Rediscovering SEOUL After 9 Years: Exploring Starfield Suwon Library, Dongmyo Flea Market & Hongdae [November 2024]

Last November 2024, I flew to Seoul, South Korea, for the first time in 9 years. I went there with my high school friends, whose schedules overlapped, and we enjoyed the cold weather and the beautiful autumn scenery. I had previously visited Seoul in November 2014 and November 2015, so this time, I did not feel the need to rush around to see everything. Instead, I took things slow and savored every moment in the city; I even had a few work days during the trip.

In my previous posts, I shared details about the places we visited on this trip, including Bukchon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace and the Secret Garden, Insa-dong, Namsan Park, Myeong-dong, and Yeouido Hangang Park. I also shared photos from the Klook day tour we took, which included a visit to Alpaca World, Gangchon Rail Park, and Nami Island. Today, I will take you through Starfield Suwon Library, Dongmyo Flea Market, and Hongdae.

Keep reading to find out if these places pique your interest and if you would be keen on visiting them.

Plane Ticket

In early 2024, my friends and I got lucky and snagged a ₱1 base fare return ticket during Cebu Pacific Air’s anniversary sale. Initially, we paid ₱4,329.30 for a return ticket, which included a guaranteed seat on both flights and a 7-kilogram carry-on allowance.

Months before the flight, I added 20 kilograms of checked baggage each way and paid an additional ₱1,980. While in Seoul, I bought a lot of things, which prompted me to add another 20 kilograms of baggage allowance, bringing the total to 40 kilograms. This additional baggage cost ₱1,100. In total, the return ticket with baggage came to ₱7,409.30. Such a steal!

Affordable tickets like this are difficult to come by, especially given the airline’s popularity during ₱1 base fare sales. I still want to thank Cebu Pacific Air for consistently offering this kind of promotion and helping every Filipino fly to their destinations with such low fares.

In case you missed it, I wrote about the step-by-step process I followed to get my multiple entry South Korean tourist visa. You can check it out here.

Accommodation

My friends and I traveled to Seoul on overlapping schedules, so we decided to stay in just one accommodation—Bunk Guesthouse Hostel. We spent the first 4 nights in a family room (1 double bed and 2 single beds) with a balcony. After the other 4 friends returned to Manila, my friend and I moved to a twin bunk room. Both rooms included private toilets and showers, along with a complimentary simple breakfast every morning.

My share for both rooms over the entire 8-night stay was ₱13,243.97. I consider it a great deal, especially since we had the room to ourselves and it included a private toilet. On top of that, the property’s location was just a few meters from the metro station and the bustling Hongdae district.

I wrote about our stay and experience at Bunk Guesthouse Hostel in one of the latest Hostel of the Day features. I hope you can check out the write-up here.

Going Around Seoul

My friends and I used the rechargeable T-money card for all our transportation during the trip. Seoul offers a few unlimited pass options, but none of them suited our itinerary. There were also days when we used our train cards only twice; in fact, there was even a day when we did not use them at all.

We received a free T-money card when we picked up our passports at KVAC in October 2024. Our companions, who did not have a T-money card, bought theirs at the Airport Station.

Starfield Suwon Library

Starfield Suwon Library is located inside the Starfield Suwon Shopping Mall. Spanning four floors, the library has become a popular photo spot since its opening in early 2024. I visited this library with a friend who was in Seoul for a quick layover.

 

Nearest train station: Hwaseo Station of Seoul Subway Line 1 (Exit 1)

Dongmyo Flea Market

Dongmyo Flea Market is a local market known for its vintage goods and secondhand items. The market has just about everything you need and want—antiques, vinyl records, leather jackets, clothes—you name it. Some of these items are even offered for as low as ₩1,000.

The market is open daily from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekends. It is closed on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. Please note that most stalls close before sunset, so it is best to visit early, or while the sun is still up.

I went there on a Saturday afternoon and was surprised by the number of people visiting. The flea market was packed, but it still had some interesting items.

Nearest train station: Dongmyo Station of Seoul Subway Lines 1 & 6 (Exit 3)

Hongdae

Hongdae is a vibrant cultural neighborhood near Hongik University. The area is famous for its urban art, artisan shops, trendy cafes, indie music stores, and local clothing boutiques. It is also well-known for its buskers and street performers, who perform on the streets to gain exposure and hone their skills. Additionally, Hongdae is famous for its lively clubbing scene, with several nightclubs and party spots. Many people refer to Hongdae as the go-to area for young and energetic individuals.

Nearest train stations: Hongik University Station of Seoul Subway Line 2 (Exit 9) or AREX Airport Railroad (Exit 3)


What do you think of Starfield Suwon Library, Dongmyo Flea Market, and Hongdae? Would you include these places in your next Seoul visit? Have you been to them before? What was your experience? Are you considering visiting them in the future?

