Seoul is the place that often comes to mind when you think about South Korea. But what about Busan?! As the second largest city in South Korea, Busan also has much to offer with its beautiful coastline, cultural attractions and outdoor hiking activities.
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Travelling in South Korea can be a bit pricey, though, so here are 10 affordable accommodations for you! Time to start paying attention to Busan ?
Disclaimer: The accommodation rates reflected in this article were correct at the time of writing, but are subject to change over the course of the year. Do check the prices again before making a booking!
1. Hotel Chicago
Modern with old-world movie charm, Hotel Chicago is a luxurious yet affordable hotel located a short walking distance away from Dusil Subway Station. The dark brown wood contrasts with the exposed brick wall, giving the rooms a cozy and warm atmosphere.
Most rooms here are perfect to fit two adults, but you can also request for an extra bed in case you have a larger group with you. Do check with the hotel directly first, though!
Credit: @chicago_hotel on Instagram
Each room also comes fully equipped with state-of-the-art computers, so you've got all the Internet access you need for the duration of your stay here.
Credit: @chicago_hotel on Instagram
Check-in time here is 6pm, so if you arrive before that, head on over to the nearby Cappadocia Turkish Kebap House or Morocco Casablanca Restaurant for some grub before completing your prayers at the Busan Al-Fatah Mosque, which is only 300 metres away from the hotel!
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With such cosy rooms, easy access to local subway stations and savoury halal food nearby, Hotel Chicago is definitely worth checking out ?
Rates: From SGD 60 for a double room on Agoda from 18-19 Sep 2017
Address: 8-16, Jungang-daero 1929beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, South Korea 46230
Contact: +82 51-517-0205
How to get there: 5-7 min walk from Dusil Subway Station (Guseo-dong)
2. TraveLight
This hostel offers a variety of rooms, from the private double bed room that fits two adults to mixed dormitories. TraveLight is definitely one for the backpackers or vacation with friends!
Credit: Travelight Hostel on Facebook
The rooms have wooden flooring and the exposed concrete walls add a touch of sophistication. Private double bed rooms are furnished with a refrigerator, clothes rack and an attached bathroom.
Credit: Travelight Hostel on Facebook
In the dormitories, a cozy bunk bed with a curtain will separate you from the rest of the occupants. Headboard storage is available to stow away your essentials, and there is a personal charging station to juice up your electronics!
Free breakfast is provided and frankly, it looks delicious. However, since it is not a Muslim-owned establishment, do eat at your own discretion.
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In any case, there is still nearby Rama & Bavana, a 5 minute walk from Seomyeon Subway station, which serves traditional Indian food as well as fusion food to cater to Korean tastes. Check out the unique vegetarian-friendly pizza made out of naan!
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#HHWT Tip: They have Nasi Goreng here as well, in case you're missing a taste of home ?
Rates: From SGD 24 on Agoda for a bed in a mixed 6-bed dormitory from 18-19 Sep 2017
Address: 7th floor, 52, Seomyeon-ro 68beon-gil, Seo-myeon, Busan, South Korea, 47286
Contact: +82 51-803-7281
Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Hotel Foret Busan Station
Just 200 m from Choryang Subway Station, Hotel Foret Busan Station is a classy and elegant hotel that promises utmost comfort. From the friendly staff to impeccable tidy rooms, guests are in for an enjoyable stay!
Credit: Hotel Foret Busan Station on Facebook
The splendid amenities include a wide screen TV, free Wifi, bath supplies, a mini fridge for your munchies and even an electric pot! You’ll definitely get your money’s worth at Hotel Foret ?
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Samarkand is a halal restaurant in Busan’s Chinatown area near Hotel Foret serving hearty Uzbek cuisine such as lamb shashlik and samosa. To get there, alight at Busan Subway Station and take a 5 minute walk to the restaurant!
Credit: Wendy Nind on Facebook
Rates: From SGD 49 on Agoda for a standard double room from 18-19 Sep 2017
Address: 1162-3 Choryang-dong, Dong-gu, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
Contact: +82 51-463-6171-2
4. Popcorn Hostel Haeundae
This versatile hostel offers boarding for the intrepid backpacker as well as families! Their family rooms are furnished with a double bed and bunk bed, enough for a family of 4 J If you’re travelling with a bunch of friends, you can opt for the private twin rooms or sleep in bunk beds in the dormitories.
Credit: Busan Popcorn Hostel Haeundae Original on Facebook
Have a peace of mind at Popcorn Hostel where the friendly staff will be happy to offer tips and advice for local sightseeing. Take the chance to get to know the fellow travelers with a game of darts in the common area.
The hostel is highly connected by public transport, just 500 m from Jung-dong Subway Station and from Haeundae Subway Station too!
Credit: Busan Popcorn Hostel Haeundae Original on Facebook
When you’re feeling them hunger pangs, hop on over to Dubai Arabic & Pakistani Restaurant for some Middle Eastern cuisine. For a more local affair, check out the Muslim-friendly Wonjo Halmae Bokguk, which serves traditional Korean blowfish cuisine and is a short 10-minute walk from Jung-dong Subway Station.
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Disclaimer: Wonjo Halmae Bokguk serves Muslim-friendly food, but alcohol is sold here as well, so do dine at your own discretion!
Rate: From SGD 16 on Agoda from 18-19 Sep 2017
Address: Tower Marin 10F & 11F, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 321, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea, 612-847
Contact: +82 51-747-6147
Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Melon Guesthouse
The lovely guesthouse is situated near Haeundae beach! Why pay extravagant prices when you can stay here instead? The cheerfully coloured rooms range from private twin bed room to dormitory style bunk beds.
