Hotel Sarangbang Yongsan

Last March, I went to Seoul with my family. The trip was for 6 days and we're a big group so looked for a nice but less expensive hotel. We got two rooms with queen sized beds and requested for extra beds for each. Rooms are both cozy, complete and refreshed regularly. The location of the hotel is quite strategic. The Seoul train station is just a few walks away and there are some friendly restaurants you can check out as well. There's a nearby 7eleven too if you needs some supplies. Its good that they have maps and guides available in their hotel. Price is reasonable too.

The hotel is located relatively close to Seoul Station, which made it convenient arriving and departing to the airport. Take Exit 4 when arriving from the airport express train. You will see a brightly colored children's hospital in front of you. Turn to your left and head down the street. Cross over to the other side of the street and continue in the same direction. About 5-10 minutes down the street you'll turn right up a side alley just past a small open car wash and just before a moped store. (We did a Google street view before we left so we knew what we were looking for.) There is a small sign that says hotel. There is smoking allowed in the hotel in the hallway, but we didn't smell it in our room, although there was an ashtray in the room. There is complimentary bottled water in the refrigerator and tea and coffee you can make with the hot pot. The bathroom is quite large, but there is no shower curtain. So when you take a shower everything gets a bit damp. The beds are the one reason I wouldn't recommend this hotel. It was like sleeping on a box spring...no exaggeration at all. It made it hard to get a good night's sleep. One more note, if you arrive at Seoul Station via the subway, do not use Exit 4. This is a different exit from the Seoul Train Station Exit 4. The best way we found to get back to the hotel was to use Exit 1, follow the signs towards the airport train and exit at the original Exit 4. If you are going on the USO DMZ tour, Seoul Station is only 2 stops away from the Samgakji Subway Station, which is near the entrance to the USO.

We are from the US, but arriving in Seoul was a little disorienting. The hotel was said to be 10 minutes from Seoul Station, which was true. But finding it on foot, and without the help of a taxi, well, that's another story. We asked several of the locals where it was, but the language must have gotten in the way. So, here are your clues: turn left and walk down the main road as you exit Seoul Station. The hotel is located on the right up a small side alley just before a motorbike sales and repair shop that sells Yamahas and other bikes. If you get to the large public building titled "Family Federation for World Peace and Unification" then you are just past the alley, and you need to backtrack to the last alley side street. Once here, it is well worth the effort. The rooms were clean and comfortable. Lots of little items that make your stay pleasant like toothpaste, shaving cream, a desktop computer in the room, coffee maker, etc. The floors are heated and it was very quiet. The location was quite central. We walked out for lunch and dinner and there were lots and lots of restaurants within walking distance. We also walked to the train station and visited central Seoul where the Palace and other tourist places are (Insadong). Los of fun. Overall, I think you will really like this hotel and for the price you can not beat it.