Guest House in Seoul

It's so overwhelming having to find an affordable (= cheap!) place to stay in Seoul.. There are so many of them! I am starting to get a headache already.. (@_@)

Things you need to know and consider:

◆ Private or shared bathroom
◆ You can add an extra bed or not (if you're travelling in an odd number)
◆ Different rate on weekends or peak season
◆ Discount for staying longer
◆ The place at a hill or have elevator (coz you don't want to drag your luggage uphill or lift it up the stairs)
◆ If you plan to cook, then kitchen is needed
◆ Curfew at what time (You don't want to get locked outside)
◆ Rules while staying at the guesthouse (Some don't allow food in the room)
◆ Luggage storage, you can keep your luggage there if you're early or after check-out; before you catch your flight
◆ Check with the guesthouse whether they have pets (i.e. dogs, cats) around as well. If you have allergic or phobia..

The fastest way to check the price is at Agoda.com. After finding the cheapest guesthouse with the room that you want, go to the guesthouse website to check if the rate is cheaper in Agoda. If not, you may want to make your reservation directly from the guesthouse website.

If you do not mind having less privacy, you could opt for the dormitory. A dormitory would usually have 6 beds and it only costs KRW16,000/night/person (~USD16). It's super cheap. You can choose whether you want a mixed one or a female/male separate one. I would NOT suggest this option to my fellow Muslim friends unless you are traveling with a big group of same gender friends or with your family, then you can consider having the whole dormitory room for yourselves. Or, you can check out INES INN and Malaysian homestay because they are own by Muslim. So, you don't have to worry about the kitchen, if you know what I mean..

I recommend you also check the review for the guesthouse that you are interested in. Whether the place is clean, spacious, comfortable, friendly, safe etc. If you have to pay KRW25,000/night/person (~USD25), that would be considered an average price and quite cheap. But it's always better if you can find a cheaper one but remember, there's always a catch. Probably the place is not as you would expect. So be careful when you choose a guesthouse. Read the guesthouse's website thoroughly.

I decided to make a list and take some time reviewing each and every one of the guesthouses. Different people have different criteria, so my list may not suit you. I'm looking for a guesthouse based on:

■ a room for 2 persons
■ the cheapest
■ preferably with private toilet
■ facilities such as WiFi, washing machine, dryer and ironing
■ near to a subway station
■ preferably in the middle of Seoul/near to attractions

Since I am travelling with just another friend, the budget for accommodation is slightly higher than travelling in a big group.  Plus, we want a room of our own but we do not mind sharing a bathroom, as long as female and male don't use the same one (coz we're just not comfortable with that). We end up choosing Girls' Generation Hostel because it's cheap and only girls are welcomed. *thumbs up* Although it's at 3rd floor, elevator is there and it's near to a few subway stations too. Plus, they provide rice and kimchi for free! 24/7! The only thing I would like to complaint is they have a pet.. A small, white, fluffy dog~ Unfortunately for me, I am scared of dog.. I just froze in front of ANY dog.

The table below is what I had summarized so far. The price may change (last update on December 2014), so be sure to check their website. You can get a rough idea how cheap or expensive a guesthouse is, then you can go to their website to see for yourself the room or the rates for other rooms. This list does not include ALL guesthouses in Seoul, though.

* If you see in the 'Comments' column below, Hanok means the traditional Korean house where you have to sleep on the floor.
* WM = washing machine
* P = private, ensuite
* S = shared
* I didn't write down all the facilities. Just the one that's important to me.

I don't know if my list would make sense to you, so if you have any question, feel free to leave me a comment. Also, this is the link for you to see where the location of the guesthouses and major attractions.

