Seoul Backpackers

Seoul Backpackers has a convenient location within walking distance of Insadon and the main shopping/market areas of Seoul, and is also near metro stations on two different metro lines. From the airport, bus 602-1 stops at Angkuk Dong from where it is about a seven-minute walk. The hostel has a very quiet location, something which is appreciated in Seoul! There are plenty of convenience stores near the hostel, including one just a few metres away. It is nice to be able to walk to several of the main tourist sites and markets -- the location is probably the biggest plus of this hostel. There is a no shoe/no smoking policy as well, and the hostel has a dog.

The dormitories have six metal beds and private bathrooms. As several of the dormitories are next to the main lounge area, they can be noisy at night. There is only the main light in the dormitory, so it is difficult to sleep before about 11:30 due to people coming in (the noise from the lounge is also a problem). The beds are ok, but the rooms need shelves/storage space and also more hooks. As there are no shower curtains, the whole bathroom becomes wet when anybody uses the shower. There were no hooks to hang things on, which in a wet bathroom can be a problem.

The biggest problem at this hostel is that the lounge area and kitchen are far too small for the number of people, and at times finding somewhere to sit can be a problem. The kitchen area is very small, and has seats for only four people. The plastic plates do not help either. Given the number of beds in the hostel, it is much too small, and in the mornings can be chaotic. It definitely needs more tables and chairs, as some people are forced to sit on the floor in the evenings, and even finding somewhere to write is a problem (unless you want to sit on the floor!). The hostel advertises a free breakfast, but this turned out to be only processed cheese, sliced meat, bread, and tea/instant coffee.

There is a free washing machine on the top floor and washing lines outside on the roof terrace. There are three computers for free internet access, although only one of them seemed to work well -- surprising for such a high-tech country. The hostel does not seem to have much tourist information either, just a few basic maps on the walls and not much more. But the staff seems friendly and helpful and answers tourist questions well. Given that many travelers arrive here directly from the airport, you would expect a lot more tourist information in the hostel. In the entrance is a pay phone as well. The hostel staff will store luggage as well, and a receipt is given for bags left.

The overall view of this hostel is that the location is good but that the facilities are lacking. They have put too many beds into a small building without increasing the public areas enough. If you can just use it as a place to sleep only, then it is ok, but if you want to spend any time in the hostel and hang out, then it is too small. It is just a plain backpackers that does not provide any extras or extra comfort. Use it as a place to sleep, but do not plan on spending lots of time inside the hostel.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review