Hanoks are traditional Korean houses which bear the marks of past, traditional Korean living. Staying in a hanok would be one of the best ways to fully immerse yourself into traditional Korean lifestyle and culture. And best of all, you will not have to pay an exorbitant price for this special experience.

Furthermore, most hanoks are situated within close proximity of prominent tourists attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace. They are also close to various train stations which makes travelling around Seoul a whole lot easier.

Here are 9 Hanok Stays In Seoul Under S$140 For A True Blue Korean Experience. Have a great time in Seoul!

Photo Credit: Bukchonmaru

#1 BUKCHONMARU HANOK GUESTHOUSE

As one of the top 10 hanok guesthouses in Korea, Bukchonmaru Hanok Guesthouse is a family guesthouse located in the heart of the Bukchon Hanok residential area in Seoul. This homely guesthouse also provides an authentic Korean breakfast — between 8.30am and 9am — made from traditional family recipes at no additional cost.

Bukchonmaru Hanok Guesthouse offers a Double Room with Shared Bathroom and Family Room with Private Bathroom that is suitable for persons travelling in pairs. The rate also entitles you to a free breakfast!

Bukchonmaru Hanok Guesthouse
152 Changdeokgung-gil
Gye-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 10 3253 8751
Nearest Station: Anguk

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#2 DAJAYON HANOK STAY

Travellers visiting Korea for a taste of authentic and delicious street food should consider a stay at Dajayon Hanok Stay, a hanok guesthouse that is just 700m from the renown Gwangjang Market, 600m from Chongga Kimchi World. Jongmyo Shrine is just 200m away from the guesthouse, too.

Three different accommodations await you at Dajayon Hanok Stay, such as the Deluxe Double Room with Shower and Double Room with Garden View that is good for two pax, and the Triple Room with Bathroom which can accommodate three people.

Dajayon Hanok Stay
81-3 Yulgok-ro 10-gil
Gwonnong-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Jongno 3-ga

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#3 HANOK EUGENE GUEST HOUSE

Aside from offering you a place to stay, Hanok Eugene Guest House brings your stay to the next level by offering kimchi-making lessons and Korean language classes! In addition, those travelling during winter would be glad to note that this guesthouse has heated flooring as well.

Hanok Eugene Guest House is situated just 500m from the beautiful Fortress Wall of Seoul and a 10-minute drive away from the popular Dongdaemun Market. Breakfast will be included during your stay.

There are also plenty of accommodation options at this guesthouse which will cater to travellers in different group sizes. For groups of two, opt for the Korean Style Double Room with Private Bathroom and even if you are a solo traveller, the Korean Style Single Room with Shared Bathroom will do the trick.

Hanok Eugene Guest House
36 Hyehwa-ro 12-gil
Hyehwa-dong, Jongno-Gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Hyehwa

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#4 HANOK 24 GUESTHOUSE GYEONGBOKGUNG

Located just a 5-minute walk away from Gyeongbokgung Subway Station, Hanok 24 Guesthouse Gyeongbokgung is an excellent choice if you are intending to rely primarily on Seoul’s subway train to explore the city. In lieu of its strategic location, the guesthouse is also situated a mere 600m away from the Gyeongbokgung Palace and 1.3km away from the iconic Bukchon Hanok Village.

For those travelling in twos, you can either choose to stay in the Double Room with Shared Bathroom or the Twin Room with Shared Bathroom. Both deals come with a good breakfast.

Hanok 24 Guesthouse Gyeongbokgung
27-3 Jahamun-ro 5ga-gil
Nuha-dong, Jongno-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Geyongbokgung

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#5 HANOK GUESTHOUSE SUNI

Although slightly out of the way from famous Korean markets and tourist attractions, Hanok Guesthouse Suni stands out for being located 400m away from Sungshin Women’s University and 1.3km away from Korea University. As such, you would imagine that food and drink options in the area would be relatively cheaper due to the large student population.

