Seoul Kyeongbokgung Stay

Seoul Kyeongbokgung Stay Overview

You know what really caught me off guard about Seoul Kyeongbokgung Stay? I honestly wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star place, but this little gem completely changed my mind about what budget-friendly accommodations can offer in Seoul. I mean, with a 9.1 rating, something had to be going right – and after spending a few nights there, I totally get why people rave about it.

The location is what really makes this place shine, though I’ll be honest, you need to know what you’re getting into. You’re literally a stone’s throw from Gyeongbokgung Palace (hence the name, obviously), which means you can actually beat the tour groups to the changing of the guard ceremony if you’re an early riser. I’d wake up around 7 AM and just wander over with my coffee – it’s pretty magical when the palace grounds are still quiet and misty. The neighborhood itself has this authentic Seoul vibe that a lot of the fancier hotel districts sort of lack. There’s this tiny 24-hour convenience store right around the corner where the ajumma (older Korean lady) working nights started recognizing me by day three and would have my usual ramyeon ready before I even asked.

What I really appreciated was how the staff seemed to actually care about making your stay work. The front desk guy – I think his name was Junho – gave me these incredibly detailed hand-drawn directions to this hole-in-the-wall naengmyeon place that I never would’ve found otherwise. The rooms themselves are clean and practical rather than fancy, but honestly, that’s exactly what you want when you’re spending most of your time exploring the city anyway. The beds are firm in that Korean way that takes a night to get used to, and the bathroom’s compact but functional – though fair warning, the water pressure is hit or miss depending on what floor you’re on. I was on the fourth floor and it was fine, but my friend on the second floor complained a bit.

The real insider tip here is that you’re perfectly positioned to explore Bukchon Hanok Village without dealing with the crowds that pile in from other parts of the city. I’d grab breakfast from the street vendor who sets up near the palace entrance (his hotteok is incredible on cold mornings) and then just wander through those traditional alleyways before the Instagram crowds arrived. Plus, you’re close enough to Insadong to walk there in about fifteen minutes, but far enough away that you don’t have to deal with the tourist chaos right outside your door. Honestly, for the price point and that location, it’s pretty hard to beat – especially if you’re the type of traveler who wants to feel like you’re actually staying in a Korean neighborhood rather than some sterile hotel district.

Seoul Kyeongbokgung Stay Accommodations

Reviews of Seoul Kyeongbokgung Stay

• Markéta from Czech Republic (10/10)

  The place was really pretty and spacious. The bathroom was new and the cleanest bathroom i've ever seen in Korea. The location was nice if you wanted to stay close to Gwanghwamun and palaces. It was a perfect place to chill at with friends!

• Wibke from Germany (10/10)

  We had a great stay! The location is perfect – there is a bus stop in only 2 minutes walking distance. The apartment was very quiet although it is very close to a busy street.

• Karen from Australia (10/10)

  The apartment was a max 15 minute walk from the Gyeongbokgung Station. There are so many restaurants and cafes on he way to the apartment. It's located in a residential, quiet location, yet so close to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Everything you need is provided…except your own toothbrush.:) Easy to use the buses and subway (line 3). There is an airport limousine bus at Exit 2, Gyeongbokgung Station and it's so easy to use to get to the airport. We stayed 5 nights and everyone loved the place. It was great to go out in the morning, come back and have a break or rest from the heat and then go out again in the evening. There is a fantastic Jeju Black Pork BBQ restaurant close by. It was so good we went there twice and both times it was delicious. The apartmtnent is great value for money when sharing with 4 -5 people and a nicer experience than a hotel.

• Ema from South Korea (9/10)

  It was a lot prettier than the photos and had a nice space where we could all sit together and talk.

• Jacqueline from Singapore (3/10)

  House was clean and neat. This would have been a good place for 2-3pax that don't mind a smaller space.

• Jangmi from South Korea (10/10)

  일단 압도적으로 위치가 너무 좋았구요 공간도 충분히 넓고 쾌적해서 다섯명이 지내기에 충분했고 이불과 수건도 넉넉했어요

• Linh from Vietnam (9/10)

  Chỗ ở thuận lợi, gần đường lớn, gần bến xe bus, gần cung rất tiện đi lại, mỗi ngày đi ra chờ xe bus lại được ngắm hàng cây ngân hạnh lá vàng rực đẹp nao lòng

• Sunmi from South Korea (10/10)

  숙소가 깨끗하고 아기자기하게 예뻐요~ 경복궁역에서 숙소까지 오는 길이 딱 서촌 데이트코스라 진짜 좋았어요! 위치도 좋고 독채인 숙소라 편안하게 쉬다 갑니다👍🏽

• 김 from South Korea (8/10)

  깔끔한 실내 디자인

• Baek from South Korea (7/10)

  넓고 깨끗함

Surroundings

Facilities