South Korea - OK Vill House, Seoul

Property: OK Vill House, Seoul

Date:  18 January 2015 - 26 January 2015 (8 nights)

Price: 115,000 Won per night (~RM 368.00/night) inclusive of Service Fee for airbnb

Property Type: Studio House

Nearest Places of Interest: Dongdaemun, Insadong, Myeongdong & Namdaemun

Booked via airbnb.com.

# Left Pic: Right door is the toilet. While the left door leads to the house main door.

# Right Pic: 2 Queen Beds & 1 Sofa Bed. This house can accommodate up to 6 people.

There were seven of us. My little cousin slept with my Mother & Aunt. Whilst I settled on the sofa bed with my cousin. It was a very nice of Mr Joungtea when he provided extra pillows & blankets for us. He offered to bring an extra mattress as well but I assured him that we're comfortable enough with what he had provided us. 

# Left Pic: Spacious bathroom. Toilet comes with bidet facilities. Warm toilet seat is a triple bonus especially when travelling during the winter!!! 

#Right Pic: Sink in between the toilet & the kitchen.

# Fully equipped kitchen. 

Washing machine without dryer. There is a clothe rack inside the closet which we used to dry our clothes (faced the rack to the portable heater). There is also water purifier. 

# Our 'home' throughout our 9 days in Seoul. 

The refrigerator is located in front of one of the queen bed. Near the television. Speaking of the television, we have more than enough channels to entertain us at night. Without subtitles of course, yet we enjoyed watching Running Man latest episode still. 

# Little space before the main door where the shoe shelf is located. 

# In front of Ok Vill House.

After explaining everything about the equipment in the house, Mr Joungtea told me to change the pass code as the door is a digital door lock. Requires only pass code to open the door. 

"I wouldn't know ur pass code because I didn't see what u entered" he said. 

Too cute! He turned around as I entered my secret code. *poyo* But make sure to message him the pass code if he didn't come on the day u check out. Naya jak orang tu nanti ndak dapat masuk rumah sendiri kan.

# View from our house which is located on the 12th Floor (the top floor of the building). That's the road heading to Dongdaemun.

# OK Vill is located very near to most of the attractions in Seoul. It is connected to Myeongdong & Dongdaemun via the underground shopping street (Euljiro underground arcade). 

OK Vill is located at 3 subway lines (Line 2, Line 3 & Line 5). In my opinion,  it is nearer to take the subway at Euljiro 4(sa)-ga Station from Exit 2 (underground arcade). 

From the road, the building where OK Villa is located might look old & a bit rundown but once we stepped in the apartment unit; we were totally awed with its cleanliness. We fell in love with the house instantly. It's exactly like what I saw in the airbnb website. 

Each time we went to Myeongdong we chose to just walk. It is merely 10 minutes away from the house based on our pace; that is. We didn't use the underground passage the first time we went to Myeongdong because I wasn't sure which is the right exit to reach Myeongdong. So we walked on the road; luckily the temperature wasn't that cold. 

On our first night in Seoul, we walked to Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). As it was snowing; we walked via the underground passage to avoid the cold weather. I just followed the many signs indicating the direction to Dongdaemun. We walked passed by Euljiro 4(sa)-ga Station before reaching Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station; both in Line 2 (green) & reached DDP after ~20 minutes of walking.

# Exit 2 is just outside the building where OK Vill is located.

# Coming from Myeongdong, we entered the underground arcade via Exit 8. 

# Our last day in Seoul while waiting for the airport bus in front of Kukdo (Best Western) Hotel. Building in red box is where OK Vill House is located.

This is my first time booking via airbnb. I must say, I am extremely satisfied with the whole process. Alhamdulillah I met a super good host; Mr Joungtea who is very helpful; never failed to reply my messages. We made a full payment after receiving the confirmation of booking from him. Considering we booked for 8 nights; we were entitled for a 10% discount (more than 7 days stay). He refunded the balance to me on the day we checked in. 