NAME	ROOMS	BATH	RATES/ROOM (KRW)	Comments
Alpha Guest House	Twin Double Double	S S P	42,000 45,000 (Fri,Sat) 42,000 45,000(Fri,Sat) 55,000 65,000 (Fri,Sat)
Anguk Guest House	Double Twin	P P	60,000 78,000 (Fri,Sat) 70,000 91,000 (Fri,Sat)	Modern Hanok Sleep on bed Near subway
Ann Guest House	Dorm	S	20,000/person
Apple Backpackers	Double	P	55,000	300m to subway *washing machine (WM) w/ dryer Baggage storage Common kitchen
Backpackers INSIDE	Budget Standard Double w kitc	S S P	44,000 50,000 55,000	Quite far from subway WM w/ dryer Iron Self-service bar Common kitchen
Banana Backpackers	Double	P	55,000
Bangrang Hostel	Double Double Twin	P S S	55,000 45,000 50,000	Near subway WM Hair dryer Iron Baggage storage Common kitchen
Beewon Guesthouse	Bunk Double Twin Ondol	P P P P	45,000 45,000 50,000 50,000	Near subway Near palace area WM
Bukchon Korean Traditional House 1	Twin Double	S P	70,000 80,000 (Fri,Sat) 90,000 100,000 (Fri,Sat)	WM Hair dryer
Bukchon Korean Traditional House 2	Double A Double B	P P	90,000 100,000 (Fri,Sat) 90,000 100,000 (Fri,Sat)	WM Hair dryer
Doo Hanok Bukchon 1	Semi double Double	S S	60,000 80,000	500m from subway Aircon/heater Hair dryer
Eugene’s House	Double/Twin Big Twin	P P	100,000 140,000	Hanok
Girls Generation Hostel  (Girls only)	Dorm for 2 Dorm for 2 Twin	P S P	45,000 36,000 50,000	Near subway Very narrow room Hair dryer
Golden Pond Guest House	Single Double Twin	P P P	60,000 60,000 60,000	WM w/ dryer Microwave
Guest House 201	Double	S	65,000	Hanok
Guest House 202	Double	S	70,000	Hanok
Guest House Korea	2 beds	?	19,000/person 21,000/person (Sat, Sun)
	Double	?	47,000 50,000 (Sat, Sun)
	Twin	?	47,000 50,000 (Sat, Sun)
HEY Backpackers 1	Twin/Double	S	50,000 55,000 (Fri, Sat)
HEY Backpackers 2	Double Double w kitchen	S P	50,000 55,000 (Fri, Sat) 65,000 70,000 (Fri, Sat)
Hi Guest House	Twin special Twin	S S	60,000 55,000
Hongdae Guest House	Double	P	100,000
Hongsi Guest House	2 beds (F/M)	S	70,000
Hostel Korea 11th	Twin	P	90,000
INES INN	2 beds	P	25,000/person	M’sian owner Itaewon
J-Guest House	Double/Twin Triple (2)	P P	60,000 70,000
JIN Guest House	Twin	S	54,000
Khaosan-Seoul	Twin/Double	P	60,000
Kimchee Guesthouse -Gyeongbukgong	Double Twin	P P	55,000 60,000	Luggage storage Laundry charged
Kimchee Guesthouse -Gangnam	Twin	P	60,000	Breakfast inc
Kimchee Guesthouse -Sinchon	Twin	S	50,000
Kimchee Guesthouse -Hongdae	Double Twin	S S	50,000 50,000
Kimchee Guesthouse -Dongdaemun	Double Twin	P P	55,000 55,000	Luggage storage Laundry charged Rooftop cafe
Kimchee Guesthouse -Dongdaemun 2	Double Twin	P P	60,000 60,000
Kimchee Guesthouse -Seoul St	Double Twin	P P	55,000 55,000	Luggage storage Laundry charged
Lee & No Guest House	Twin Double	S S	55,000 55,000	Microwave Breakfast inc
M’sian Homestay	2 beds	?	50,000	Malaysian owner Gangnam
Mama Guest House	Single Twin	? ?	30,500 35,000	Narrow room
Seoul Myeongdong Guest House	Double Twin	S S	55,000 55,000
Myeongdong Guesthouse	Double Twin Ondol	P P P	50,000 60,000 55,000	Hair dryer
Namsan Guesthouse 1	Double Twin Dorm	P P P	55,000 55,000 65,000	WiFi Egg Free b/fast WM
Namsan Guesthouse 2	Twin A Twin B	P P	60,000 65,000	Nice outdoor
Namsan Guesthouse 3	Twin	P	65,000	Rooftop area
Namsan Guesthouse 4	Double Twin VIP 3 Dorm	P P P S	70,000 70,000 60,000 30,000/person
Namsan Guesthouse 5	Double Twin	P P	65,000 65,000	Interesting dorm
Namu Guest House	Double B Twin C Double D	S S S	70,000 65,000 70,000
Seoul I Guesthouse	Twin	S	50,000
Seoul MyeongDong House	Twin/Double	S	55,000
Studio 41st	Double/Twin	P	90,000 @ 100,000
Tea Guest House 2	Double	P	80,000	w/ kitchen
Traveler’s A Hostel	Double/Twin	P	50,000	Hair dryer Laundry charged Fridge in room Need to take stairs w/ luggage
Windroad	Double	S	19,000	Review: dirty w/ bar
Yun Guest House	Double/Twin	?	50,000	Hair dryer

