Swanhouse
156-2 Donggyo-Dong, Hongdae, Seoul, South Korea, 121-816
서울시 마포구 동교동 156-2 마젤란 21 빌딩
Magellan 21 Building, Donggyo- Dong, Mapo-Gu, Seoul-City
Price: Discounts you might get from Agoda is not applicable, as it is fixed rate when you pay it upon arrival at 100,500krw/day. [Date Stayed: 2016 November]
Location: Got this place from Agoda, however it looks to be part of airbnb. This is not a guesthouse where you’ll see other guests, computer unit or a tour desk that you’ll meet each time you go out for the day. This is like a condo unit in a building nearby the university belt.
From Line 2 Hongik University (Hongdae) subway station Exit 2 (with escalator), it is just 1-2 minutes walk going to Magellan 21 Building (just beside Jewel Shop - DOROCY at ground floor).
You'll be given the floor and instructions on how to use the elevator. The left elevator is for even floors, while the right elevator is for odd floors. He will also provide the room number, pass code and wifi connection details. You’ll contact him by chat (Line WeChat) to settle the payments for the room or in case you borrowed an egg wifi.
The owner’s unit is on 3F. I’m not sure how to transfer from even elevator to odd elevator, so we moved back to ground floor first (1F). Then you’ll see a lobby, he will not get out and you’ll be disconnected from wifi again. So I suggest, have someone chat from your room and have someone pay the fees on 3F lobby.
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Room: It is way different from what was posted in Agoda website. The actual room was a bit rundown room. The cabinet is old with some slobs that are sturdy. There are clothes hanger where some are old and broken which should no longer be there. Also, there are used spoons and not clean mugs that are not washed. The microwave is not cleaned from dust and they have not provided microwavable container. The 2 provided plates are thin melaware that can't be used on microwave.
The kitchen rug and sponge ares not new and with molds. The electric cooking range is dusty. I don't know how to turn off the refrigerator, but I don't need it during month of November. There are many screws that gets being unscrewed. The handle of the cabinet just fell off. The screw on door handle seems to be unscrewed as well.
They keep octopus wires. They don’t have local phone. There are no English channel on TV. The cleaner will go in even if there are guests inside. They will clean only the thrash bins and not the bathroom or kitchen.
In the bathroom, they have slippers, tissue, shampoo and liquid soap. Bad side, the exhaust fan is not working.
On our last night, while sleeping, I felt like something crawled for 3 seconds, but I have not seen it. Then my mom said she got 2 bites.
Culinary Experience: There are no provided complimentary water, coffee or tea. There is nearby 7/11 and coffee shop on the next block. There are restaurants everywhere along the campus belt.
Verdict: The location is centrally located in Hongdae, accessible by subway and nearby crossing for more restaurants on the opposite street. Although, I have enjoyed waking up and crossing the streets seeing Jong-ki, you may find a bit cheaper price (and possibly well maintained guesthouse) for accommodation apart from this place.
Summary of 4 days itinerary in 2016 Seoul Trip:
Day
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Places to see
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Food and Restaurants
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Where to Sleep
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Day 1
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Swanhouse in Hongdae
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Day 2
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Swanhouse in Hongdae
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Day 3
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Cafeteria
Good Morning Café University Cafeteria |
Swanhouse in Hongdae
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Day 4
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Dunkin Donuts
Somoon |
Swanhouse in Hongdae
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