Hostels and cheap hotels at short notice in Korea? (Mostly Seoul)

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nebulousjoel
nebulousjoel

In short, in July peak season in Seoul, Daejeon, and Masan, is it necessary to book cheap accommodation (20,000 won a night or less) in advance, or is it easy enough to find a place at short notice? I can go up to 40,000 for the odd night if I have to, but I'd rather spend money on doing something fun than too much going on accommodation.

I'm going for 11 days to Korea to see friends as part of a bigger trip to Asia. Mostly I'll be in Seoul, but I'll spend a few days in other cities. I'd prefer to have the flexibility to decide what days I go while already in Korea.

I'm also happy to stay in jjimjilbangs and pack reasonably lightly that my stuff will all fit in their lockers, but I'm just not sure how easy it would be to drunkenly stumble into one alone after a night of drinking with friends. Any thoughts from people who have done this?

19-year-old Australian male who's made a similar trip to Korea before, by the way. Just never been in the peak season.

Any thoughts or tips are greatly appreciated.

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hanguk
hanguk

Who said July is peak season in these areas? I don't think these cities have peak seasons, especially Daejeon and Masan which don't attract many tourists. There is a lot of Koreans traveling in July (last week of July/first week of August is the most common time to travel). However, they tend to empty out of the big cities and go to Jeju or Haeundae (which, granted, is in the big city of Busan) or other destinations as well as travel abroad.

Outside of hostels or jjimjilbangs, you're not going to find anything in Korea for less than 20,000 that isn't a total dump (and I doubt you'll even be able to find a total dump for that cheap). Expect at least 25,000 if you want your own room, expect more in Seoul. The cheapest I've ever seen for a room in Korea was for 25,000, once in a back alley in Busan (I had to talk them into letting me keep the key, normally they just lock in couples for the night) and once in Pohang.

The cheapest hotels are also not the kind you book in advance. You just show up. You should be able to find something available in those cities you listed. The only time it becomes tough is in more concentrated tourist areas, where it would be more expensive anyways; so don't try to find a motel in Myeongdong for cheap.

I sheepishly admit that after living in Korea for over 3 years, I have yet to go to a jjimjilbang (none of my friends/girlfriend want to go). Yet, plenty of people stumble in and sleep it off.

Good luck.

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nebulousjoel
nebulousjoel

Thank you, that's the sort of perspective I needed :)

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anonymous
anonymous

Yep don't worry, I don't think there's any need to book those kinds of places in advance. If you want a great hostel in Seoul, I recommend Banana Backpackers. Outside of Seoul, there aren't really any backpackers hostels in the smaller cities, but there are plenty of cheap motels and yeogwans - you just need to know where to look though, so if you're able to ask at a tourist info desk when you arrive, they can point you in the right direction.

Jjimjilbangs are always full of drunken people sleeping it off! I've often slept in jjimjilbangs after nights out. Best place to get some rest, relaxation and hangover-curing food :)

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