KPOP STAR 4 - Audition Round (Part 3)

EPISODE 3

♦ Faustina Ryu, 11, US

She is the 6th child from 8 siblings. Amazingly, both of her parents are actually Korean but she don't really look Korean. I guess her name made me thought she's a Japanese.

(Brave - Sara Bareilles)

[O] JYP   : You could pass becoz you fit into all the qualities I want.
[O] YHY : She 'stabbed' the notes (during refrain) as if I was shot by an arrow.
[X] YG    : I don't want her to be taught in a confined environment and just want her to be free.

♦ Na Soo Hyun, 15, Sydney

She won first place at Sydney's Superstar and was praised in The Voice Kids. She has a powerful high notes. So what? Ahaha.. (imitating Yu Min Sang's gag skit) I was impressed by her high notes but I guess she needs to be a bit more humble. She's really talented and smart. She did well in her studies, can speak six languages and play piano, flute and guitar.

(Chandelier by Sia)

[X] JYP   : I'm sorry JYPE has rejected you but I'm going to give the same answer.
[O] YHY : You caught me by surprise when you sing the high notes but it's not appealing.
[O] YG    : You did well but's it's a pity. You pass becoz your singing skills.

*barely pass coz she sings without any emotion

♦ Tony Eum, 20, Hong Kong

He did pass the first round last season but Round 2 overlapped with his college exams, so he has to drop out. He was criticized by JYP for not having any talent (Ouch!). So he decided to learn the techniques that JYP teaches the past contestants.

(Story of My Life by One Direction)

[O] JYP   : You're just excited to sing but you don't feel it. Please sing better next round.
[O] YHY : You're like a white person who sings acoustic pop.
[O] YG    : I liked the way you just sing as you felt it.

♦ Lee Hee Joo, 23

She tried out for all the previous 3 seasons and she still audition again. She majored in Practical Music. But it seems like it's tough to get through the industry. Her parents advised her to learn a new skill.

(My Same by Adele)

[X] JYP   : You have to learn a new skill if you sing like that.
[O] YHY : This could be another beginning but do your own music.
[O] YG    : You are smart if you can hold on to only necessary knowledge, not all.

♦ Kim Dong Woo, 32

He's the oldest contestant for this season. He quit his job 2 years ago just to get serious with music, only to realize doing music is not enough to survive. He said this will be his last attempt at doing music.

(Hidden Road by Yoo Jae Ha)

[X] JYP   : The best dream is the intersection of what you want to do and what you do well.
[O] YHY : I thought of clearing some of the fog in your path as I listened.
[X] YG    : Your singing is not that special. You should face reality, not dream, at your age.