For those travelling with family or group of friends and wanted to stay in heart of Seoul but with a minimum budget; I highly recommend this property. There are few convenient stores & coffee shops nearby. It is easily accessible by airport bus, public bus, taxi (stop just in front of the building) & subway trains. And a bonus; a helpful & accommodating host!

Tips: Prior booking ur accommodation; read the reviews from previous guests. Also acknowledge the facilities & necessities u & ur group members want.  

eryantierdabdulkarim 

South Korea - Bee Won Guesthouse, Insadong

Property: Bee Won Guesthouse, Insadong

Date:  22 October 2014 - 23 October 2014 (1 night)

Price: 17,000 KRW (~RM 52.70)

Room Type: Female Dormitory (2 bunk beds)

Booked via booking.com

  

Direction to the hotel is attached in the website. Click the link (here) for more info. 

Ample parking space.

Follow the red arrow pointing left when facing the blue building in front. And it will lead to the entrance door. 

Pretty elegant an entrance deco, yes?

The reception counter.

Meet Agnes-si! One of the staff I met during my short stay there. She is one super friendly & helpful lady. Extra bonus! She conversed in English very very well. Siap ada slang. Rasanya dia triple times lagi fluent dari aku.

Reminder.

Yup,When I left my room to check out I saw one of the cat tailing behind me. Sangat jual mahal masa aku sampai, suddenly jadi friendly pula that morning after I fed him the night before.

The living room. The laundry area is just outside this room. Detergent & softener are FOC.

Spot the guesthouse cat! Its play-eat-sleep area is placed in here as well. Terubat rindu sama anak di rumah.

Yang rajin berkungfu, boleh tunjuk skill sini. As I was alone, I deliberately left my cooking mode at home. Yo'oh sangat!

Where I had my dinner & breakfast. 

Yakult for free! Agnes said "The early birds get the yakult". So untuk dapat free yakult, sila bangun awal. It's okay for me as there is also green tea available in the basket. 

My room! Apparently I was the only one staying in this room that night. The room is all yours; as per Agnes told me upon check-in. So yeah! I conquered the power points, the hangers & I switched the light off at 3am! 

For your information, the dormitory doesn't have an ensuite bathroom. But I have no problem with that as the bathroom is located just in front of the dormitory. They also provide ironing facility.

The guesthouse is situated close to most of the tourist attractions i.e Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace, Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village. In fact, that is the main reason why I chose to stay at this guesthouse. I wanted to walk around Samcheong-dong yet I don't want to rely to much on the subway on my first day. 

Bee Won sits in between Jongno 3-sam ga Station (Line 1, 3) & Anguk Station (Line 3). The only problem (for me particularly) is of course the flight of stairs I first have to deal with before reaching the accommodation. Lucky enough I never (as yet) bring trolley bag or big luggage when I travel. I just couldn't imagine how those with super heavy + big luggage survived ascending the stairs on most subway stations in Seoul. Salute spring! 

But again, like what I always said among my friends...Seoul & its subway stairs; berpisah tiada. 

eryantierdabdulkarim

CutiCuti: Seoul - Hostel KW, Hongdae

Assalamualaikum. 안녕!

Guesthouse: Hostel KW, Hongdae

Duration of stay: 2 Jan 2014 (1 night)

Price: 40,500₩ per night (RM 128.00) - Double room with breakfast

Booked via booking.com

UPDATE ON 16 APRIL 20014: 

I opened their website (here) because I plan to stay at this hostel for my next trip with the family, unfortunately the price for double room has increased. It is now double the rate I got last time. Sedih. 

This hostel is surrounded by residential houses. 

Our room is located on the first floor. Upon entering, terus mata terpukau. The wall is in pink! Mood terus berlambungan happy. And yes, bilik adalah super luas. Boleh fit another bunk bed in between the kitchen & our beds.

Ondol floor control in each room. Bukan centralized. First night di previous guesthouse, ada orang set temperate sampai 30'C. Macam sauna aku rasa dalam bilik tu. And ouh, that black thing on the left is the security system yang selalu kita nampak di dalam Kdrama tu. Pastu aku buat perangai jakun, cousin aku turun bawah untuk ambil something so when she rang the bell outside our room...aku pun buat² tengok muka dia di skrin. 
Sambil tekan butang speaker "Nugu-seyo?"
"Ya! Ppalli! Sejuk di luar ni, later baru main game jakun tu!" Ha kan kena sound sedas.
Baru verangan buat drama sebabak, mati mood tau. Hampagas betul.

