Dadareum Guest House

The staff were friendly and helpful when they were around, and if you’re on a tight budget, this place may suit you. But I regret not paying more for somewhere cleaner and more central. The nearest metro station was quite a walk away. The room and bathroom could both have been cleaner. We didn’t mind the basic setup, including the lack of a shower cabin or bathroom sink, but the dirt was hard to overlook. There was mould on the bathroom door, grime between the tiles, a filthy floor under the beds, and lots of marks on the walls. The whole place needs renovation.

Getting to the subway takes about a 20-minute walk, and I wouldn’t recommend staying here. The double room was tiny and felt dirty. There’s no bathroom sink, and nobody cleans the room or changes the sheets. Breakfast was only two kinds of cereal, peanut butter, and jelly. I’d pay a little extra for somewhere nicer.

It’s a warm, cozy place, but the bed is hard, and you get what you pay for. The bathroom windows let in cold air. There are two room types, White Room and Mono Room, and I think Mono is smaller. Reception is open from noon until midnight. There’s also a coffee shop if you have time to relax at the guesthouse. Breakfast is cereal, bread, and coffee in the lounge. The instructions are clear, but the microwave and toaster controls aren’t in English, so you’ll have to guess how to use them. Before booking, make sure you’re okay with the breakfast. If you check in late, the host emails instructions for getting inside, but didn’t explain how to get there from the airport. From Yeongdeungpo Market Station on Line 1, the dark blue line, it’s around a 15 to 20-minute walk if you don’t take the bus. Otherwise, catch one outside Exit 2 and walk only about two more minutes. It’s on the same line as Seoul Station, and KTX is available at Yeongdeungpo station. I’d use KAKAO MAP for real-time transport schedules from Incheon International Airport to help find the guesthouse.

We had a comfortable, clean stay, and the staff were welcoming and helpful when we needed directions. I’d definitely come back next time I’m in Korea.