Hanok Guesthouse Suni
42 Bomun-ro 32-gil
Dongseongdong 2-ga, Seongbuk-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Te: +82 10 9050 0896
Nearest Station: Bomun

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#6 HYOSUNJAE HANOK GUESTHOUSE

Love culture, city walks and sightseeing? Well, Hyosunjae Hanok Guesthouse will fit your bill. Established since June 2015, Hyosunjae Hanok Guesthouse is only 700m away from the Chandeokgung Palace and 800m from the Jongmyo Shrine. But for those who want to have a little crazy fun, you would be glad to know that the Alive Museum Insa-dong is just 600m away!

Hyosunjae Hanok Guesthouse has several rooms that differ according to the size of the travelling group. All room rates include a complimentary breakfast.

Hyosunjae Hanok Guesthouse
133-2 Bukchon-ro 1-gil
Anguk-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Anguk

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#7 KIMCHI GUESTHOUSE JONGNO

When one thinks of Korea, one item that will naturally be associated with the country is Kimchi. Although Kimchi Guesthouse Jongno has nothing to do with kimchi, in particular, it is situated just 300m away from Gyeongbokgung Subway Station and each room is fitted with Korean futon mats, a heating system and air-conditioner. 

5 different types of rooms are available at Kimchi Guesthouse Jongno, all depending on the travel size of your group. For those just travelling with a friend, the Korean-Style Double Room is a popular option and this rate also includes breakfast.

Kimchi Guesthouse Jongno
45-10 Jahamun-ro 1-gil
Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Gyeongbokgung

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#8 MUMUM HANOK GUESTHOUSE 

Nestled within Bukchon Hanok Village, Mumum Guesthouse is a warm traditional Korean-style guesthouse with a beautiful garden. Each room comes with air conditioning and a Korean-style futon bedding.

Famous attractions around the guesthouse include the famous N Seoul Tower which is simply a 15-minute drive from the guesthouse, and you would be able to access Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Jongmyo Shrine which is a 10-minute walk away.

Mumum Guesthouse has three different rooms for two persons, three persons and four persons respectively. The Korean Style Double Room is suitable if you are travelling in a pair and your rate also entitles you to a complimentary breakfast.

Mumum Guesthouse
11-3 Gyedong 2-gil
Wonseo-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Anguk

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#9 SEOUL LUCKY GUESTHOUSE HANOK

The area of Jongno-gu is overflowing with cultural sites, attractions, city walks and sightseeing. And located within the area is Seoul Lucky GuestHouse Hanok, a quaint and humble guesthouse that has two different rooms for single and two persons.

People travelling in pairs will stay in the Double Room with Private Bathroom and solo travellers, the Single Room with Private Bathroom. Breakfast is included in all rates.

Seoul Lucky GuestHouse Hanok
21-16 Jahamun-ro 11-gil
Tongin-dong, Jongno-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Geyongbokgung

About the writer:
A member of the team at ladyironchef, Claire’s mission is to lead a life without regrets—to explore the world and its treasures boldly. When she isn’t pursuing her interests in writing, academia and music, Claire spends her free time with family and her pets. She also hopes to run her own animal shelter in the future.

Seoul is an urbanised, metropolitan city that attracts lots of tourists annually. With the impact of Hallyu or the Korean Wave, the awareness of Korean cultural products has increased immensely, and so has the amount of tourism.

However, with a large amount of interest garnered towards modernised Korean culture, the Korean traditions and heritage may have taken a backseat.

But let’s not forget the 5 grand palaces in Seoul, all of which create the most interesting contrast and backdrop against the skyscrapers of the urban city. You shouldn’t visit just because they look great for Instagram; they are so full of history and cultural heritage.

Don the traditional Korean dress—known as Hanbok—and you’ll gain free admission into the palaces. Admission is also free for all on Culture Day, which falls on the last Wednesday of every month. These Five Grand Palaces of Seoul are a must-see when you’re in the capital.

#1 GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE

Just north of Gwanghwamun Square in the very heart of Seoul is Gyeongbukgung Palace, which translates poetically into English as “palace greatly blessed by Heaven”.

This palace is one of the most well-recognised sights in South Korea. Having stood the test of time, the construction for the palace was completed in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty. The palace was first built when the capital of Korea was shifted from Kaesong, located in present day’s North Korea, to northern Seoul, originally known as Hanyang.

Gyeongbokgung was unfortunately destroyed twice, once during the Japanese invasion of Korea from 1592 to 1598, as well as during the Japanese occupation during the early 20th century.