Because they accidentally left the window opened, masa first masuk toilet...aku terus rasa macam kena kejutan letrik di kaki. Sejuk gaban ok!

View dari ruang tengah bilik. On the right is the toilet, and wardrobe on the left. Lengkap!

Ada washing machine, kitchenette & tv. Di sini, wifi connection adalah super laju; modem tu dalam bilik. Plus, bilik kami adalah menghadap jalan. 

2-door fridge & microwave pun ada. Berbaloi² stay hostel ni. Everything needed is provided in the room. Ndak payah lah turun naik tangga mau pigi kitchen untuk masak. 

Cutleries & utensils for cooking can be borrowed from the main office. Aku lupa ambil gambar area reception di ground floor sebab pagi tu ndak mau bazir masa. Checked-in, bayar & ambil kunci...terus kelam kelibut pigi Seoul Station. Last day in Seoul, masa adalah super berharga. 

Di reception area tu juga, diorang ada sediakan water dispenser. Free kimchi & few banchans yang aku ndak sempat try malam tu. Dek sebab malas untuk turun naik tangga lagipun aku masak for dinner. Sedih perangai. 

Direction: Hongik Station Line 2, Exit 3

I would love to recommend this hostel to anyone who don't mind walking a bit to reach the hostel. Keluar dari subway, berjalan ke arah Exit 3 tu pun sudah hazab for us. Unless keluar dari train car yang dekat Exit 3, the jarak will be lesser. Tapi satu kerjalah kan mau menghafal no. pintu gerabak. 

Pagi tu, memang sangat bertabah kami hangkut beg & jalan untuk sampai hostel ni. Malam tu lepas bersukaria di Hongdae...kami jalan kaki juga untuk balik hostel. Ikut underground passage tapi rasa dekat lah pula. Kali sebab tiada beban dihangkut. And kami pun jalan penuh santai, no rush gitu. If aku ndak silap, jarak dari Exit 3 to the hostel adalah lebih kurang 10-15 minutes walking. 

For me, area ni sangat selamat sebab banyak rumah. It is also near to Hongik Uni so student memang ramai. Facilities hostel tip top. Easy access to taxi. Ada convenient store nearby. Also restaurants & coffee shops. Those travelling in group bolehlah commute by taxi. Jalan kaki 2 minutes from the hostel, teruslah boleh tahan teksi. Yang part ni dekat, yet part untuk commute by subway memang kena menapak lagi. 

Overall, I like this hostel. Yet untuk stay lagi di sini, perlu second thought. Sebab aku rasa macam kalau sudah seharian berwalker tapaki, first thing in my mind after exiting the subway station adalah untuk cepat sampai bilik. Mandi & berehat. Untuk sampai hostel ni, kena menapak few minutes lagi. Tu yang rasa macam hmm...mau stay lagi ka ndak ah. Bilik best semua ada tapi...hmm hmm. Gitulah lebih kurang review separa jiwa aku.

eryantierdabdulkarim

 

CutiCuti: Seoul - Dongdaemun 2C House

Assalamualaikum. 안녕!

Guesthouse: Dongdaemun 2C House

Duration of stay: 28 Dec 2013 - 2 Jan 2014 (5 nights)

Price: 45,000₩ per night (RM 140.00) - Double room without breakfast

Direction: Sangwangsimni Station Line 2, Exit 4

- Walk straight after exiting the station

- Take left on the first junction

- Take right on the second junction

- The guesthouse will be on the left.

Booked via booking.com

The main door to the guesthouse. 

If u came early (like us), chances the manager hasn't arrive is high. So they provide a phone just outside the guesthouse to inform the manager. 

Buka pintu, teruslah jumpa office. The manager will be at his office from 9a-5p; Mon to Sat.