If you have any questions or would like to know more, feel free to leave a comment below or send them via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com. I would be happy to respond! Stay tuned for more upcoming posts about Seoul and South Korea. You can also check out other posts from this Seoul trip under the Seoul 2024 category.

Before you go, I hope you can like, follow and share my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me increase my reach; it will also keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts, itineraries, hostel of the day features, and flight reports on this website. Thank you and see you next time!

PS. Photos were taken using my Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Hostel of the Day: BUNK GUESTHOUSE HOSTEL – Highly Rated and Welcoming Accommodation in Seoul’s Vibrant Hongdae District

In November 2024, I flew to Seoul, South Korea, with my friends to rediscover the city I had visited 8-9 years ago. I stayed for 9 days and 8 nights, overlapping with my friends’ time in Seoul. During those 8 nights, my friends and I stayed at Bunk Guesthouse Hostel in Hongdae.

Join me in today’s Hostel of the Day feature as I share why this welcoming hostel is highly rated by all its guests.

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel is a highly-rated guesthouse/hostel in Hongdae. The property consists of two multi-story buildings, offering both shared dormitory rooms for budget travelers and private rooms for those who prefer their own space.

Brian, the property host, along with his staff, runs Bunk Guesthouse Hostel, ensuring that all guests have an unforgettable trip to Seoul. The property provides a wide range of facilities and amenities that guests can enjoy throughout their stay.

Location & Access

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel is located at 19-1, Wausan-ro 29ra-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04053, South Korea. It is in a quiet yet pleasant part of Hongdae, just a 4-minute walk from Exit 6 or Exit 7 of the Hongik University Station on the Airport Railroad (light blue line), and an 8-minute walk from Exit 8 of the same station on the Metro Subway Line 2 (green line).

The hostel is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops. The nearest convenience store is about a 2–3-minute walk away, while the closest supermarket is around 10 minutes on foot. The bustling main area of Hongdae is about an 8–10-minute walk away.

The property is approximately 25 to 30 minutes by subway from Gimpo International Airport, 52 to 60 minutes from Incheon International Airport, and just 13 minutes from Seoul Station, the main station for KTX.

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel’s location is a solid 10 out of 10. It is on the quieter side of the lively Hongdae area but still close to hundreds of commercial establishments. It is also easily accessible by public transportation, with convenient access to both the Airport Railroad and Metro Subway Line 2.

Room Options & Cost

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel offers a wide range of room options to suit both budget travelers and those traveling in pairs or groups. The hostel provides both shared dormitory rooms and private ensuite rooms.

The shared dormitory rooms come in the following configurations: a 6-bed mixed dormitory room, a 4-bed mixed dormitory room, and a 4-bed female-only dormitory room. Each dormitory room is equipped with bunk beds, each featuring privacy curtains. Every bed includes a shelf, an individual reading light, a locker, and a power socket. The dormitory rooms also have air conditioning, and the shower areas are shared or ensuite, depending on the room.

The private rooms include several types: economy double room, standard double room, deluxe double room with kitchenette, double room with balcony, twin room with bunk bed, standard twin room, deluxe twin room, and family room. All private rooms come with a private toilet and bath, and some even feature private balconies.

My friends and I stayed at Bunk Guesthouse Hostel for 8 nights. We booked the family room (with 1 full bed and 2 single beds) with balcony for the first 4 nights, paying ₩476,928 (after discounts) for 4 people. For the last 4 nights, we stayed in a twin room with bunk beds, paying ₩309,365 (after discounts), not including the booking website’s mark-up. We booked the first 4 nights through Booking.com and the last 4 nights via Agoda.

My share for the 8-night stay at Bunk Guesthouse, which covered both room types, was ₱13,243.97, averaging roughly ₱1,655.50 per night. This is a very affordable price, considering the property’s prime location, complimentary breakfast, and the amenities and facilities available during my stay.

Guest Facilities & Amenities

Free & Fast Wi-Fi – All guests have access to complimentary, high-speed Wi-Fi, which is perfect for those working remotely.

Complimentary Breakfast – Bunk Guesthouse Hostel offers a simple, free breakfast. Guests can make their own sandwiches or fried eggs, and enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea, or a cold glass of fruit juice. On weekends, the property adds cup noodles to the breakfast options.

Communal Lounge Spaces – The property features communal lounge areas where guests can relax, unwind, or socialize with others.

Patio – Bunk Guesthouse Hostel has an outdoor patio where guests can chill or pass the time. The patio is open until 2:00 a.m., as long as guests are mindful of noise after midnight.

Rooftop Area – The hostel has a communal rooftop offering an additional space to relax. Guests can use the rooftop until 11:00 p.m.

Shared Kitchen & Dining Area – Guests are welcome to buy groceries and cook their own meals in the shared kitchen, and enjoy their meals in the common dining area.

