Kongsae Holidays from AU$1,233

This is a budget hotel, but it provided everything we needed. Great location and the staff were super helpful. Breakfast was okay, but then again this is a budget hotel. Only problem is that the bed was hard for us. Staff are more than eager to help and spoke English very well.

Sejong Hotel is very conveniently located in Myeongdong, which was probably the best part of our stay. It is easy to get around Seoul from here, and there are plenty of restaurants, shops and other things nearby. The hotel itself, however, feels quite old and dated. The rooms and common areas could use a significant refresh, and at least one of the elevators was not working during our stay. Breakfast was also not included with our booking. Check-in is largely self-service using a computer, although the staff we interacted with were helpful and pleasant when we needed them. There were also ongoing labor protests outside the hotel during our stay relating to former hotel workers. I don’t know enough about the dispute to comment on the underlying issues, but as a guest the protests were noticeable and a little uncomfortable. Overall, the location is excellent, but the hotel is showing its age. It probably was a very nice hotel in its day, but today I think there are likely better and more modern options around Myeongdong. I would choose it primarily for the location rather than the hotel experience itself.

We were given the top level which was housed with lousy compresors once you leave the room. The aircon was not cold at all and it was the height of their summer, 35 c degrees to 40 degrees. The room decor is outdataed, looks like from the 80s / 90s. There is only one key card. No bath tub. No shower cap or room slippers. Room amenties need to buy at front desk. It is next to a 24-hour cu supermart and there are eateries nearby. Not near to commercial areas, need to take the train especially as the weather is so hot in the day. The hotel offers offer black coffee and tea at its lobby. There is a chiller for bottled water which you can help yourself to.

The room itself was pretty clean, only complaint is that there isn’t much space for luggage or anything. Bathrooms were QUITE messy most of the time, but this is more the fault of other guests. Great location, very easy to locate. Didn’t try the provided breakfast as the common area gets quite busy. The staff were helpful when needed. The laundry situation can be quite annoying… there’s like 6 tiny washers that fit nothing, 2 large ones which the staff also use i believe, and only 2 dryers entirely. Guests can be inconsiderate leaving their things in the laundry past the time it’s finished.

This hotel was just recently built, so the facility is still very nice and new. The location is fantastic, just across the street from Yongsan station and near so many restaurants and shopping areas. The rooms were nice and clean, and they even have free luggage storage for up to 12 hours, and a luggage organizing station which made it very useful on the last day of travels. Would definitely come back!