Turn right after entering the main door, jumpalah lorong ke guest rooms. 

Kami sampai awal, so lepas checked-in, settled payment & ambil kunci bilik we left our bags at the office. Later we came back in the evening, bags sudah ada dalam bilik.

Ada tv, ada refrigerator & plugs yang super banyak. Ondol floor pun ngam² suhu.

Attached bathroom. Standard size bathroom di South Korea. Yang penting ensuite & bersih. And water heater works well. 

Stairs will lead to the basement where the kitchen & laundry room are located.

Self-service laundry. 2,000₩ (washing machine) & 1,000₩ (dryer). Towel boleh tukar berapa kali kita suka. And guesthouse ni provide 'real' body towel. Ada face towel juga. Toilet tissue pun ada. Controller untuk ondol floor pun di sini. 

The place where I showed my kungfu skill every morning & night. Selama 5 malam stay sini, memang santap home-cooked meal jak. The guesthouse provides phone untuk call taxi or the owner.

View kami everyday bila keluar. Depan guesthouse ada tadika, so memang pagi² jak nampaklah seketul dua muka budak comel tersembul depan pintu pagar. 

The only regret we had during our stay was the very very poor internet connection. The modem is just outside our room but we barely got a clear signal. Even the modem wifi that we rented couldn't get connected. Terpaksa letak tepi tingkap like what I did when I stayed at BP; June last year. Pastu baru perasan, the guesthouse sangat rapat with the next building. Same reason kenapa ndak da wifi connection masa kami di BP dulu. Maybe kalau kami stay di first floor or the room facing the entrance gate, baru dapat clear coverage.

If asked will I stay here again, I would definitely say YES. Despite the internet thingy, I am satisfied with their service. Complete facilities. Helpful staff; willing to help whenever needed. Most importantly, location! This guesthouse is very near to the subway station & NOT in the hilly area. 

eryantierdabdulkarim

 

CutiCuti: South Korea - Banana Backpackers Hostel, Insadong

Assalamualaikum. 안녕!

Previous:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5 

After spending three nights at Namsan Guesthouse 2, we moved in to Banana Backpackers located in Insadong. Saja tukar angin. Padahal a bit bingai jugalah planning tu sebab kena mengangkut bags/luggages bila pindah hostel ni. And yeah, ndak pernah tau the flight of stairs at Anguk Station adalah membunuh. At least untuk orang yang bawa beg AF (trolly bag) super berat. Just like what happened to Ms Z. Hmm rugi pula aku ndak snap gambar makcik tu susah payah hangkut bag dia mendaki tangga subway. Ok, kau kejam Bie!

Nampak macam bias pula bila NG-2 langsung ndak da review suddenly rajin buat entry about Banana. Rasanya ndak payah buat review pasal NG-2 sebab ramai sudah orang stay sana. And sudah berlambak reviews about the guesthouse. Undoubtedly, staying at NG-2 memang best. Dekat sama subway, dekat sama tourist attractions...and paling penting, dekat sama the famous Myeongdong streets. 

Walau bukan kaki shopping, tapi aku suka pegi sana. Too lively a place. I enjoyed watching the many people there. Observing fashions & whatnots.

Anyway as said in my previous entry, we checked out from Namsan Guesthouse early in the morning. Jadual on the fourth day memang akan wander around Seoul only. Sebab takut bangun lambat & manalah tau ada problem with the check out & check in thingy, selamatlah sikit. Kalau plan untuk pegi tempat yang jauh² berpuluh kilometer from Seoul, memang menempah. 

Direction to Banana Backpackers Hostel. Only five minutes walking distance from the subway station. This is emailed by the hostel as soon as I secured my reservation through booking.com. Tabiat aku, lepas dapat confirmation booking aku akan email hostel tu lagi untuk reconfirm. Sebab risau hostel tu belum dapat any notification about my reservation. 