Credit: Melon Guesthouse on Facebook
Great services such as free breakfast, free wifi, computer access and washing machine use are available. If you forgot to bring that all important universal adapter, fret not: Melon Guesthouse rents out adapters, so be sure to make full use of it!
Credit: Melon Guesthouse on Facebook
Not to worry, your food situation is all set! Dig into delicious chicken tikka masala and tandoori chicken at the well-known Punjab Indian Restaurant, a mere 5-minute walk from Haeundae Station.
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Rate: From SGD 15 on Agoda from 18-19 Sep 2017
Address: Jungdong 1394-337, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea, 612-010
Contact: +82 51-741-1125
Website | Facebook | Instagram
6. The Bay Guesthouse
This sleek and charming abode is another affordable gem near Haeundae Beach. Book a private room for 2 or sleep solo in the capsule room! Rooms are furnished with comfy spring mattresses, ensuring a restful sleep after a long day.
Ladies, you’ll be glad to know that there is a dedicated vanity area in addition to the shared bathrooms! That means no squinting into steamed mirrors to do your make-up ?
Credit: @thebay_guesthouse on Instagram
Exposed cement walls complement the intricate herring-bone flooring in the common area, exuding the chic hipster vibes that is worthy of Instagram fame. Have a quiet complimentary cup of coffee with cereal in the morning before heading out the day.
Credit: The Bay Guesthouse on Facebook
When you’re ready for a full meal, visit Dubai Arabic & Pakistani Restaurant a mere walking distance away or take a train to Jung-dong station to eat at Wonjo Halmae Bokguk, which serves traditional Korean blowfish cuisine!
Disclaimer:
Rates: From SGD 42 on Agoda from 18-19 Sep 2017
Address: 2 Floor, 19-1 Gunam-ro 41beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea, 48095
Contact: +82 51-724-0092
7. 25 Hours Hotel
The sophisticated furnishing coupled with tasteful décor in the rooms exudes designer chic. From exposed brick walls, to elegant metal bed frames to an open luxurious bath tub (which I guess would make a good soaking tub for your aching feet from all that walking!), you’ll definitely look forward to being back in your room ;)
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Credit: @viva.noh on Instagram
Just 10 minutes away from Beomnaegol Subway Station, hop on a train and drop off at Seomyeon, and walk to Rama & Bavana to fuel up!
Rates: From SGD 48 on Agoda from 18-19 Sep 2017
Address: 63,858,Bumcheon-dong, Jin-gu, Seo-myeon, Busan, South Korea
8. Inside Busan
This modern minimalist abode will make you feel like you’re actually living in Busan! Return back to the clean and simple rooms after a long day out in the city. Choose an all female or male dormitory or a more private double bedroom with attached bathroom. Sip your morning cuppa in the outdoor garden and taken in the morning fresh air.
Credit: Inside Busan on Facebook
Credit: @insidebusan on Instagram
Storage cabinets are available in the rooms so you can safely put away your essentials. Save room in your luggage and bring less clothes that you can wash over and over again in the washing machine! And they actually have a postal service, so you can send a postcard with stamps like the good ‘ol days instead of the same ol’ selfie.
Credit: Inside Busan on Facebook
Walk to New Little India Restaurant and Bar to enjoy Busan streets and immerse yourself in everyday life! Do note that the restaurant serves alcohol.
Rates: From SGD 23 on Agoda from 13-14 Nov 2017
Address: 13-6 Choryangjung-ro, Dong-gu, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea, 601-011
Contact: +82 51-442-1057
Website | Facebook | Instagram
9. Hostel The New Day
Conveniently located within 90 m from Haeundae Subway Station, Hostel The New Day is a gateway to all the city has to offer. The cozy and clean rooms, ranging from private spacious family rooms to shared dormitories, ensure a comfortable stay for any weary traveller. Bathroom toiletries are provided and the all-important wifi is available in every room.
Credit: @hostelthenewday on Instagram
Enjoy and lounge in the beautifully design common areas if you don’t feel like being cooped up in your room. To relax, head out to the rooftop garden and take in the city views!
Credit: hostelthenewday on Instagram
Have your Muslim-friendly meals at nearby Punjabi Indian Restaurant where you can stuff your face with butter chicken and naan. Yum!
Rates: From SGD 18 on Agoda from 18-19 Sep 2017
Address: 632, Haeun-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Contact: +82 51-741-8200
Website | Facebook | Instagram
10. Good Day Mate Bed & Breakfast
This home away from home is close to Haeundae Subway Station, which means that Haeundae Beach is just a stone's throw away ? With concrete polished walls and antique-looking window frames in the rooms, staying at Good Day Mate means starting off on the right foot in Busan!
Credit: @gooddaymate_haeundae on Instagram
Credit: @gooddaymate_haeundae on Instagram
The white, fluffy beds promise a peaceful sleep after a long day out, or wind down in the common area by the gorgeous wooden tables.
Credit: @gooddaymate_haeundae on Instagram
The B&B offers accommodation for solo travellers with a single bed and private bathroom. Pairs can stay in the standard twin and groups of 3 or more are welcomed in the triple room ?
Do note that prices for Good Day Mate vary according to peak season. Goes to show how popular they are!
No need to worry about halal food: head over to Hello India-Alwaha just a few minutes away to savour some authentic Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine!
Credit: Trang Beannie on Facebook
Rates: From SGD 71 on Booking from 3-4 Sep 2017
Address: 9-22, Gunam-ro 21beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, 48095 Busan, South Korea
Contact: +82 10-8816-7542
Now that you know where to stay in Busan, do you know what exactly to do and see? Check out this list of fun things to do in Busan! Don’t wait for a zombie apocalypse to happen before you take that train to Busan ?