Unlimited Drinking Water Refills – Bunk Guesthouse Hostel provides unlimited drinking water refills to all its guests. The water dispenser is located near the refrigerator. Be sure to bring your own water container.

Air Conditioning & Heating Systems – All rooms are equipped with both air conditioning and heating systems, ensuring comfort throughout the year.

Complimentary Bath & Face Towels – The hostel provides complimentary bath and face towels, which can be replaced daily.

Guest-only Tours & Seasonal Activities – Bunk Guesthouse Hostel offers exclusive tours and seasonal activities, such as DMZ tours and weekly BBQs with other guests. Brian, the host, shares these details upon booking confirmation.

Hostel Drink Shop – The hostel offers beers and bottles of soju for those who wish to enjoy a drink. Please ask the reception for updated prices and availability.

Laundry Facilities – A laundry room is available from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a minimal fee for guests who wish to wash their clothes during their stay.

Luggage Storage – Bunk Guesthouse Hostel provides free luggage storage before check-in and after check-out. Guests can leave their bags near the reception while waiting for check-in or their departure.

Multi-Lingual, Friendly & Welcoming Host and Staff – Brian and his team are incredibly friendly and welcoming. They ensure everything runs smoothly during your stay and are always ready to help. They also speak fluent English.

Secured Room Access – Rooms are only accessible via a pin code provided to guests upon check-in. Each room has a unique code, ensuring that only the designated guests can enter their rooms.

Secured Hostel Premises – The premises are equipped with 24/7 CCTV surveillance for added security. The property can only be accessed by guests, with doors always locked and secured by pin codes, provided only to guests upon check-in.

Hostel Experience

My friends and I had a wonderful stay at Bunk Guesthouse Hostel in Hongdae, South Korea. It is one of those places you will want to return to time and time again.

Several factors contributed to our fantastic experience. First, the hostel’s location is excellent. It is situated on a quiet street in the lively, bustling Hongdae area, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, shops, bars, and barbecue spots. It is also just a few minutes’ walk from both Metro Subway Line 2 (Green Line) and the Airport Railroad.

Second, Bunk Guesthouse Hostel has cozy common areas in both the main building, the second building, and even the patio. These areas are clean, quiet, and relaxing—perfect for unwinding. They are also ideal for those who need to get some work done during their stay, as the property offers fast and reliable Wi-Fi.

Third, the property provides a simple but decent breakfast. They even include cup noodles as a breakfast option on weekends.

Lastly, Brian, the host, and his team are truly fantastic. They are friendly, welcoming, and service-oriented. They helped us carry our large luggage to our rooms and made sure we had everything we needed. They go above and beyond to ensure guests have a great experience from check-in to check-out. Brian even invited us to join the Saturday BBQ with other guests—too bad we had other plans that night!

However, we did encounter a few minor inconveniences during our stay. These did not ruin our overall experience but did leave a small dent in our otherwise wonderful time. First, the complimentary towels were a bit small. While I did not mind using them, some guests may find them inconvenient.

Second, the twin bunk room was a bit small, though it did offer a private toilet and shower. The only time we found this to be inconvenient was when packing the night before check-out, as we could only open one medium/large suitcase at a time.

Despite these minor setbacks, we still had an amazing stay at Bunk Guesthouse Hostel. Would I book again for my next visit to Seoul? Definitely. Would I recommend it to my friends and readers? Absolutely. Make sure to check out the property and consider it for your next trip to Seoul—you are sure to have a fantastic time!

If you have any questions about Bunk Guesthouse Hostel or an upcoming stay, feel free to reach out to them through the following channels:

Bunk Guesthouse Hostel
Address: 19-1, Wausan-ro 29ra-gil, Mapo-gu, Mapo-Gu, 04053 Seoul, South Korea
Phone Number: +82 70 8703 0045
Email Address: bunk.seoul@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +82 10 9180 6905
Line: bunk2015
WeChat: bunk2015
KakaoTalk: bunk2015
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/bunk2015


That concludes my post about Bunk Guesthouse Hostel. What are your thoughts on the hostel? If you have any questions regarding anything mentioned above, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or reach out to me via email at contact@thewkndtravel.com.

Thanks for joining me in today’s Hostel of the Day feature. Please also take time to check out my previous HOTD features by clicking this. You will find my other hostel reviews about Le Village Montmartre in Paris, The Bed Bukit Bintang in Kuala LumpurThe RomeHello in RomeYesinn Youth Hostel in Hong KongYeah Hostel in BarcelonaImano Tokyo Ginza Hostel in TokyoThe Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi in Osaka, and  Z Hostel here in the Philippines.

Before you go, I hope you can like, follow and share my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me increase my reach; it will also keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts, itineraries, hostel of the day features, and flight reports on this website. Thank you and see you next time!

PS. Photos were taken using my Google Pixel 8 Pro.