Adalah sangat haru bila sampai di sana, booking nan hado in the system. Happened to few friends I know hence untuk avoid encountering the same thing, aku buat kerja annoying sikit. Selagi ndak dapat feedback from the hostel, I will email again & again until I got their reply. Bila sudah ada double confirmation from the hostel, barulah senang hati. Make sure to print the email. Boleh jadi bahan bukti if anything bad occurred (knocked on woods). Who knows the system ada problem ka apa & ur booking ter-delete accidentally. 

Tadaaa...newly renovated mini garden in front of the hostel. Aku stalker tegar hostel ni di fb page diorang. Sekian.

Yours Truly at the reception counter. We arrived quarter to 10a. As the check in time is after 1p, we left our bags & luggages at an area near the stair. Just next to the reception. Fyi, check out time is before 11a.

Brochures, pamphlets, maps etc available for free. If you wish to watch any show or performance, or even want to book tour...you can do so from the hostel. Just go to the reception counter & asked the staff there. They will be more than happy to assist you. We booked our DMZ Tour from the hostel. Easy peasy. We just need to pay the tour fee at the reception once booking is confirmed. 

Waiting area just in front of the reception.

Free pc usage & free wifi. Unfortunately, we have super weak wifi connection in our room. Lucky we rented the olleh pocket wifi else we need to go down to the lobby everytime we want to use the internet. I reckoned the reason behind the poor wifi signal in our room is because the neighbouring building stands too close to the hostel. Close enough I can see people in the room next building. 

Even with the pocket wifi, we had to put it on the window's pane in order to get clear connection. Elsewhere than the window, the pocket wifi shows zero connection. 

Stairs leading to the communal area; where we had breakfast throughout our stay at the hostel. The half-opened door on the right is where the laundry room is. 

Neat & tidy. Breakfast is serve free daily. Hot drink i.e coffee, tea is available all day long. Every morning, we watched the news at the tv while having breakfast. As if we understand...trip paham jaklah.

Electric cooker, microwave ove & air-fryer are free to use. Lepas guna, silalah ada courtesy to clean up. The appliances & the area. 

Guest can do laundry for free. Detergent is free as well. As for the dryer, an additional 2,000 KRW is charged. Kami cuci kain secara jemaah, jadi konsep sharing adalah caring harus applied. The service is only available from 7a-7p. I think because there is a room located next to the laundry area, hence it is not permitted to do laundry after 7p. Hormat orang lain please! 

We booked for a family room; consists of 1 queen bed, 1 single bed & 1 bunk bed. Super comfortable & spacious enough for us four to move around. 

Attached bathroom.

Stayed at the family room for two nights & moved to another room after Ms H went back to Malaysia. 

Stayed in this triple room in our last two days in South Korea. Still wifi connection super lemah as this room is situated just one floor below our previous room. Masih melekat dekat sama building sebelah. Pocket wifi pun still letak tepi tingkap. 

Good thing about this room is the space near the window. Ala balcony tertutup. As the room is already quite crowded with beds & dressing table; we placed our things there. Also sangkut baju bajan semua di sana. And automatically jadi ruang solat tidak rasmi. 

Nasib baiklah ada instruction in English kan. Heating function aku rasa only useful during the cold winter weather. Supaya kaki ndak beku pijak lantai super sejuk. 

This hostel is a great place to stay. But from my point of view, I wouldn't stay here if I were to come to South Korea with Bunda & the aunts. Climbing stairs at Anguk station; the nearest subway to reach this hostel is super tiring but super refreshing though. I will stay here if I came alone or with friends who don't mind about the stairs thingy. Because I love the environment the hostel has. I feel at home staying here. 

And fact that this hostel is only a walking distance from many tourist attractions in Seoul; is a big bonus. It is situated very close to most of the UNESCO sites. 

I knew I made a right decision on staying here as we went visiting the main attractions only by foot. Jimat duit walau peluh ndak berhengat. Aktiviti sihat, bilang. And that is yet to be update soon.

To those interested to stay at this hostel, u can browse their website for more info (here). Or u can visit their sister hostel, Apple Backpackers (here). It is just a few minutes of walking from Banana. Accessible via subway Jongno-3-ga (Line 1 / Line 3). Price is a bit high than Banana for it is a new hostel. 

eryantierdabdulkarim