Travel Korea: Book with Airbnb
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Airbnb makes it so much easier when you’re traveling in a group. Finding a suitable accommodation can be daunting. With a few clicks of a mouse, several listings appeared while I was looking for a place to stay in Seoul, Korea.
When looking for a place to book, I always read all the reviews. Yes, all the reviews. I want to know what I am getting myself into. Not only do I like to find a cheaper place, I also want to get a kind and accommodating host.
Airbnb Review: Hongdae Guesthouse (Mr. Hong’s Guesthouse)
Mr. Hong’s Guesthouse really appealed to me because of all the positive reviews that everyone left at his listing. Everyone mentioned how kind him and his wife is. They cooked a hearty meal for them, and helped them settle comfortably during their stay.
Mr. Hong was very accessible through Kakao Talk. Ever since we booked a room with him months before, he would respond as soon as possible to my many queries. He picked us up from the airport and we felt comfortable with him right away. If you don’t know any Korean, Mr. Hong does speak English. But if you do speak Korean, I am pretty sure that he will be most happy about it. (I do speak a bit of Korean.)
When we arrived at the guesthouse, it was around 10:30pm, and it was freezing cold. The only downside with the guesthouse is the lack of elevator, so if you have a really heavy suitcase, prepare to go up to the 3rd or 4th floor, which he rents out. However, once we arrived at the 4th floor, it felt like another home.
The place was fully furnished. It was very clean, especially the bathroom. There were 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, a laundry room, a kitchen area, and a living room. Mr. Hong explained to us how the security lock on the door works, as well as how to turn the gas on and off. Cooking is allowed in the apartment. The kitchen is fully equipped with your needs. There are pots and pans, utensils, plates, etc. The next morning, he also helped us purchase and load our T-Money cards. Make sure to get this card because it works as a bus and subway pass!
Sleeping at night was easy because the guesthouse is in a quiet neighborhood. Two convenience stores are nearby; one is CU, which is open 24 hours, while the other is open until 11pm. We were able to do a bit of grocery shopping that night so we can book breakfast the next morning. Woolim Entertainment is nearby, so if you’re a KPOP fan, you might be interested to know that. Infinite is under Woolim Ent.
The bus stop is only a few minutes walk from the guesthouse. There are three major subways near the area – Gajwa, Mapo-Gu Office, and Hongik University (Hongdae). We usually ride a bus to Hongik University Station. It’s easier to go from there since it’s Line 2 (Green line), which is mostly connected to all the tourist attractions.
How to go to Hongik University Station (Hongdae)
- Ride the bus at Seongsan 2 Kyo 14-185 (성산2교)
- After 5 stops, alight at Hongdae Ipgu Yeok 14-015 (홍대입구역) – you will know it’s the right bus stop when the bus finally turns left, after going straight for the first four stops. Also, there’s a led screen inside the bus that tells you which stop you are in.
- The stop is actually in the middle of the streets, so if you need to go to Exit 2, cross the street to the left; Exit 8 is on the right.
Our stay at Mr. Hong’s Guesthouse was definitely very comfortable. My family felt at home. Mr. Hong was a very warm and kind host. The meal they prepared for us was really delicious! The Korean home-cooked meal definitely warmed our tummies all the way to Manila!
Guesthouse Information:
Hongdae Guesthouse (Mr. Hong’s Guesthouse)
Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
– 3 Bedrooms, 1 bath with heater
– Laundry area
– Fully furnished
– Fast Wi-fi
– Airbnb Link
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