NEW OPEN – Stay Seul in Hongdae

NEW OPEN – Stay Seul in Hongdae Overview

Honestly, when I first walked into NEW OPEN – Stay Seul in Hongdae, I wasn’t sure what to expect – the name sort of gives away that it’s brand new, and you know how hit-or-miss newly opened places can be. But this little 3-star spot actually surprised me in the best way possible. The lobby has this clean, minimalist vibe that feels very Korean without being over the top about it, and the staff seemed genuinely excited to be there (which, let’s be real, is refreshing when you’re dealing with jet lag and just want someone to care about your existence).

What really won me over though was the location – I mean, you’re right in the heart of Hongdae, which is honestly where you want to be if you’re looking for that authentic Seoul nightlife experience. I could literally hear the street musicians warming up in the evenings from my room, and instead of being annoying, it actually added this cool urban soundtrack to the whole stay. The university crowd keeps the area buzzing until pretty late, so if you’re a light sleeper, maybe pack earplugs – but honestly, the energy is part of the charm. You’re walking distance from Hongik University, and there are these amazing little Korean BBQ joints tucked into alleys that I never would have found if I’d stayed in some sterile hotel district.

The rooms themselves are compact but thoughtfully designed – very much in that efficient Korean style where every inch serves a purpose. The bedding was surprisingly comfortable (I’m picky about this stuff), and the bathroom had one of those rainfall showerheads that actually works, unlike some places where it’s just for show. What I really appreciated were the little touches that showed someone actually thought about what travelers need – good lighting for reading, enough outlets near the bed, and decent Wi-Fi that didn’t cut out every five minutes. The perfect rating makes sense when you consider what you’re getting for a 3-star property. Sure, it’s not luxury, but it’s exactly what it promises to be: a solid, well-run place that gets the basics right and then some. Plus, being new means everything still has that fresh, clean feel without any of the wear and tear you sometimes see in budget accommodations. If you’re planning to spend most of your time exploring the city anyway – which you should in this neighborhood – this is exactly the kind of place you want to come back to at the end of a long day of wandering Seoul’s streets.

To book hotel in Seoul during the vibrant cherry blossom season, visitors should make reservations well in advance as the city attracts K-culture enthusiasts and modern travelers from around the world.

NEW OPEN – Stay Seul in Hongdae Accommodations

Reviews of NEW OPEN – Stay Seul in Hongdae

• 千芳 from Taiwan (10/10)

Surroundings

Facilities