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Hostel Korea Original

1.0 star property
Hostel in Seoul, near Dongdaemun History and Culture Park

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Photo gallery for Hostel Korea Original

Fridge, microwave
Property entrance
Staircase
Economy Quadruple Room | Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Fridge, microwave

Reviews

7.2 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services

Explore the area

View in a map
20-12, Jong-ro 65-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Seoul, 110-863
  • Place, Dongmyo Shrine
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Cheonggyecheon
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Korea University
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Airport, Seoul (GMP-Gimpo Intl.)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Single Room, Shared Bathroom (Type A)

Single Room, Shared Bathroom (Type A) | View from room

Single Room, Shared Bathroom (Type A)

  • 86 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Single Room, Private Bathroom (Type B)

Single Room, Private Bathroom (Type B) | Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Single Room, Private Bathroom (Type B)

  • 86 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Twin Room, Shared Bathroom (Type A)

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom (Type A) | Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom (Type A)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 97 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Twin Room, Private Bathroom (Type B)

Twin Room, Private Bathroom (Type B) | Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Twin Room, Private Bathroom (Type B)

  • 97 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

  • 107 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Double Room, Shared Bathroom | Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

  • 97 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Twin Room A (Shared Bathroom)

Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Twin Room A (Shared Bathroom)

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Single Room A (Shared Bathroom)

Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Single Room A (Shared Bathroom)

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Twin Room B (Private Bathroom)

Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Twin Room B (Private Bathroom)

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Single Room B (Private Bathroom)

Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Single Room B (Private Bathroom)

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Economy Quadruple Room

Economy Quadruple Room | Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Economy Quadruple Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds and 2 Large Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Double Room (Shared Bathroom)

Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Double Room (Shared Bathroom)

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Triple Room (Shared Bathroom)

Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Triple Room (Shared Bathroom)

  • Sleeps 3

1 Bed in Female Dormitory Room

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Quadruple Room With Shared Bathroom

Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Quadruple Room With Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 4

About the neighborhood

Seoul

Located in Jongno-gu within a short walk of Korea University, Hostel Korea Original is within a mile (2 km) of other popular sights such as Dongdaemun Market Mall. This 33-room hostel welcomes guests with in-room amenities like fireplaces, balconies, and dining areas.
View more Hostels in SeoulOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Dongmyo Shrine - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Cheonggyecheon - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Korea University - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Dongdaemun Market Mall - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Dongdaemun History and Culture Park - 19 min walk - 1.1 miles

Getting around

  • Sinseol-dong Station - 5 min walk
  • Seoul Station - 16 min drive
  • Incheon Intl. Airport (ICN) - 72 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪선명희pizza - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪마실정육식당 - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪이삭토스트 - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪맷돌로만 - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪PRNT - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Hostel Korea Original

Hostel in Seoul, near Dongdaemun History and Culture Park
Guests of Hostel Korea Original enjoy access to free WiFi in public areas, a business center, and microwave in a common area. Airport transportation is made easy with an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for KRW 45000 per vehicle one-way. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with luggage storage, tours or tickets, and securing valuables. Additional amenities include a refrigerator in a common area, a computer station, and express check-in.
Guests can expect free WiFi and TVs with cable channels. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and slippers. Other standard amenities include fireplaces, balconies, and dining areas.

Similar properties

Exterior
Sunrise Inn
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk
4.6 out of 10, 4 reviews
$22 nightly
The price is $24
Dec 9 - Dec 10
Total with taxes and fees
Sunrise Inn

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available
  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge

Things to do

  • Outdoor pool (guest access)
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Access to nearby outdoor pool
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Separate in-room dining area

Conveniences

  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Business center
  • Computer station

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • 1 building
  • Mosquito nets
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Refrigerator
  • Separate dining area
  • Shared kitchen access

More

  • Desk
  • Electrical adapters
  • Fireplace
  • Heated floor
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • Laundry detergent

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: KRW 1000
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 9:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 2:00 AM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for KRW 6000.0 per day

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Airport shuttle fee: KRW 45000 per vehicle (one-way)
  • Late check-out fee: KRW 1000 (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: KRW 6000.0 per day

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking in and out are easy with express services. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.

National rating

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities, and services.

Property is also known as

Hostel Korea Original Seoul
Korea Hostel
Korea Original Seoul
Hostel Korea Original Seoul
Hostel Korea Original Guesthouse
Hostel Korea Original Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Hostel Korea Original Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Seoul

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Hostel Korea Original?

Hostel Korea Original provides free cancellation on some room rates. For additional details, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Hostel Korea Original?

As of Dec 2, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hostel Korea Original on Dec 3, 2025 start from $23.18, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What can I see near Hostel Korea Original?

This hostel is situated in Jongno-gu within a short 19-minute walk of Dongdaemun Market Mall and also 10 minutes on foot from Cheonggyecheon. You'll also find Myeongdong Street and Dongdaemun History and Culture Park within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Hostel Korea Original?

No, this hostel doesn't offer parking.

Does Hostel Korea Original have a casino at the property?

No, Hostel Korea Original doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Hostel Korea Original?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostel.

