Travelling on a budget - Accommodation (Seoul)

Here's a review on Hongdae Guesthouse, my recent accommodation in Seoul. :)

My friends and I stayed in the Family Room meant for 3-4 people. However, this room is spacious enough to take in a bigger group. There is actually an attic as well. Besides a worn out mattress and an electric fan, there was nothing much. 

We had a great view on the 19th floor. Not that we had much time to enjoy the view, it was a bonus to us nonetheless. :) We also had a PC and free wireless in the room. The password was pasted on the wall. So much for privacy eh. ;p Other than that, breakfast was a loaf of bread left at the kitchen counter. Good for those who prefer not to join other guests at the common area. Drinking water was abundant and we could refill our bottles in the morning. 

The toilet was in decent condition. Nothing fanciful though. Only toilet paper and a bottle of shampoo were provided. This was lacking as compared to other guesthouses in Seoul. Usually, shower gel, hand soap and toothpaste are part of the package.

The room was cleaned on alternate days. Basically, rubbish was cleared and the floor swept. The toilet floor could have been washed though. 

Location and safety are my top considerations when I select my accommodation, followed by cleanliness. 

In this aspect, Hongdae Guesthouse fits the bill. Being next to Hongik Univ Station and accessible by the Airport Commuter Train, the location is excellent! The security lock worked fine too.

See my review on Tripadvisor. 

At 44SGD per person per night, this may not be the cheapest deal around, but I would still rank it 4 out of 5. 

Hongdae Guesthouse

159-6 Donggyo-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul 121-816, South Korea

http://hongdaeguesthouse.com/ 

Same?

December 2010

September 2012

Have I changed? :)

Seoul Revisited

Although this is my third visit to the city, I realized there is so much more I have yet to experience.

Some of my adventures this time round:

1. Eating raw (moving) octopus at Noryangjin Fisheries Market

Getting there: Noryangjin Station (Line 1, Exit 1)

Purchase fresh seafood at Level 1 and take your purchase upstairs 

Cheap and fresh seafood. Everything here costs about 40 plus SGD,
including restaurant charge

2. Handphone lost & found adventure 

It is almost a miracle that I got my handphone back. Thanks to two kind souls, one ahjushi and one young guy. The most memorable experience thus far! Thank you ahjushi and Jungho!

3. Checked out the nightlife at Hongdae

The sudden downpour did not dampen our happy mood on the last night of our trip. One of our Korean friends brought us to the supposedly famous NB Club. It was way too crowded and I can't help but say that safety is compromised. It was an experience nonetheless, with Oppa Gangnam Style ringing in our ears.

4. Drinking makgeolli with my girlfriends and a new Korean friend

Makgeolli

5. Making my yangmori headgear

Till then, it is time to reminisce the wonderful memories of my short but adventurous Seoul trip! Perhaps I should sign up for a language and cultural program the next time round? :)