YH GuestHouse - Hostel

Glad I found this place when my other hotel reservation fell through! I booked last minute and all of the reviews I read were right—it’s clean, quiet, and convenient to access in Seoul. One thing I didn’t necessarily know (but I probably could have found on the website) is that it is not luggage friendly or handicap accessible. That’s not any fault of the owners, but I FYI to others, I did have to drag several suitcases up three floors!

If you're looking for a place that won't wreck your wallet but still keeps you in the action, this hostel is it. I stayed here for two weeks solo travel and had an amazing time. I left my room unoccupied for a few days during a Busan weekend trip and everything was just how I left it, so it's secure, too! Self check-in was a breeze. There's a local line bus stop literally right in front of the building or it’s like 15 minutes tops to walk to Hongik University to ride on the main or the subway, so it's easy to get wherever you need to. I chose to take a taxi to and from the airport bus station since I had luggage, and the alleyway is a perfect pickup spot away from traffic. You’re surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and little shops that’ll keep you wandering. It’s not touristy-overload either — it feels way more local and chill. Inside, there’s a full kitchen with actual cooking gear (not just one pan and a prayer), plus free water refills and towels which is awesome. I ate out front on the little terrace more than once. There’s AC (at least in my room), and although I never heard back about using the hostel’s laundry facilities, there are two self-service laundromats a block away for about the same price. If you want somewhere clean, super convenient, and walking distance to all the food and coffee you can handle — this is your move. Especially if you’re heading to or from Hongdae for shopping and nightlife! I hope to come back someday :)

The person who met us at the front desk was very friendly and had very good english! The rooms are small with a bathroom in unit. They also had a nice upstairs to prepare food and some tables to eat at. Overall I would highly recommend staying here if you want somewhere simple and easy while you explore Soeul.

The place has really lost the charm the old owner brought to it in 2023. The place has become quite soulless. I checked in via a machine, I hardly saw anyone during my stay. The WiFi did not work and I had issues with my electric door twice. That being said, the location remains great. The bed is comfy, the place is very clean. I just feel what made it extra special left with the previous owner which is a shame.