 *YHY gave him a WILD CARD.

♦ Ada Wong, 14, New Zealand

She started karate since she was 6 years old. She just loves to sing but she don't have any music background.

(When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars)

[O] JYP   : It's as if all the women I dated before are talking to me.
[O] YHY : Her tune is bad but why do I feel strange?
[O] YG    : She sings as if she's speaking to us and she conveys the feeling well.

KPOP STAR 4 - Audition Round (Part 2)

Continued..

Honestly, I don't know if you, readers, would find it interesting but I'm doing this post for myself. Cheers!

EPISODE 2

♦ Park Hye Soo, 21

She studied Korean Literature at Korea University. She has a really amazing(?) personality. She said she studied so hard to the point she has to ask her friend to tie her up to the chair. Erk! I guess she's the type that would 'beat herself up' (emotionally, not physically) if she fails on something. I envy her competitiveness but not so much of her 'extremeness'..

(Better In Time - Leona Lewis)

[X] YHY: You sings well but not from a professional view becoz you don't have ad-lib with groove.
[O] YG   : You have a voice suit for your age and image.
[O] JYP  : I can't sense your character or values when you sing.

She was asked by JYP to sing another song, 'Farewell for Myself', with more emotion.

♦ Lily Morror, 13, Australia

She is half-Korean (Mom) and half-Australian (Dad). She is also a child actress in Australia. YG was glued to her when she first appeared on stage.. Hahaha.. On the other hand, JYP was amazed by her eloquence. Her Mom who suggested to her to try out in this competition while her dad was ready with a tour bus for her to perform around Australia.. Waahh~ What a family..

(Fallin - Alicia Keys)

[O] JYP   : The good part about you singing is that you don't try to mimic Alicia Keys
[O] YHY : Her eyes and expression are mesmerizing. That's good enough for me.
[O] YG    : She absorbed even the tiny expressions when she conveys the feeling.

♦ Esther Kim, 15, LA

She lives in the suburbs of LA, called Arcadia. She's still a high school student but she looks quite matured for her age. Or maybe not.. It could be just my opinion. Hihi.. As her father had passed away, she lives with her Mother, an older brother and a puppy.

(Almost is Never Enough - Arianna Grande)

[O] JYP   : I love the fact that you sing as if you're speaking. Yeah.. I want you.
[O] YHY : Your breathing is a music itself. You're like the female version of Bernard Park.
[O] YG    : I dare say she's the 2nd best female contestants this season.

♦ Ku Ki Hoon, 19

He's really an interesting character. He told his parents his going to study hall when he actually came to SBS building. His parents were against his desire to become a singer. He's quite good-looking and tall too. He received ALL PASS and some advices from the three judges.

♦ Lee Se Rim, 14, Singapore

(Waiting - Younha)

[O] JYP
[X] YHY
[O] YG

She cried so much after YHY gave her a pass. So cute..

♦ Han Se Joo, 19, New Zealand (OUT!)

(Stay With Me by Sam Smith)

He dances very hilariously after the song. Gosh~ I get confused whether he's a guy or a girl..

♦ Seo Ye An, 18, Yeongju

She was really shy during the individual interview. She said she usually couldn't quite remember what happened on stage. Once the music starts, she just naturally move her body which caught the judges by surprise. It was an awkwardly shy dance.

(Problem by Arianna Grande)

[O] JYP
[O] YHY
[O] YG

♦ Chun So Hyun, 21, Daejeon

She has an impressive background. She featured in Peterpan Complex OST, sang guide track for Davichi and SISTAR's Hyorin. She thought she could sing but she failed the auditions for Superstar K, KPOP STAR 3 and Voice of Korea. She even colored her hair blonde because she don't want people to focus on her face but more of her singing.

