Seoul Hotels 2026: 49 Real Stays From £32

Our top Seoul hotel pick for 2026 is Westin Josun Seoul Hotel for its historic central location — but the real story for UK travellers is at the other end of the price list, where best hotels in Seoul for every budget means real, bookable rooms from £32 a night near the subway. With budgets squeezed, we've built this guide around all three price bands: 10 luxury five-stars, 10 mid-range business hotels, and 29 budget stays we pulled straight from live availability — 49 hotels in all, each linking to its own live prices, taxes included, no markups and no booking fees.

Seoul rewards budget travellers more than almost any big city, because the subway is so fast and cheap (about £0.80 a ride on a T-money card) that a £35 room three stops out costs half the price of a central one and adds only ten minutes to your day. Cherry blossom peaks in early-to-mid April and autumn foliage in late October–November — both gorgeous and both pricey — while midweek winter has the cheapest rates of the year. Korea's official tourism site is a good place to plan the rest of your trip.

Jump to your budget: Luxury · Mid-range · Cheap hotels under £100 · FAQs

Scout's 3 best budget picks right now: 🛏 Noblesse Tourist Hotel — from ~£32, the cheapest real room in this guide, a simple 3-star business hotel. 🎒 Naru Hostel — from ~£33, a clean, well-reviewed hostel for solo travellers. 🏙 The garden hotel — from ~£74, a 3-star with nearly 3,000 reviews and a subway on the doorstep. From-prices are live midweek rates pulled while writing — tap any hotel for today's price on your dates.

Seoul sits on the Han River in the northwest of South Korea, ringed by mountains and served by two airports — Incheon International (ICN), the main long-haul gateway about 43 minutes out on the AREX express train, and Gimpo (GMP) closer in for regional flights. The headline draws all sit within a subway ride of every hotel here: the grand palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung), the shopping-and-street-food buzz of Myeongdong, the nightlife of Hongdae, the international bars of Itaewon, and the modern towers of Gangnam south of the river. UK visitors should check the latest South Korea entry requirements before booking. Compare live Seoul hotel prices or search UK flights to Seoul Incheon (ICN).

Luxury Hotels in Seoul

Seoul's five-star tier is unusually deep — historic grande dames, sleek modern flagships and design hotels, most within a subway ride of the palaces and Myeongdong. Live midweek rates pulled while writing — tap any hotel for your dates.

1. Westin Josun Seoul Hotel — Seoul · 5★ · 2,213 reviews · from ~£389/night. One of Korea's most storied hotels, set on a central plot beside the historic Hwangudan altar, a short walk from Myeongdong and City Hall. Recently renovated rooms and a strong spa make it the polished central choice for a first luxury stay, with two subway lines within a few minutes.

2. Lotte Hotel World — Seoul · 5★ · 1,896 reviews · from ~£255/night. Attached to the vast Lotte World complex in Jamsil, with the indoor theme park, aquarium and mall on the doorstep — the family-friendly five-star, and one of the better-value luxury rates on this list. The Jamsil subway hub connects fast to Gangnam and across the river.

3. Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels & Residences — Seoul · 5★ · 1,716 reviews · from ~£186/night. In the Dongdaemun design-and-shopping district, famous for its all-night markets and the swooping DDP plaza. The lowest luxury rate here, with a rooftop bar and pool, and it suits travellers who want the round-the-clock shopping scene at their door.

4. Mondrian Seoul Itaewon — Seoul · 5★ · 1,557 reviews · from ~£269/night. A design-led lifestyle hotel in the heart of Itaewon's nightlife and international dining, with a buzzy rooftop and a fashionable crowd. The couples-and-scene pick rather than the classic-luxury one, walkable to the district's bars and a short subway hop to the centre.

5. Grand Hyatt Seoul — Seoul · 5★ · 1,543 reviews · from ~£343/night. Perched on the wooded Namsan hillside above Itaewon, with some of the best skyline views in the city and a large outdoor pool that becomes a winter ice rink. A resort-like feel a few minutes from the centre, favoured by those who want space and a view over a busy street address.

6. The Ambassador Seoul - A Pullman Hotel — Seoul · 5★ · 1,272 reviews · from ~£205/night. A long-established central hotel near Dongdaemun and the Jangchungdan park, offering five-star service at one of the friendlier luxury rates. Reliable, well-located and well-reviewed, it suits travellers who want the full-service tier without the flagship price.

7. Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residences — Seoul · 5★ · 1,219 reviews · from ~£215/night. A French-luxury tower by Seokchon Lake in Jamsil, with skyline-and-lake views and serviced residences for longer stays. Close to Lotte World and the Jamsil sports complex, it's a strong choice for families or anyone wanting apartment-style space south of the river.

8. Four Seasons Hotel Seoul — Seoul · 5★ · 1,202 reviews · from ~£507/night. The modern luxury flagship downtown in Gwanghwamun, steps from Gyeongbokgung Palace and the business district, with a lauded spa, pool and a clutch of destination restaurants and bars. The most expensive hotel on this list and the definitive splurge for a central Seoul stay.

9. The Shilla Seoul — Seoul · 5★ · 1,173 reviews · from ~£304/night. The grande-dame favourite, set in its own gardens on the edge of Namsan with a renowned outdoor pool and duty-free complex. A perennial choice for repeat visitors and dignitaries, it trades street-corner convenience for calm, greenery and old-school five-star polish.

10. Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas by IHG — Seoul · 5★ · 1,061 reviews · from ~£355/night. Connected to the COEX convention-and-mall complex in Gangnam, the business-luxury pick south of the river, with direct access to the aquarium, shopping and the Bongeunsa temple opposite. Ideal for conference trips and upscale Gangnam shopping.

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Mid-Range Hotels in Seoul

Seoul's mid-range is dominated by well-run 4-star business and lifestyle hotels, heavily reviewed and nearly all on a central subway line. Live midweek rates pulled while writing — tap any hotel for your dates.

11. LOTTE CITY HOTEL Myeongdong — Seoul · 4★ · 8,024 reviews · from ~£184/night. Right in the heart of Myeongdong's shopping and street-food streets, this is the mid-range workhorse with a huge review count to back it up. Central, reliable and walkable to Namdaemun market and Namsan Tower, it's the safe first-trip pick if you want to be in the thick of it.

12. L7 HONGDAE by LOTTE HOTELS — Seoul · 4★ · 5,771 reviews · from ~£223/night. LOTTE's stylish lifestyle brand dropped into the middle of Hongdae's nightlife, with a rooftop bar and easy AREX airport-rail access. The design-conscious choice for younger travellers who want the bars, cafés and clubs at their door and a quick train to Incheon.

13. Hotel Gracery Seoul — Seoul · 4★ · 5,768 reviews · from ~£152/night. A well-priced Japanese-run 4-star in central Myeongdong/Euljiro, one of the better mid-range values on this list. Compact but comfortable rooms, a strong location for shopping and eating, and enough reviews to book with confidence.

14. Orakai Insadong Suites — Seoul · 4★ · 5,257 reviews · from ~£142/night. Apartment-style suites in Insadong, next to the traditional teahouses, galleries and craft shops, and walkable to Gyeongbokgung Palace. The kitchenette layout and the low rate make it a smart pick for families and longer stays near the historic core.

15. L7 MYEONGDONG by LOTTE HOTELS — Seoul · 4★ · 4,460 reviews · from ~£258/night. The Myeongdong sibling of the L7 lifestyle brand, with a rooftop bar overlooking Namsan Tower and a prime shopping-street location. A more design-forward, slightly pricier alternative to the LOTTE CITY hotel a few streets over.

16. Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Station — Seoul · 4★ · 4,202 reviews · from ~£204/night. Right by Seoul Station, so it doubles as an airport-rail and KTX base — ideal for first-and-last nights or an early train to Busan. Modern Marriott-standard rooms and a rooftop pool, in a transit-hub location rather than a strolling one.

17. ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun — Seoul · 4★ · 4,113 reviews · from ~£213/night. Suite-style rooms near Namdaemun market and Seoul Station, bridging the gap between Myeongdong shopping and easy transit. The extra space and central-but-quieter setting suit couples and small families who want room to spread out.

18. Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong — Seoul · 4★ · 3,928 reviews · from ~£217/night. Part of the reliable Skypark chain, planted in central Myeongdong with the shopping and street food on the doorstep. Functional, well-reviewed rooms in an unbeatable walking location, a solid mid-range default.

