Wednesday, November 15, 2017

South Korea: Seoul: Hongdae: Cocoon Stay Guesthouse



Cocoon Stay Hongdae Guesthouse 코쿤 스테이 홍대 게스트하우스
34-4, Yanghwa-ro 18an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 마포구 양화로18안길 34-4 (동교동)
Facebook | Website | Agoda

Price: Affordable if you book this months before your date of check-in. Thanks to agoda.com for another discounted stay.



Location: From Incheon Airport, I arrived at Hongik Station, took Exit 5 (with escalator), (turn right on main street, passing by the construction site (during Nov 2017). You’ll be able to see the green signage of the guesthouse.



Convenient to street parties in Hongdae area.  Plus, there are many coffee shops and restaurants in nearby blocks.  On Hongik University Station Exit 5, there is 7/11 convenience store. On Exit 3, you can have picnic at "Yeon-tral Park" on "Yeonnam-dong".  Coming from Line 2 (Green), better to use Exit 8 (stairs only), in the evening there are many street food that you can buy before going back to the guesthouse. 

Check-in: I arrived at the area before 8:00 am and the guesthouse owner is just waiting outside across the street. He allowed me to leave my luggage and just come back after 3:00 pm to enter to my assigned room. He’s very welcoming and was openly curious about the Philippines, because he had business in my home country for almost 4 years in the past. He told me about some food crossing over same tastes between Philippines and Korea, like crispy pata (pork samgyeopsal), bulalo (beef stew) etc.


Upon entering the house, you have to take off your shoes and change to provided slippers (remember to always wear socks since the slippers are also shared).

This place offers dedicated fast internet connection per room and has 1 unit on 2nd Floor to be shared among the guests.


Room (Economy Single Room): I’m assigned to private single room using shared bathroom on the 3rd floor. I selected this guesthouse because of privacy at its very affordable price. In terms of room size, it is too small, but enough to open my back pack. For those carrying 15 kg luggage, you’ll have
difficulty to unpack and pack your things.

A small cabinet is provided with its own lock, plus 3 hangers to hang your clothes. A small desk with mirror, towel and list of guesthouse rules are prepared when you check-in. I had my own air conditioner remote as well. I commend that the cable provider for the television has English channels like Arirang and CNN.  I suggest, they also provide tissue in each private room. 

Shower Area: I prefer the shower room at 2nd floor because it has 2 door locks (for powder room connected to shower bathroom). But the one in 3rd floor has a locked room for shower area and sliding no lock door for powder area. Plus for the shower rooms are glass walls, liquid body soap, shampoo and slippers. I suggest to have more hanging bars for clothes and towels, and to add conditioner. 

Powder Area: Apart from hair blow dryer and mirror, there is nothing more to see in Powder area. I suggest to have cotton balls, lotion and cotton buds.

Toilet: Regarding the toilet at the 3rd floor, it is located under the stairs, so there is a section with very low ceiling, thus you have to bend. You can move better around the toilet at the 2nd floor, however the sink water sewage is leaking.


Roof Deck: Below is the scene at the roof deck.  If you want to dry some clothes during summer, you can place it at this area.

Culinary Experience: Uncle provided simple breakfast, but I have not tried it since I always get out early in the morning. But I enjoyed getting hot water for my tea time at night. There is a hot and cold dispenser in the first floor.


Verdict: Good for travelers looking for a very affordable price in a private room that is located at the heart of Hongdae area.  It feels safe because this guesthouse doesn't allow drinking and smoking activities.  Good choice for the low-height guests and carrying small luggage only.

But if you are a tall big built foreign/local you may think twice due to the limited moving area in your room or in the toilet.




Dates Stayed: November 09 - 13, 2017






Day
Places to see
Food and Restaurants
Where to Sleep
1
World Cup Park [Autumn/Bong Soo]
Seoul Forest Station [Autumn/K2]
Konkuk University [Autumn/Goblin]
Underground Market (Seoul Bus Terminal)

2
W Hand Steak [Battle Trip]
Cocoon Guest House
3
Digital Media [Best Punch]
Cocoon Guest House
4
Alver [Arirang Live]
Blute [Bok Joo]
Pork Soup Restaurant
Cocoon Guest House
5
Bupyeong Luggage Locker
Inha University [Autumn/Bok Joo]
Café Valor [Beauty Inside]
Paris Baguette
Cocoon Guest House