Hotel Sunbee Insadong

Kevin, the hotel owner, went out of his way to make sure our vacation went smoothly. We couldn’t book KTX high-speed rail tickets from Seoul to Busan while outside the country, so he helped us. Since the US system wouldn’t let us create a password, he even offered to put the purchase on his own credit card. Seats were selling fast because of a convention in Busan, so Kevin made the reservations himself. When he asked where we were from and we said Iowa, he mentioned that he’d lived in Madison, Wisconsin for eight years and done his undergraduate work there. We’d just moved to Iowa after eight years in Madison, which felt like quite a coincidence. He also told us he’d completed a Master’s degree at Marquette in Milwaukee. He said he didn’t have a hotel background, but wanted to make peaceful, home-like rooms, and he pulled that off. Our room felt calm, almost like a Zen meditation center, without being austere. He’d also made a map of favorite restaurants and cafes, along with places recognized by the Michelin guide. The room had heated floors, a firm, seemingly new bed of the highest quality, fluffy, warm, generously sized comforters, and daily housekeeping. We always came back to an immaculate room. The location felt like an oasis after full days of sightseeing around palaces, temples, gardens, and restaurants across the city. The bathroom sink might be a little low, but otherwise Hotel Sunbee Insadong felt perfect to us. Nothing is perfect, but this place came close. We were genuinely impressed.

The room was amazing, with mountain views, and I loved the traditional korean table and cushions. It was fabulously clean, and the beds were comfortable. The location was wonderful, though taxis wouldn’t take us down the super narrow streets. The staff weren’t quite as helpful as I’d hoped: they didn’t know the price to rent hanbok in front of Gyungbokgeum.

Kevin, thank you so much for helping us through the medical emergencies during our stay. He was very comfortable speaking English and helped me and my partner communicate with clinics and hospitals and find our way around. The rest of the staff were helpful too. The room was spacious and clean, and I liked the interior. The location was the biggest plus, with eateries, a market, supermarket, bus stops, and subway stations all close by. I'd give this place 5/5 and recommend staying in Insadong as a better alternative to Myeongdong. I believe Kevin is the manager.

The rooms are roomy and have everything you need, and the hotel is quiet and affordable compared with other places in Seoul. Finding it is a challenge, though. Even our local taxi driver couldn't locate it.