19. Fraser Place Central Seoul — Seoul · 4★ · 3,917 reviews · from ~£199/night. Serviced apartments in the central Jongno/Euljiro area, with kitchens, a pool and gym — the pick for families and longer stays who want to self-cater near the palaces. Apartment space at a mid-range price in a genuinely central spot.

20. Nine Tree by Parnas Seoul Myeongdong 2 — Seoul · 4★ · 3,813 reviews · from ~£205/night. A modern business hotel from the Parnas group in the Myeongdong/Euljiro area, close to the shopping and the subway. Clean, contemporary rooms and a dependable central location round out the mid-range field.

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Cheap Hotels in Seoul Under £100 — 29 Real Options

This is the main event: 29 real, bookable budget hotels, hostels and business stays from £32 a night, mostly a short walk from a subway station. Rooms can be compact and the cheapest sit a few stops out, but Seoul's subway makes that a non-issue. Live midweek rates pulled while writing — tap any hotel for your dates.

21. Noblesse Tourist Hotel — Seoul · 3★ · 52 reviews · from ~£32/night. The cheapest real room in this guide — a simple 3-star business hotel with clean, functional rooms near a subway line. No frills, but at this price it's how budget travellers get a private room in Seoul.

22. Naru Hostel — Seoul · 2★ · 48 reviews · from ~£33/night. A well-reviewed budget hostel for solo travellers and backpackers, with dorms and cheap private rooms near a metro stop. The social, ultra-cheap base if you're happy sharing.

23. E Residence — Seoul · 3★ · 128 reviews · from ~£35/night. A residence-style budget hotel with compact self-catering rooms, handy for longer stays on a tight budget. Well-reviewed for the price, near a subway line into the centre.

24. 31 Page — Seoul · 2★ · 33 reviews · from ~£39/night. A small, design-minded budget guesthouse for solo travellers and couples who want character over amenities. Cheap, central-ish and close to the subway.

25. ZIP Hotel — Seoul · 3★ · 178 reviews · from ~£48/night. A tidy 3-star business hotel at a very low rate, with the compact modern rooms Korean budget travellers rely on. A reliable sub-£50 pick near a metro station.

26. Karak Tourist Hotel — Seoul · 3★ · 79 reviews · from ~£52/night. A budget business hotel in the Songpa/Karak area in the southeast, near the market and a subway line to Jamsil and Gangnam. Good value if you're based south of the river.

27. Harmony Hotel — Seoul · 2★ · 264 reviews · from ~£53/night. A small, well-reviewed budget hotel with simple rooms and a friendly reputation for the price. A dependable low-cost base close to the metro.

28. Princess Hotel — Seoul · 2★ · 173 reviews · from ~£57/night. A compact budget hotel with straightforward rooms near a subway stop, suiting travellers who want a private room over a hostel bed without paying mid-range prices.

29. Hotel RU136 — Seoul · 2★ · 181 reviews · from ~£61/night. A modern budget hotel with the neat, efficient rooms typical of Korea's business-hotel scene, well-reviewed for cleanliness at the price. Near a metro line into the centre.

30. Hotel Bay 204 Dobong — Seoul · 3★ · 51 reviews · from ~£61/night. A budget hotel out in Dobong in the north, near the subway and the Bukhansan mountain trails. The pick if you want a cheap base with easy access to the hiking on the city edge.

31. Amourex Hotel — Seoul · 3★ · 31 reviews · from ~£64/night. A small 3-star budget hotel with compact private rooms near a metro line. A quiet, low-cost option for couples and solo travellers who just need a clean base.

32. Hotel ParkHabio — Seoul · 3★ · 315 reviews · from ~£65/night. A well-reviewed 3-star business hotel with a solid review count for the budget tier, offering neat modern rooms near the subway. A dependable mid-budget choice.

33. Cullinan Hotel and Spa — Seoul · 3★ · 47 reviews · from ~£66/night. A budget hotel with spa facilities, offering a bit more than the bare-bones rooms at this price. Near a subway line, suiting couples who want a low rate with a touch of comfort.

34. MJ Stay 2 — Seoul · 2★ · 469 reviews · from ~£67/night. A budget guesthouse-style stay with a strong review count for its tier, offering simple rooms near the metro. Well-liked by budget travellers for the price and location.

