Zaza Backpackers Hostel
by the TopOfHotel team
Zaza Backpackers closes the list at the lightest price of all — an 8.6 score on a budget room in Myeongdong, made for genuine backpackers.
Zaza Backpackers closes the list at the lightest price of all — an 8.6 score on a budget room in Myeongdong, made for genuine backpackers.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
This is a backpacker hostel, so the setup is shared dorms plus a handful of private rooms rather than a private room by default. What stands out is how it scores: even at a budget price, the real-guest rating sits at 8.6, and the rooms sub-score still lands at 8.3. It is clean and well looked after — the thing you most want from a budget stay.
Food and amenities
There is a shared kitchen and a washing machine, both of which save you real money on a longer trip, plus free Wi-Fi, luggage storage and a non-smoking area. The pull, though, is the common area: somewhere to sit, relax and meet other travellers, with the easygoing atmosphere backpackers know well.
Location and getting there
Zaza sits in the Myeongdong area near Namsan hill. It is an 8-minute walk (about 600 m) to both the Myeongdong shopping street and Myeongdong station, with a convenience store barely a minute away. From there the metro takes you across Seoul, and the cable car up to N Seoul Tower is close by.
Things to know before booking
It is a hostel, so you share dorms and common spaces with other guests. There is no hotel-style service — it suits travellers who are happy to look after themselves. And private rooms are limited, so book ahead if you want one.
Our take
Zaza Backpackers Hostel is best for backpackers, solo travellers and anyone on a tight budget who wants a clean, well-placed room at the lightest price. The value sub-score tops out at 9.0, which says it all — we'd honestly recommend it as the genuinely good-value way to close out the Myeongdong list.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- A starting price in the low $20s — from roughly $24, the lightest on the list, which makes it a rare find for the Myeongdong area.
- A high real-guest score of 8.6 for a stay at this price, with the value sub-score topping out at 9.0 — guests felt they got more than they paid for.
- Clean and well looked after, which is exactly what you want from a budget hostel.
- Common areas to sit and relax and meet other travellers, plus a shared kitchen and washing machine that save you more on a longer trip.
- In the Myeongdong area near Namsan hill — an 8-minute walk to the shopping street and the subway, an easy base for getting around Seoul.
- It is a hostel, so you share dorms and common spaces with other guests rather than getting a private room by default.
- No hotel-style service — it suits self-sufficient travellers who are happy to look after themselves.
- Private rooms are limited, so book ahead if you want one.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Seoul
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Insider Tips
- It is the cheapest stay on the list — ideal for a longer trip where you have to watch the budget.
- Book ahead if you want one of the limited private rooms.
- Use the shared kitchen and washing machine to save even more.