Patio 59 Hongdae 2 @ Seoul

So if you are planning to visit Seoul, the next question to ask yourself would be "where should I stay?". The popular areas are Myeongdong, Hongdae and Dongdaemun, just to name a few. Some people might even say that ultimately it doesn't matter where you stay as long as your hostel is close to a subway station because that's most likely going to be your main mode of transportation during your stay.

I did some research and found out that a lot of attractions are actually on subway Line 2 (Hongdae, Ehwa, Gangnam, COEX Mall, Lotte World). Places such as Myeongdong, Gyeongbokgung Palace and Dongdaemun can also be reached via several stations on Line 2. Click here to find out more about Seoul subway Line 2! 

Eventually I chose to stay in Hongdae for two reasons. 

Firstly, it is considered to be an indie district of Seoul and it has a very chill vibe. You can see a lot of young people in Hongdae and I guess that is appropriate for my age? Hahahaha wtf.      

Secondly, which is the most important of all, it is super convenient! Hongik University Station is not only on Seoul subway Line 2, but also AREX (airport railroad) and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line. You can easily take the AREX to Hongik University Station without transferring!    

Okay I feel like I've been promoting Hongdae too much, let's talk about Patio 59 Hongdae 2 now.   

What you see is basically what you get. I booked for a standard twin residence through Agoda for less than RM150 per night and it comes with a private bathroom and kitchenette. Other facilities include free wireless internet, heating, air conditioning, balcony, washing machine, TV, hair dryer and toiletries. It's definitely value for money! 

But I gotta say, it's not really a well soundproofed room so you can hear your neighbors talking and laughing. I had noisy neighbors for 2 or 3 nights but thankfully it wasn't anything too bad and I could still sleep soundly.

Besides that, I would say the hostel is a little far from Hongik University Station - it takes about 10 to 15 minutes by foot. Personally I didn't mind that because it's a nice neighborhood and there are a lot of eateries, convenience stores (1 GS25 just a few steps away from the hostel and another 2 on the way to the station) and a park where everyone goes there for picnic on weekends. The only time I absolutely loathed the distance was when I had to carry heavy things hahaha.   

If you are using Konest map as mentioned in my previous post, here's how you can key in the address of Patio 59 Hongdae 2. 

If you are coming from Incheon International Airport, follow the signs and go to level B1 in order to take the AREX All Stop Train, which will take you to Hongik University Station. Be careful not to take the AREX Express Train because it will directly take you to Seoul Station without making any stop in between.   

Directions: Hongik University Station (Line 2 Exit 3)

• Walk straight (you will pass by GS25, Innisfree, Travel Maker on your left). 
• Once you see Yoger Presso, cross the road to get to the other side where the police station is located at (make sure that Yoger Presso is behind you and you are facing the police station while crossing the road). 
• Continue walking straight towards the same direction (you will pass by CU, building 106, 105, 104 and Paris Baguette on your right and GS25 on your right).
• Turn left when you see Tous Les Jours and continue straight on. You will arrive at Patio 59 Hongdae 2 on your left. 

Sorry that I'm so bad in describing! When in doubt, just ask the police (that's what I did). They can actually speak basic English to guide you. And here's Google map for you heh.