The palace has mostly been restored to its original form and is referred to as the grandest of the five palaces, boasting enchanting gardens, vivid colours and traditional Korean architecture.

Today, tourists from all walks of life pay a visit to the palace dressed in the traditional Korean costume, known as a Hanbok, to learn about Korea history. Don’t forget to check out the traditional Korean court music performances while at Gyeonbokgung as well.

161, Sajik-ro,
Jongno-gu, Seoul
Mon, Wed to Sun: 9am – 6pm
(Closed on Tuesday)
Nearest Station: Gyeongbokgung Station

Photo Credit: Korea Tourism Organization – VisitKorea

#2 DEOKSUGUNG PALACE

Located next to Seoul’s present-day City Hall, Deoksugung Palace is nestled amongst the backdrop of urban buildings, making for the most magnificent pictures that contrast traditional Korean and contemporary Western architecture.

The Palace was previously both a temporary palace and a residence to the kings and their royal relatives. Subsequently, the different wings and halls in the palace have had a long architectural history that has also integrated Western styles into the grounds.

The Seokjoseon Hall, which completed its construction in 1910, is an exceptional Western-style building that was constructed towards the end of the Joseon Dynasty. The Imperial family previously occupied it as their private living quarters.

Deoksugung Palace is typically packed with visitors due to the beautiful fusion of architecture and rich history. Take a stroll through the palace if you happen to make a stop at City Hall.

99 Sejong-daero,
Jung-gu, Seoul
Tue to Sun: 9am – 9pm
(Closed Monday)
Nearest Station: City Hall Station

Photo Credit: The Soul of Seoul

#3 GYEONGHUIGUNG PALACE

Not too far from Deoksugung Palace is Gyeonghuigung Palace—the youngest of the Five Grand Palaces of Seoul. It was originally built as a secondary palace for the king during the 1600s after the first Japanese invasion destroyed the other palaces.

Unfortunately, during the 1800s, the palace was engulfed in a fire which severely damaged the building and it was completely destroyed in the 1900s by the Japanese occupation.

Today, Gyeonghuigung is a modern reconstruction which is also smaller in scale to the original. Although it is a modernised version of the palace, Gyeonghuigung is still worthy of a visit as the Seoul History Museum and Jongno Street are both nearby.

The elegance of the palace is also still present in the stonewall road that leads towards Deoksugung Palace.

45, Saemunan-ro,
Jongno-gu, Seoul
Tue to Sun: 9am – 6pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: Seodaemun Station

Photo Credit: Korea Tourism Organization – VisitKorea

#4 CHANGDEOKGUNG PALACE

Recognised as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee, Changdeokgung Palace was the second palace built in 1405.

As the best-preserved palace of the Five Grand Palaces of Seoul, the palace grounds were a royal villa for the kings to rest and was made up of a public palace area, a garden and the royal family residence.

The palace has been well-loved by Koreans for ages due to its beauty, particularly during the fall when the autumn foliage engulfs the palace grounds and gives it a mystical and enchanting atmosphere.

The Changdeokgung Palace’s rear garden also houses an enormous tree that is over 3 centuries old! A must-visit for the natural beauty of the greenery and the charming palace grounds, this palace is not one you should miss out.

99, Yulgok-ro,
Jongno-gu, Seoul
Tue to Sun: 9am – 5pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: Anguk Station

Photo Credit: Korea Tourism Organization – VisitKorea

#5 CHANGYEONGGUNG PALACE

Right by Changdeokgung Palace is Changyeonggung palace, which was constructed by King Seongjong, the Joseon Dynasty’s 9th king.

It was made to be residential living grounds for the king’s royal relatives and elders with the idea of it being highly accessible to travel between the two neighbour palaces.

Photo Credit: Korea Tourism Organization – VisitKorea

Within Changyeonggung Palace is Korea’s fifth Western-style greenhouse, built in 1909, which make for beautiful pictures as it is constructed with glass exterior for natural light and white frames.

The palace is a popular location for tourists and couples on dates due to the stunning scenery through autumn and spring with the two seasons’ bright, welcoming colours.

185, Changgyeonggung-ro,
Jongno-gu, Seoul
Tue to Sun: 9am – 5.30pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: Hyehwa Station