(Please - Lucia ft Epitone Project)

[O] JYP
[X] YHY : You sing very well but you're trying too hard.
[O] YG

♦ Woo Nyeong In, 18

She dropped out from high school just to pursue music. She started to live in Seoul for the past 3 months at a goshiwon in Apgujeong. What touches me about her is that she believes that by writing your goals, saying it out loud and seeing them every day, will make them come true. I also believe in those but I'm not as persistent as her.

(Make You Feel My Love - Bob Dylan)

[O] JYP   : You have all the qualities that I look for in a contestant.
[X] YHY : Why does it feel strange listening to this song?
[O] YG    : I also don't know why it's good but I just want to keep listening.

♦ Lee Seol Ah, 21, Incheon

She won first place at Yoo Jae-Ha Music Contest. Wow! Another talented contestant.. But she did try out for Kpop Star 3 and won the award afterward. She didn't come out on TV for last season coz she was ranked 'Poor' by Antenna Music and her whole group was eliminated. Well, get ready to cry a bucket when she sing her self-composed song.

(Life As A Mom by herself)

[O] JYP   : Composers usually write songs that people want to listen, but she just writes it the way she wants
[O] YHY : I love the lyrics and melody.
[O] YG    : I think all the mothers out there will be crying when this is broadcasted.

KPOP STAR 4 - Audition Round (Part 1)

Hello everyone! It's the new season! Kyaaa~ I'm seriously excited to meet all the contestants. I will try to do my best in summarizing the list of all the contestants that passed the first round. ^_^

EPISODE 1

♦ Hong Chanmi, 22

She is the 6th child from 7 siblings. She has a passive personality so she don't dare to talk about pursuing music to her family.

(Free loop by Daniel Powter)

[X] JYP  : Your singing just passes over my head like a cloud and doesn't hit me here >>heart.
[X] YG   : It's good at first but after 20 sec, "When is the next part?".
[O] YHY: We should have singers who sing with simplicity like a cloud passing over.

*YHY gave her a WILD CARD

♦ Kwon Hye In, 15, New Jersey

She had performed at Amateur Night at Apollo before and won first place.

(Girl On Fire by Alicia Keys)

[X] YHY: You didn't feel like a pop singer but more like a musical actress.
[X] JYP  : You have to be true to yourself.
[O] YG   : To put it simply, you were pretentious.

*YG gave her WILD CARD

♦ Park Yoon Ha, 16, Seongnam

"I went to the preliminary round without any desire, thinking of it as a good experience. I passed, so I have more desire for singing now". This was her first audition ever.

(Desire and hope by As One)

[O] JYP  : A middle school student can sing well without imitating an adult.
[O] YHY: My heart was pounding as you sang, like a 17-years-old.
[O] YG   : You have a clean(?) voice.

♦ Na Ha-Eun, 6, Daegu

She was the youngest contestant EVER! Aigoo~ Kiyeopta~ "I want to be a singer who sing and dance well". According to her mom, she just want her to have fun on stage and hear the professional's opinions on her daughter's dancing skills.

(Do you want to build a snowman from Frozen OST & Watcha know bout me by Nicki Minaj)

[O] YG   : I'm seeing a miracle right now.
[O] JYP  : Even the adult dancers don't get the backbeat but it's incredible she does.
[O] YHY: It's our first gift to you, you passed.

*JYP asked her to free-styled dance to an impromptu song. And she nailed it!

♦ Jung Seun Hwan, 19

"I did get singing lessons but I quit because I think singing is not for learning. I was told that I looked cynical, that's why I wore glasses today".

(It Will Pass by Kim Bum Soo)

[O] YG   : Your favorite singers are John Lennon, Radiohead and YHY. I thought this guy is not normal. *laugh* But you sing like you're talking.
[O] YHY: I believe that you have an innate talent.
[O] JYP  : Every single person has something special. You just did your thing and didn't try to fit yourself to others.

