Introduction to Excellent Korean Guesthouse Accommodations – Part 1

A bustling city, lush nature, a diverse culture, and a living history. You can experience all of this at once in Korea. As the popularity of K-Culture surges globally, an increasing number of travelers are visiting Korea. Although their reasons for visiting Korea may vary, they all likely share the desire to stay in a safe, clean accommodation.

To support a pleasant travel experience for international tourists visiting Korea, the Korea Tourism Organization and the Korea Guesthouse Association present “10 Excellent Korean Guesthouse Accommodations.” Factors such as safety and hygiene, the surrounding environment and smooth communication with the host were comprehensively evaluated when selecting the excellent accommodations for each region to ensure comfort throughout the stay.

The accommodations in this article are not simply just a place to sleep, but a “home-like” place where you can experience everyday life in Korea and warm hospitality. Although you may be in a foreign country, you will be able to communicate without any language barriers and receive needed assistance, such as tourist information or guidance for public transport. Travelers can enjoy their stay without worry as the accommodations are equipped with a safety manual for any situation.

Enjoy a comfortable space you’ll remember for a lifetime, an accommodation that goes beyond a simple sleeping quarter and becomes a place for connection. Now, shall we take a look?

The first accommodation is Sajeogin, located in Seoul Jongno. Sajeogin is a traditional Korean hanok that was built in 1929 and as such is pervaded with roughly one century of history. Although it’s located in the heart of Seoul, only a five-minute walk from Anguk Station, the moment you step inside the hanok, you will be able to escape from the noise and hustle of the city and feel a quiet and serene peacefulness. Experience the feeling of traveling through time in this accommodation.

From the dark-colored old wood marked with the traces of time to the light-colored, recently added timber, the different wooden colors harmonize to create an even more elegant atmosphere. Sajeogin is designed in a ‘ㅁ’ or square shape, with a courtyard at its center. This prevents the space from feeling stuffy and instead gives it a cozy ambiance. With the sunlight and wind pervading the courtyard, you will feel a lot more refreshed.

In the relaxed atmosphere of the daecheong, or the main hall, exchange stories never told before under the warm lights and accompanied by a gentle music. There is no better place to share your sincere feelings with your loved ones. Moreover, the green sofa in the studio is great of meditating. It’s also perfect for reading, so open the book you wanted to read and enjoy some brief resting time. You can book your stay at Sajeogin on Naver, Airbnb and Stayfolio.

This stay is optimal for taking in the charm of the Jongno area at a glance, including Gyeongbokgung Palace and Deoksugung Palace that represent the heart of Korean history

A two-story traditional Korean hanok located in Jongno, Seoul, Welcome Mistakes is clearly noticeable from a distance. It’s a private, exclusive hanok accommodation that accepts only one team per day. It’s located in Buam-dong, known as a hot spot in the Jongno area, and it’s within walking distance from the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seocheon and Bukcheon. Welcome Mistakes allows you to experience both the hustle of the city and the serenity of a hanok, and can be booked on Naver, Airbnb and Stayfolio.

Welcome Mistakes creates a harmonic blend of the traditional feel of a hanok and modern aesthetics. While boasting an exterior anyone would admire, a closer look will reveal that everything in this accommodation, from the bathroom to the kitchen and the bedrooms, has been designed with the guest in mind. On the first floor, enjoy a small chat while sharing delicious food, then relax and unwind on the second floor. Take pleasure in the spatial separation designed for quality fun and relaxation.

You can stay at Welcome Mistakes with even less worries, knowing that it has been selected as an “Excellent Stay in Seoul City” for two consecutive years. Moreover, this accommodation is well known for being frequented by the Korean singer Park Won when writing lyrics for his songs. If you need creative inspiration, brew yourself some of the tea offered by the accommodation and pick up a pen. In a place where even time flows quietly, you could give life to another masterpiece.

