UNGATEKEEPING MY FAVE SEOUL ACCOMS
‼️ update: they are temporarily closed and not accepting any guests at the moment. not sure for how long but i hope it’s just for a temporary time only and not for good
hi i’ve just came back from yet another solo travel to korea and i NEED to share my wonderful stay!!!! as we all know solo travelling would mean having to tank all the expenses by yourself and usually accommodations can get a little pricey if you’re not looking at airbnbs early 😞 and affordable options are limited to share houses, hostels and goshiwons. during my previous solo trip in dec, i stayed at a goshiwon and that might be the last time i’ll voluntarily stay in one... there were a couple of things i now look out for when booking an accommodation based on my previous experience:
1. private toilet is a must. i have chronic bubble guts, i have to shit every morning and after every meal.
2. shower area needs to be separated from the dry area (toilet and sink)! sorry but when i shower, water gets everywhere lmao
3. lifts. i have a strength of a plastic spork, i can’t haul my luggage on the streets for more than 20mins let alone up a stairs 😭😭😭
4. no crazy slopes/stairs otw to the accommodation. as mentioned in the previous point i will probably die before i get to check in, if the route to the accommodation is inaccessible. i made sure to check the route on naver maps from the airport bus drop off point all the way to the accoms. granted there IS a small slope right outside the accoms, it wasn’t too crazy that could take me out so it was okay for me.
5. good location. previously i stayed in sinchon and it became my FAVOURITE neighbourhood!! i realised that picking the right location is very important bc you’re gonna end up spending most of your time commuting and transferring lines if you stay in some ulu ass area like nakwon or yeongdeungpo LOL
6. airport bus stop within walking distance (2-5mins). this is the most important point icl. i made sure to double check on naver maps before booking, no way i’m dragging 20kg+ around.
luckily for me this place checks all the boxes!! private shower ☑️ separated shower ☑️ lift ☑️ accessible route ☑️ located in jongno sam-ga/anguk ☑️ airport bus stop ☑️
i loveeeeee how cozy the place was, it felt like a hotel fr and it doesn’t have an unpleasant sewage smell that some <4 stars hotel have in korea… my fav part of the room was the huge sink counter space right outside the bathroom omg. i was able to put all of my makeup and skincare products on the counter and not feel it was messy. the floors are heated and you can set the temp by yourself! aircon is avail too in the month of march so i was able to use it on warmer days. i was also able to store my luggage at the lobby pre check in and post check out so it made my experience even more pleasant!
and bc it’s a co-sharing accommodation, they have a co-shared living area and kitchen in the basement, along with washing machine and dryer! didn’t really go down to use these facilities bc i was alone and i didn’t want to mingle. but i managed to catch a glimpse of those facilities when i passed by to recycle my trash in the basement. there’s also a rooftop hangout too with a view of the changdeokgung palace.
the only negative set back was the water heater for me. it took forever for the water to become warm/hot and the temperature may change by itself out of nowhere hais. there’s also a mini fridge below the sink counter but it isn’t very cold, my ice cream melted zzz
also i came at the wrong time (AGAIN) and there was a protest (AGAIN) regarding the presidential elections, so traffic around the area (near gyeongbokgung) was caught up and i had to resort to taking the subway/walking instead of buses. to avoid this, maybe check online if there’s any ongoing political issues going on before booking… btw they don’t provide amenities like toothbrush and toothpaste so bring your own! regardless, i will def come back again!!!!
property: celib soonra / 셀립순라 / sellip sulla on naver maps
location: jongno-ro, near ikseondong. nearest stations are jongno sam-ga stn and anguk stn
booked on: airbnb
type of room booked: 203 the laze room
total price: $400.16 for 8D7N / $57++ per night!!
After staying in various types of accommodations for my solo trips, I've learned what truly matters for comfort and convenience in Seoul. I always recommend checking the accessibility of the route with Naver Maps before booking because lugging heavy bags up steep slopes or stairs is a nightmare, especially if you’re alone. Elevators and nearby airport bus stops make travel hassle-free. For solo travelers who value privacy and cleanliness, having a private bathroom is non-negotiable—shared spaces can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Also, look for places with separate shower and dry areas; it keeps the room neat and avoids water splashes everywhere, which is a small comfort that makes a big difference. Location is key. I found Jongno, especially near Ikseondong and Anguk stations, to be charming and well-connected without the exhausting commutes from outer neighborhoods. It’s close enough to popular spots like Changdeokgung Palace, plus you get quieter streets and cute cafés. Many accommodations like the one I stayed in also offer communal amenities such as shared kitchens and laundry facilities in the basement, plus lovely rooftop hangouts with palace views—great for relaxing or meeting fellow travelers without pressure. Pro tip: confirm availability of essentials like toothbrush and toothpaste since some places don’t provide them. Also, keep an eye on local news for protests or events that might affect transport. Booking through Airbnb gives you flexibility and reviews to help pick your ideal stay. Overall, this experience taught me that balancing price, location, and comfort tailored to solo travel needs creates a much more enjoyable trip. I hope my tips help your next Seoul adventure feel just as cozy and convenient!
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