♦ Nam So Hyun, 18

She did try out last season with her sister, Nam Young Jo, but she didn't get through the preliminary round.

(Only I didn't know by IU)

[O] YG   : You are good with emotion.
[X] YHY: You lack a distinctive feature. You sing all the high notes with falsetto.
[O] JYP  : I'm disappointed that you did the same mistakes as your sister.

*She was asked to sing the high notes again with her own voice.

♦ Grace, 27, New York

She has passed during Season 1's preliminary round but she got some VISA problem and she don't want to leave her mom behind. It took her 3 years to try out again.

(Fallin by Alicia Keys)

[O] JYP  : I don't like people showing off while singing, but it's okay if you did it well.
[O] YHY: You sing the best out of all the contestants.
[O] YG   : She would get a standing ovation if she performs in American Idol.

♦ Lee Jin Ah, 24

"I was always being teased by boys during my middle and high school years."
"My voice doesn't bother me at all in my daily life now."

(Time, slow down by Lee Jin Ah)

[O] JYP  : I was completely enchanted.
[O] YHY: I just saw a female musician I've been dreaming of.
[O] YG   : I think you will be the first to pave the path for other Korean Indie musicians.


My amateur comment:
    I'm rooting for Jung Seung Hwan, Park Yoon Ha, Na Ha Eun and Lee Jin Ah. But I know Na Ha Eun and Lee Jin Ah might not go further if they don't impress the judges next round. Plus, Na Ha Eun is just a baby~ I'm worried about her as much as I wanted her to do well. As for Lee Jin Ah, she don't really have a powerful voice, so it might be a disadvantage. But I trust her unique musicality!
    I had a bad impression on Jung Seung Hwan when he said he quit the singing lesson because singing is not to be learned (?). Doesn't that sound like you put too much pride on yourself? But in the end, his individuality does shine. And as for Kwon Hye In and Grace.. They are great at singing, but I hope they don't overdo it next time. I wasn't moved by their performances yet I was amazed by their high notes.. Sawry~ (Cheon Song Yi's style..) All the best for next round!

KPOP STAR 4: Lee Jin Ah - Audition round

I have to admit that I was amused (and surprised) to hear her voice at first. Even the judges was taken aback when they heard her voice for the first time. Yoo Hee Yeol remarks was especially hilarious, 'Is that really your voice?'.

Lee Jin Ah is a singer-songwriter, aged 24, from Gwang-ju. She has already released an album titled 'Invisible' but it was a complete failure. Too bad that her musicality was not recognized.

She said she used to be teased by boys during her middle and high school years. But her voice did not bother her at all. She just wanted to be a singer-songwriter and let others listen to her song. Previously she did perform in Hongdae and even released an album. Nothing changed and she did not get much recognition.

She was worried coming to audition because her voice is not powerful enough for this competition. But the president of her former agency persuaded her to try out the audition for Kpop Star 4. Thankfully she did .. Honestly I am not a professional in terms of music but seeing how the judges respond to her song, it must be a big deal then. Actually she was in Mnet Tune Up before. I prefer her piano-playing version instead of the whole band version. You can check out both her performances below.

Lee Jin Ah: "I'm sorry but the feet pedal is not working"

Yoo Hee Yeol: "You pass! No need to sing. I'm already amazed by your musicality"

Time, Slows Down - Lee Jin Ah

When I am walking hand in hand with you

I always start to sing a song

Lala laa ~

Strangely, whenever I am with you

Time always flies away

When I am walking hand in hand with you

I always start to sing a song

Lala laa ~

Strangely, whenever I am with you

Time always flies away

[Chorus]

Oh Time, could you slows down a bit?

I think you're going to fast 

Could you go slower for me a bit

Just a little, a little bit

Slowly, slowly

Could you go by?

How can it be?

The day is over so quickly

With you by my side

How time flies

I think I'm going to be a grandma soon

Will this feeling last forever?

[Chorus] × 2