What do couples enjoy most about Hostel Korea Original?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this hostel include a fireplace, heated floors, and slippers.

Does Hostel Korea Original have a hot tub?

No, this hostel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Hostel Korea Original feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, Hostel Korea Original doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Hostel Korea Original allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Hostel Korea Original.

Are there connecting rooms at Hostel Korea Original?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to Hostel Korea Original?

The closest major airport to Hostel Korea Original is Gimpo Intl. Airport (GMP), which is 21.5 mi away (61 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Hostel Korea Original?

Yes, every room at Hostel Korea Original comes with a balcony with some featuring city views.

Hostel Korea Original Reviews

Reviews

7.2

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 60 out of 333 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 135 out of 333 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 83 out of 333 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 26 out of 333 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 29 out of 333 reviews

6.6/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

6.0/10

Amenities

6.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

5.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Carlos

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Affordable & small rooms but worth it

Stayed in small room in property that includes TV & twin bed. Good for solo traveler. Bathrooms have toilets & showers in same room. Good location about 5 minute walk from subway & airport bus.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

James

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Please buy a normal hotel room not this
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Julian

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Do not stay here

I am appalled that this property remains open and is even an option for anyone to stay in. To begin with, there were no staff to help us check in or out despite assurances to a 24 hour desk. They lost our booking and insisted it did not exist and forced us to wait in the middle the night despite the booking being confirmed and accurate. When we were finally given a room it was so filthy that we left within 20 minutes and were forced to book a more expensive hotel. Bugs crawling over the floor, clearly unwashed sheets that were strained and had hairs on them, mould on the walls and ceiling fan. There’s budget travel and then there’s this. You don’t get what you pay for. You receive a health hazard. When we left, there was no one at the desk to help us check out and the front door was left wide open.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zachariah

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice for the cost! Inexpensive place to sleep and leave my bags in a central area it was easy to see so much of Seoul. The place was quiet and nothing was too dirty. Would absolutely stay here again!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

2/10 Terrible

Daniel

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
First, this hotel is hard to find even if you have Google Maps. Then, there is often no front desk staff. Then it is DIRTY. I am actually concerned about whether this place meets fire codes. Here was my big problem: the wifi died in my room. I was told by a staff member that I just had to accept that - people in another room had possibly done something to the router. Because I need wifi for work, I rebooked to another hostel. I expected Hostel Korea to return my fees for the days I did not stay there. They promised wifi, I was told I could not have it, and I had to find a place where I could do work. First a guy agreed in writing to refund my fees, then he refused to pay me. It was crazy. Poor moody guy. So I am assuming that if a person has trouble here, the person will not be helped and if he/she leaves to find a more responsible hostel, the person will not receive a refund even if the owner/manager initially agrees. Furthermore, Expedia will do nothing to help you. So this is it for Expedia. I'll use another service. I know this hostel is cheap and many of us are on a budget, but I do not think it would be wise to go into a dirty place where they may just not help you and you will feel forced to move anyway. Tyere is a really nice hostel called Sunrise Inn Dongdaemun very close by. They will treat you with respect there and it is CLEAN.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2024

6/10 Okay

Gabriel Luis

Stayed 1 night in May 2024

8/10 Good

Yong

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy access to rail and bus stations. Lots of restaurants nearby.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

4/10 Poor

Cheuk Chung

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
It's great value. Clean. Private room. There's no one at the front desk until later in the afternoon, so don't lock yourself out of the room early on a Sunday morning.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

6/10 Okay

Sam

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Cheap place to stay. They didn't have the double bed we reserved so put in a twin room. Hot rooms no A/C. Toilets and shower are in the same small room so needs cleaning frequently which does not seem to happen. Kitchen is alright nothing special. Found used floss sticks on the desk upon entry to the room as well which questioned the cleanliness. Good location, close to metro and markets.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Jelena

Good location. Scruffy, but quiet
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

4/10 Poor

Entica Narciso, Singapore

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Honestly, I don't even know if this place breaches and safety violations seeing how filthy it is. The filth is very evident in all the molds on the wall/floor/bedsheet/furniture/bathroom and stench. I understand that this is a budget hostel but it's very rundown and I was questioning the whole time if this place can pass living condition inspections. I wouldn't recommend this place. Either find somewhere else or top up a bit of money and get a cheap hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Laura

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This place is definitely cheap which is great, but the building is a little rundown and the bathrooms were very unkept.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

kristy

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The location is convenient, close to underground. Around 15 mins if walking to Dongdaemun. The room especially the toilet is smelly even not in use for a day.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Staff & service
Fleas
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 6 nights in May 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Short but excellent!

It was a short but amazing. The room was being upgraded as the reservation was overlapped with other guest. Great job!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Arparus(penny), Bangkok

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great, feel like own home. Friendly staff ^^ i will stay again next time.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Hannah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Although brief, we had an amazing stay in Hostel Korea. Seoul was beautiful and the hostel was brilliant value for money and very comfortable with great facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2019

6/10 Okay

Mari

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
An average hostel, suitable for travellers (students) on a tight budget. Convenient location and helpful staff. Located in a quiet area with easy access to public transport.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

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