do and grab a bite to eat at street food stalls at the market. Not only does the sprawling market offer clothes and accessories at an affordable price, it also has some of the most unique items, as it’s home to many of the best places to try street food in Seoul.
Dining at street food stalls and mom-and-pop restaurants will give the best bang for your buck.
10. Public Transport
When traveling around Korea, public transport is your best friend for saving money. The country’s extensive network of buses, subways, and trains makes it easy to get around without breaking the bank.
One of the best ways to save on transportation costs is by using a Tmoney transit card. Instead of purchasing single-journey subway tickets or using cash to board the bus, buy a Tmoney card for ₩4000 and load it up with money at any subway station or major convenience store, including 7-Eleven, CU, GS25, and Ministop. The Tmoney card reduces both subway fares (by ₩100) and bus fares (by varying amounts, depending on the type of bus) and also provides discounts on transfers within 30 minutes.
For longer distances, consider buying a Korail Pass for unlimited travel by train. If you don’t expect to ride the train more than a handful of times within a five-day period, it’s better to buy tickets a la carte. Look for the budget-friendly Mugunghwa trains. As the most sluggish class of trains, they’ll slow down your journey considerably (Seoul to Busan, for example, takes an extra three hours by Mugunghwa than by KTX), but they offer a chance to take in the stunning scenery out the window at a more leisurely pace.
Even more affordable than the Korail are the airport buses, which leave directly from the airport and go to many major cities across the country.
If you’re planning a longer stay, consider a monthly single private room with bathroom rental at KTX Busan Station. Cozy housing with friendly staff, amenities, and central location. Price: ₩900,000 per month.
Conclusion
Booking cheap hotels in Korea doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a bit of research and some savvy planning, you can find affordable and comfortable accommodations that suit your budget. From cozy minbaks and pensions to budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels, there are plenty of options to explore. Remember to leverage online booking platforms, take advantage of discounts, and consider staying in less touristy areas to save even more. Happy travels, and enjoy your stay in Korea without breaking the bank!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a minbak?
A minbak is a type of budget accommodation in South Korea, typically a family-run guesthouse offering basic amenities. It often features ondol-style rooms with underfloor heating and sleeping mats.
How much does a hostel room cost in South Korea?
A hostel room in South Korea typically costs between ₩20,000 and ₩40,000 per night.
What is the difference between a pension and a guesthouse?
A pension in South Korea is usually a self-catering apartment or house, often situated in scenic areas, while a guesthouse is a budget-friendly lodging option that may offer shared facilities and communal spaces.
Are boutique hotels expensive in Seoul?
Boutique hotels in Seoul can vary in price, but they are generally more affordable than international hotel chains, which can cost upwards of ₩250,000 per night.
How can I get discounts on hotel bookings in Korea?
You can get discounts on hotel bookings in Korea by using platforms like Agoda and Hotwire, which often offer lower prices and special deals.
Is public transport in South Korea expensive?
Public transport in South Korea is relatively affordable, with a single bus ride using a transportation card costing around ₩1200.
