Looking for budget accoms in Seoul?
Welcome to the R guesthouse! It’s not my first time staying at one of the R guesthouses - was at the one in Insadong for my previous trip and had a pretty good experience there too.
So here’s a quick review -
Pros:
- the price! Spent about $50 a night for one room that comes with a private bathroom so the price is pretty good for the location
- location! It’s within walking distance from 3 metro stations, including Jongno 3-ga which connects you to Seoul Station directly! We also had a direct line to Seongsu and Hongdae.
- has all the essentials - soap, shampoo and towels were provided, there’s a water dispenser and a mini kitchen with utensils as well if you need to do any type of light cooking. Wifi was also strong and the air conditioner worked great.
The cons:
- the neighbourhood is mostly a maze of electronic/spare part stores so it might get a little scary at night when you’re venturing through dark alleys to get back to the guesthouse (but it’s safe! We didn’t see anyone in the alleys at all)
- there’s no other amenities beside the guesthouse - nearest convenience store is about 5 mins away? But there’s an apartment building opposite that has various coffee places and stuff on the ground floor so you won’t starve
- soundproofing isn’t great - bring your earplugs!
- no lift LOL so be prepared to carry your luggage up :) the highest floor is level 4 and we were on level 3 (but Frog is a strong man!)
- also no room service/ housekeeping - you have to take out your own trash!
Overall - it’s a great place if you want something no frills with a great location and don’t mind putting in a bit more effort to carry luggage and throw trash 🤣
#seoultravel #seoulrecommendation #koreatravels #travelreccomendation #housethingstravelling
During my stay at the R guesthouse in Seoul, I appreciated several practical aspects not often highlighted in typical budget accommodations. Although the building lacked a lift, the rooms on the 3rd floor were manageable to reach if you’re prepared for some light exercise. Bringing luggage wheels or a backpack can make this easier. One thing that stood out was the surprisingly strong water pressure and very hot showers, perfect after busy days exploring Seoul. The bathroom was basic but functional, though I recommend bringing a small container or organizer for your toiletries since sink space was limited for toothbrushes. The guesthouse’s location is super convenient, within walking distance of Jongno 3-ga metro station, giving quick access to Seoul Station and vibrant areas like Hongdae and Seongsu. While the immediate neighborhood has many electronics shops and could feel a bit deserted at night, it was safe and quiet overall. If you need snacks or drinks, there’s no convenience store right at the doorstep, but a small apartment building opposite has coffee shops and places to grab a light bite. This setup worked well for me as I enjoyed stepping out to try local cafes nearby. Finally, don’t expect hotel-style services here. You’ll be responsible for simple tasks like taking out your own trash and there’s no room service or housekeeping, which gives a no-frills but authentic guesthouse vibe. Overall, this spot is ideal if you want to save money, be close to transport and explore Seoul with the basics covered.
