I’m not going to sugar coat this in any way – Zzzip Guesthouse is the only place you need to stay in while you are visiting Seoul. And no I am not sponsored by them in any way – it is just that good. In fact, it was so good I ended up staying there twice during my journey through South Korea.
Zzzip Guesthouse is located in Hongdae, one of the liveliest neighbourhoods in Seoul, known for its nightlife, bars and restaurants. A short walk from the nearest metro station, this hostel has a fantastic location for exploring nearby Hongdae and the rest of Seoul.
Why is the hostel a standout?
Firstly, it is SO welcoming. The owners are at the heart and soul of the hostel. Before I even arrived, they messaged me asking what time I would reach the hostel. They also provided very useful information and pictures on how to get there from different directions.
As soon as I walked through the door I immediately felt welcomed. The owners are warm, friendly and love talking about the city they live in. They will provide information about anything you want to know/do while you are there on your visit. I had a tour booked and I wanted to know if there was a good day to do it and they advised me when was best. They provided hiking routes for me to reach the tops of nearby hills for views over the city. They provided restaurants for all dietary requirements as well. They were always a message away and were eager to help.
The hostel itself – rooms and facilities
The main common area is a nice place to hang out and meet fellow travellers. One cool feature is that each guest has their picture taken on a Polaroid the day they leave. That picture gets put up around the room. If you stay here, see if you can spot mine!
Breakfast (which is included in the cost) is held each morning in the common area. There are good options for breakfast so make the most of it!
The rooms are cozy with comfy beds and have private compartments for your valuables (bring a padlock for extra security). The en-suite bathrooms are excellent, even better in the winter because they have heated flooring!
Final Verdict – Highly Recommended
I wholeheartedly recommend Zzzip Guesthouse. Its one of those rare places that completely lives up to its reviews. The reviews and ratings on HostelWorld say it all with a rating of 9.9 out of 10 and I fully understand why!. If you are looking for a great place to stay in Seoul then this is the place!
