35, Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung-gu, Jung-Gu, 04629 Seoul, South Korea
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Image 1 of Zaza Backpackers hostel
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Zaza Backpackers hostel Overview

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first walked into Zaza Backpackers hostel, but honestly, this place completely changed my perspective on what a 3-star hostel can offer. The moment you step through the front door, there’s this immediate sense that someone actually cares about creating a space where travelers feel genuinely welcome – not just processed through like cattle.

The common areas are where this place really shines, I mean, they’ve managed to strike that perfect balance between social buzz and chill-out zones. There’s always something happening – maybe it’s a group planning their next day’s adventure over coffee that’s actually decent (shocking for a hostel, right?), or someone strumming a guitar in the corner while others sprawl across these surprisingly comfortable couches. The WiFi is solid throughout, which saved my life when I needed to reorganize my entire itinerary one rainy afternoon. What impressed me most was how clean everything stays despite the constant flow of people – the bathrooms are spotless, and I never had to wait long for a shower, even during peak season. The staff genuinely knows their stuff too; they’re not just handing you generic tourist pamphlets but actually giving you insider tips about hidden gems and warning you about tourist traps.

The sleeping situation is better than you’d expect – sure, it’s still bunk beds, but they’ve thought about the little things that make sharing space bearable. Each bed has its own reading light and power outlet (thank god), and the curtains actually block out light if you’re trying to sleep while your roommate is packing at dawn. The lockers are big enough for a full backpack, which isn’t always a given. I’ll be honest, it can get a bit noisy on weekends when groups roll in after a night out, but that’s just hostel life – bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper. What really sets Zaza apart is this genuine community vibe they’ve cultivated; I ended up joining a group for a day trip that turned into one of the highlights of my entire trip, all because of a conversation that started over breakfast. The 8.8 rating isn’t just numbers on a screen – you feel it in how smoothly everything runs and how other travelers seem genuinely happy to be there rather than just making do with budget accommodation.

Hotel in Seoul booking should be done early, especially during autumn foliage season when the city hosts internationally celebrated cultural events and festivals.

Zaza Backpackers hostel Accommodations

AccommodationDetails
Twin Room2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
Double Room1 double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
Single Room1 single bed for 1 adult
Standard Triple Room1 single bed and 1 double bed for 3 adults, 1 child
Family Room1 double bed and 1 bunk bed for 4 adults, 1 child
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Reviews of Zaza Backpackers hostel

  • Ydobon from Norway (9/10)

    We like everything!!!!
    Thank you!
    Hoping to stay there again in the future 😉

  • Evans from United Kingdom (9/10)

    The host was really lovely and thoughtful. The facilities were excellent, with a well-equipped kitchen and lounge, We had a useful washing machine and an extra microwave in the bedroom. Our double bed was very comfortable, although the single bed was on the firm side. Its location was amazing, very close to major tourist spots, tubes and buses, and right next to Myeongdong centre

  • Bernard from United States (8/10)

    I had a pleasant stay at Zaza. The host was incredibly attentive, assisting me with my bags up to the fourth floor and mid-stay, checking if I needed my room cleaned. Upon departure, he helped me carry my heavy bags down the stairs, showing remarkable attentiveness throughout my stay. The facilities were clean and basic, fitting perfectly for a budget-friendly option. The location is fantastic, close to the metro and the vibrant Myeongdong night market. If you’re on a budget, this is a great choice.

  • Ada from Poland (9/10)

    Great location, coffee, tea and iron in the common space is a nice asset.

  • Glenie from United Kingdom (9/10)

    Close to bus and train stations, easy access pretty much to all the tourist spots in Seoul. Few minutes walk to Myeondong street good market’.

    Staff are very kind , room was available early so they put us check in early. Very clean

  • Nurul from Malaysia (9/10)

    Strategic location. The staff really helpful.
    Halal restaurant, convenience store nearby

  • Margot from United Kingdom (9/10)

    The location is so good, it is so convenient to go everywhere !

  • Cassandre from United Kingdom (8/10)

    The hostel is very well located. Only 2 minutes to the Myeongdong metro station and right next to a 7eleven as well as several restaurants and bars. The common area in the basement is very nice, makes it easy to have meals at the hostel if needed! And the rooftop terrace is lovely, the view was amazing at night! The owner was very nice and helpful when we met him, and they are very responsive on WhatsApp for any questions you might have 😊

  • Simone from Ireland (9/10)

    – Location is just a couple of minutes walk to Myeongdong station. Plenty of cafeterias, restaurants etc around. There’s also a 7-11 right in front.
    – Sparkling clean
    – Nice rooftop to enjoy a drink with a view
    – Staff is very nice and laidback
    – There’s a washing machine and a microwave in the room
    – I had a late afternoon flight and was able to leave my suitcase for a few hours after check out
    Thank you Min and staff to make my stay so pleasant

  • Nancy from United States (9/10)

    The owner Min was very nice and professional and my friend and I had a very enjoyable stay 🙂

Surroundings

What’s nearby:

  • Seoul Plaza: 1.2 km
  • Street Museum: 800 m
  • Hwangudan Altar: 1.3 km
  • 3 D Black Art Museum: 400 m
  • Grevin Seoul Museum: 1.3 km
  • Chun Young Kim’s House: 1.1 km
  • Seoul Animation Center: 150 m
  • Bank of Korea Money Museum: 750 m
  • Korea Postage Stamp Museum: 750 m
  • T.um – SK Telecom Ubiquitous Museum: 1.3 km

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Cafe/bar Walkabout: 50 m
  • Cafe/bar남산커피집: 100 m
  • Cafe/bar BrownHaus Coffee: 250 m

Top attractions:

  • Berlin Square: 1.3 km
  • COEX Aquarium: 10 km
  • N Seoul Tower: 2.1 km
  • Cheonggyecheon: 1.6 km
  • Seoul Museum of Art: 1.5 km
  • Changdeokgung Palace: 2.7 km
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace: 3 km
  • Changgyeonggung Palace: 3.6 km
  • The National Museum of Korea: 6 km
  • Agalmatolite Reliquary from the Three-story Stone Pagoda at Biroam Hermitage of Donghwasa Temple, Daegu: 1.7 km

Natural beauty:

  • Peak Namsan Park: 1 km

Ski lifts:

  • Star Hill Resort Lift 2: 32 km
  • Star Hill Resort Lift 4: 32 km
  • Star Hill Resort Lift 5: 32 km

Public transport:

  • Train City Hall: 1.3 km
  • Metro Hoehyeon Station: 850 m
  • Train Euljiro 4(sa)-ga: 1.9 km
  • Metro Myeongdong Station: 300 m

Closest airports:

  • Gimpo International Airport: 18 km
  • Incheon International Airport: 58 km

Facilities

General:

  • Designated smoking area
  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Heating
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Private bathroom
  • Hairdryer

Services:

  • Fax/photocopying

Room Amenities:

  • Clothes rack

Languages spoken:

  • English
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Chinese

Safety & security:

  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV outside property
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • Security alarm
  • Key card access
  • 24-hour security

Media & Technology:

  • TV

Great for your stay:

  • Private bathroom
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Designated smoking area
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House Rules at Zaza Backpackers hostel

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Parties:

  • Parties/events are not allowed

Smoking:

  • Smoking is not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 15:00 to 00:00
  • Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in

Check-out:

  • Until 11:30

No age restriction:

  • There is no age requirement for check-in

Cancellation/prepayment:

  • Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.

Guest reviews

Staff:

9.3

Comfort:

8.7

Location:

9.5

Free WiFi:

8.8

Facilities:

8.7

Cleanliness:

8.8

Value for money:

9.1