35. Hotel Pharos — Seoul · 3★ · 411 reviews · from ~£67/night. A well-reviewed 3-star business hotel with tidy modern rooms near a central subway line. A reliable, low-cost base with enough reviews to book confidently.

36. Calistar Hotel — Seoul · 2★ · 432 reviews · from ~£68/night. A budget hotel with a good review count and simple, clean rooms near the metro. A dependable sub-£70 pick for travellers who want private space over a hostel.

37. Youngbin Hotel — Seoul · 2★ · 404 reviews · from ~£70/night. A long-running budget hotel with hundreds of reviews, offering functional rooms at a fair price near a subway stop. A proven low-cost choice.

38. MD Hotel Doksan — Seoul · 4★ · 1,708 reviews · from ~£72/night. A rare 4-star at a budget price, with over 1,700 reviews, in the Doksan/Geumcheon area in the southwest near the subway. The best-value pick for families who want business-hotel comfort without the mid-range rate.

39. The garden hotel — Seoul · 3★ · 2,964 reviews · from ~£74/night. The most-reviewed hotel in the budget tier by a wide margin, a proven 3-star business hotel with a subway station on the doorstep. If you want a safe, well-run cheap hotel, start here.

40. Hotel M Felice — Seoul · 3★ · 115 reviews · from ~£77/night. A small 3-star budget hotel with neat modern rooms near a metro line. A comfortable low-cost option for couples and solo travellers.

41. Kobos Hotel — Seoul · 2★ · 206 reviews · from ~£80/night. A budget hotel with simple, well-kept rooms and a decent review count, near a subway stop. Straightforward value for travellers who prioritise location and price.

42. SR Hotel Sadang — Seoul · 3★ · 322 reviews · from ~£80/night. A budget business hotel at the Sadang transport hub, where two subway lines meet and buses run south out of the city — a strong pick if you want fast connections and day-trips. Well-reviewed compact rooms.

43. Tria Hotel — Seoul · 3★ · 149 reviews · from ~£81/night. A tidy 3-star budget hotel with modern rooms near a metro line into the centre. A reliable, no-surprises base at the upper end of the budget band.

44. Sangju Hotel Seoul — Seoul · 3★ · 112 reviews · from ~£82/night. A 3-star budget business hotel with clean, functional rooms near the subway. A dependable choice for travellers wanting a private room close to a fast line.

45. Rosana Hotel — Seoul · 3★ · 112 reviews · from ~£88/night. A comfortable 3-star budget hotel with neat rooms near a metro stop, suiting couples and solo travellers who want a step up from the cheapest tier.

46. Hamilton Hotel — Seoul · 3★ · 2,094 reviews · from ~£89/night. A long-running institution in the heart of Itaewon, with over 2,000 reviews and a rooftop pool — the best-known budget-to-mid hotel in the nightlife-and-international-dining district. Central to Itaewon's bars and a short subway hop to the sights.

47. Hotel Grammos — Seoul · 3★ · 115 reviews · from ~£92/night. A 3-star budget hotel with modern, well-kept rooms near a subway line. A solid upper-budget option for travellers who want reliability near transit.

48. Snow hotel — Seoul · 3★ · 79 reviews · from ~£92/night. A 3-star budget hotel with simple, comfortable rooms near a metro stop. A quiet, low-cost base at the top of the budget band.

49. Mnlucky Hotel — Seoul · 3★ · 270 reviews · from ~£92/night. A well-reviewed 3-star budget hotel rounding out the tier, with neat modern rooms near a subway line. A dependable pick at just under £100 a night.

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Explore more of South Korea

Planning a wider Korea trip? The KTX high-speed rail links Seoul to the rest of the country in a few hours — here are our budget-first hotel guides for the other cities on the route:

• Best Hotels in Busan for Every Budget — beaches, seafood and Gamcheon village on the south coast.
• Best Hotels in Jeju for Every Budget — the volcanic holiday island, Hallasan and the resorts.
• Best Hotels in Gyeongju for Every Budget — the Silla-dynasty UNESCO "museum without walls".
• Best Hotels in Jeonju for Every Budget — the Hanok Village and Korea's bibimbap food capital.
• Best Hotels in Gangneung for Every Budget — east-coast beaches, coffee street and the 2018 Olympic host town.

Seoul Hotels FAQs