Where We Stayed: Toyoko Inn Seoul Dongdaemun

During our stay in Seoul, we were checked-in at the Toyoko Inn Seoul Dongdaemun.  The hotel is located in the Dongdaemun Fashion District.  It is walking distance from department stores Doota Tower, Migliore and Hello APM.  It is a Japanese-brand hotel and I noticed most of the guests were either Chinese or Japanese.  Had no problems with the other guests.  They were not noisy or rowdy.

From the airport, you can reach the hotel by taking the airport limousine bus (No. 6001) found at the arrival area.  A one-way ticket costs W14,000.00 (P560.00).  The trip takes about 90-100 minutes.  The hotel is kinda at the tail-end of the route, so don't worry.  You'll pass by Hotel Acacia, Best Western Premiere Kukdo, and Western Coop first before reaching the Toyoko Inn stop.  The bus will stop right in front of the hotel.

The room we got cost W77,000.00 (P3,080.00).  Not a bad deal!  Most Manila hotel rooms cost P4,500.00.

The lobby is small and simple.  The front desk is manned by Koreans who can speak Japanese.  They speak English, but there can be some miscommunication.  For example, they got my credit card.  I thought it was only to note the numbers for security/collateral purposes.  I did not realize she actually charged my card already!  It's a good thing that when I checked out, I was able to have her cancel the transaction and I paid in cash.

There is no WIFI in the room, but there is an ethernet cable.  However, I was not able to use it because my laptop did not work.  Fortunately, Toyoko Inn provided 4 PCs in the lobby with free fast internet and I was able to check my e-mails regularly.

Perhaps my only gripe would be the breakfast in the lobby.  They serve simple Asian breakfast.  Some noodles, porridge, kimchi, other vegetables, bread, butter, jam and coffee.  That's it.  Nothing to really fill the stomach.  If you unsatisfied with the meal, you can cross the street to the nearest coffee shop, Cafe Ti Amo.  If you want a heavy breakfast, you'd have to walk a few blocks to Doota Tower.

The room we got was a non-smoking Double Room "A".  Typical of a Japanese-owned hotel, the room was small, but comfortable.  The double bed fit 2 people.  It was cushy.

Beside the bed was a reading lamp, the controls to the air-conditioner and a thermometer.

The room had a pretty good view of the Dongdaemun area.

I could see Mt. Namsan and N Seoul Tower from my window.

Toyoko Inn provided the basic amenities including: Blowdryer, Mirror, Telephone, Internet Access via ethernet cable, Electric Kettle, Mugs, Desk and Safe.

LCD TV with 200 channels including CNN, NGC, NatGeo Adventure, Discovery, and MTV; Tissue; Mini-Refrigerator with 2 complimentary bottles of water; Pajamas and Vaporizer.

There was no closet.  Instead, Toyoko Inn installed a rack/hanger directly to the wall.  Hey, as long as I could hang my jacket, right?!

The bathroom was again typical Japanese.  It was small, but not cramped.  I had space to move in the shower.  Toyoko Inn provided a dispenser with shampoo, conditioner and body wash.  Towels were supplied, however there were no complimentary toothbrushes and toothpaste.  You'd have to go to a 7-Eleven or a Mini-Stop for those.

The toilet was heated, which was good, and a bidet.  I tried it--it was okay, but I still prefer to use toilet paper.

Toyoko Inn Seoul Dongdaemun is accessible via subway Exit 4 of the Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station.  Lines 2 (Green), 4 (Light Blue) and 6 (Purple) service that station.

Line 2 can take you directly to Jamsil Station (Lotte World).

Line 4 can take you directly to Myeongdong Station.

This is how Toyoko Inn looks like from the subway station exit.

We were pleased with our stay in Toyoko Inn Seoul Dongdaemun.  At P 3,000.00 per night, we couldn't complain.  That is a reasonable rate for a hotel room.  It's close to a subway station. Seoul's tourist attractions (like Myeongdong, Insadong, Cheonggyecheon, Mount Namsan, Chandeokgung, etc.) are just 5 to 15 minutes away via train or taxi.  The department stores (Doota Tower, Migliore and Hello APM) are just 2 blocks up the road. And those stores are open til 5AM! 


The bed was comfortable; the water was hot; internet was available, and the other guests kept to themselves and were not noisy.  Plus, an airport bus serviced the hotel. 


So, if you visit Seoul, do consider staying at this hotel.

For those on an even tighter budget, I heard some hostels are okay and clean.  For groups of 4 to 8, try the Hongdae Guesthouse.  It's ranked high in TripAdvisor's list of Top B&Bs.

Kris, Ria, Annette and EJ in front of Toyoko Inn Seoul Dongdaemun (March 2011)