The next recommended accommodation is Haiyan guesthouse, located in a village overlooking the Dongdaemun area. Haiyan is perfect for those who want a complete break from the bustling city center. Located just short walk away from representative cultural attractions such as Dongdaemun, Naksan Park and more, this stay allows one to take pleasure in both the charm of culture and relaxation in a single day.

Haiyan consists of three rooms, so it’s a great location to make memories with friends as a group. There are a total of seven beds, so a maximum of eight people can enjoy the accommodation comfortably. The cozy bedding and the plants dotting the space will make you feel welcome while you’re away from home. Moreover, toys are provided for children, making this location suited for families, too. The wide terrace is perfect for kids to run around and play, not to mention enjoying a barbecue.

Haiyan can only be booked for stays starting from four nights, aiming for the time spent here to become an experience rather than a short, fleeting memory that will be forgotten. Rather than a simple place to sleep, it’s a space where you can enjoy a relaxed daily life as if you were living in Seoul. Haiyan will turn your stay into a fond memory of Seoul despite the passing of time, and it can be booked on Wehome.

The last recommended accommodation in Seoul, Lala Guesthouse, is situated in the trendy area of Hongdae. Being only a ten-minute walk from Hapjeong and Sangsu subway stations, this accommodation allows you to experience firsthand and up close the liveliness of Hongdae. This is a highly trafficked area; however, the soundproof windows block out the outside noise, so you’ll be able to enjoy a free but peaceful rest during your stay.

Blending with the unique and trendy street, Lala Guesthouse is a space filled with an uplifting energy that matches its bright and cheerful exterior. The interior, decorated with trendy elements, creates a cozy atmosphere with its warmly colored lights. The rooftop connected to the second floor is a great spot to view the Hongdae landscape. Don’t miss the twinkling Seoul night view.

Most of all, Lala Guesthouse allows you to explore cafes, restaurants, and cultural experiences, as you can walk to Yeonnam-dong and Mangwon-dong, which are located in the vicinity of Hongdae. Read a book while having coffee at a café during the day, and at night sit by the lounge window to end the day quietly listening to music. Lala Guesthouse, where you can feel the artistic sensibility unique to Hongdae and the leisure of travel at the same time, can be booked on Airbnb.

6. The Ga Young Dang Hanok Cultural Stay, located in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, is a traditional hanok accommodation built with domestic pine trees and hwangto, or yellow soil. The delicate scent of pine helps to clear the mind and promote restful sleep. Reminiscent of the grand houses from the Joseon dynasty, thanks to its grandiose appearance and stylish character, the beautiful Ga Young Dang Hanok Cultural Stay was selected as a filming location for movies. It can be booked on Naver, Airbnb, and Yeogieottae.

At Ga Young Dang Hanok Cultural Stay, you can enjoy a perfect view all year round. In spring, the surrounding becomes tinted with flowers, allowing you to enjoy the fragrant bloom. In summer, nature is refreshed and brims with life. In fall, the crimson foliage, and in winter, the dazzling snowy landscape will catch the eyes of passersby. Offering a one-of-a-kind, charming moment every season, you will experience a something new Ga Young Dang Hanok Cultural Stay, no matter when you visit.

Ga Young Dang Hanok Cultural Stay provides various experience programs for their guests. The tea ceremony held by the flower tea master is a unique experience worth trying. When the aroma of the tea unfurls, your mind will settle down, allowing for complete relaxation. Additionally, you can try the traditional Korean game of yunnori and rent a hanbok, allowing you to further immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the hanok. Enjoy the beauty of Korean tradition at Ga Young Dang Hanok Cultural Stay.

(Source: Korea Guesthouse Association)

The remaining accommodations will be introduced in Part 2 of the Excellent Korean Guesthouse Series.

* This column was last updated in December 2025, and therefore the information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check for updates before visiting.

* Content creation and related inquiries: Shopping & Accommodations Team (Ext. 3000)