The better in MD, Jongro

You know what caught me off guard about The better in MD, Jongro? The name is honestly a bit quirky – I mean, “the better” sounds like someone was trying to translate something and got a little lost along the way – but don’t let that throw you off because this place is actually a solid find in one of Seoul‘s most fascinating neighborhoods.

I stumbled across this 3-star spot during my third trip to Seoul, and honestly, I wish I’d discovered it sooner. The Jongro area is where you get that perfect mix of old Seoul meeting new Seoul – you’ve got traditional markets practically next door to sleek office buildings, and the energy is just different here compared to the more touristy areas like Myeongdong. What really impressed me was how the hotel manages to punch above its weight class. I mean, with a 9.1 rating, you’d expect maybe some fancy 5-star place, but this is proof that sometimes the smaller properties just get it right. The staff actually remembers your name after the first night (which, let’s be honest, doesn’t happen everywhere), and there’s this genuine warmth that feels more like staying with a friend who happens to run a really nice guesthouse.

The location is pretty genius if you ask me – Jongro puts you right in the thick of things without the chaos of some other districts. You can walk to Insadong for your traditional crafts fix, hop over to Cheonggyecheon stream when you need a breather from the city buzz, or just wander the side streets and discover those hole-in-the-wall restaurants that locals actually eat at. I found this incredible 24-hour jjajangmyeon place about two blocks away that became my go-to late-night spot. The subway connections are solid too – you’re not stuck with just one line, which makes getting around the city way less stressful. What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets at night despite being in such a central area. You get these moments around 2 AM where you can actually hear the city breathing, you know? The rooms aren’t huge (this is Seoul, after all), but they’re thoughtfully designed with enough plugs in the right places and blackout curtains that actually work. Small things, but they matter when you’re trying to adjust to the time difference or just need to recharge after walking fifteen miles through markets and palaces.