Mamas and Papas Guesthouse and Apartments in Seoul

The bathroom situation alone was awful: there’s only one for an entire floor, it stays damp and moldy, and the sink pipe empties onto the floor instead of being properly connected. You may have to wait just to brush your teeth. The sleeping setup isn’t much better. The AC sits right above the top bunk, so you might wake up sick if you get that bed. Both bunks share a privacy curtain, and someone opening it at night or in the morning will wake you. It only covers half the bed, so you’re looking into someone else’s space. Don’t count on help either, asking for assistance just makes you feel like a nuisance. Worst hostel I’ve stayed in by far. Save yourself the trouble and book elsewhere.

It’s cheap and central, but that doesn’t make up for how uncomfortable and disrespectful the place felt. The room is tiny and filthy, with a dumpster-like smell, and one gross bathroom serves ten people. I got what seemed like bed bug bites. The staff came across as cold and clueless, and made accusations without proof. No apology, and basic respect seemed too much to expect. The two “receptionists” were volunteers sleeping in a closet-sized room. At night they giggled loudly and woke people up, then in the morning acted like they were enforcing quiet. It would be funny if it weren’t so pathetic. Avoid it unless you really hate yourself.

Over the last 280 days across 19 countries, this was one of the worst hostels I’ve stayed in. It was dirty, and the PIN for self check-in didn’t work. It took ages before anyone on staff got back to me. Then at 2 a.m. someone vomited in our 8-person dorm, and nobody cleaned it up. You can imagine the smell. It was very cheap, but I still can’t recommend it.

Right in the city center, friendly, and easy on the budget. This guesthouse is a real gem. I’d gladly stay again and recommend it to anyone visiting! 💛