Urbanwood Guesthouse, Seoul

We had 4 nights at Urbanwood studios in May, staying in the 2 bedroom 'Lime apartment' located a little distance away from Martin's B&B guesthouse where we had originally booked. Martin had kindly upgraded us to an apartment instead and we also arranged to arrive a night earlier than expected, which was perfect. The apartments are modern, fresh and funky, located in a very cool and trendy part of Hongdae, surrounded by many cool new cafes, bars and restaurants close to the subway and easily accessible from Incheon airport. The apartment has a small kitchen area so you can fend for yourself for meals if you need. You have a nice private space here, although you won't get that personal guesthouse feel as a result. We really enjoyed the Lime apartment and would happily recommend Urbanwood studios if you're considering this as a base for a longer stay in Seoul.

My trip to Seoul last week was my third and second at Urbanwood Guesthouse. Tagged 6 other friends along and we all truly enjoyed our stay -- it was like we were at home. The place made us feel really relaxed and comfortable all throughout. Martin had a surprise welcome present for us upon arrival which I thought was super thoughtful. He came to see us over breakfast the next morning (coz we arrived past 2am due to delayed flight) and he even gave us two complimentary vouchers for Hanbok experience and the natural stone Hangeul stamp. ||The location is absolutely perfect -- hip & happening Hongdae area, one AREX all-stop train ride to/from ICN and Gimpo Int'l, and the regular subway lines. What makes Urbanwood Guesthouse stand out is the fact that a very hands-on host, Martin is really gonna treat you like family. No wonder it has been getting rave reviews from all over and I'm sure that Urbanwood Guesthouse will continue to have more and more following in the coming months and years even! There's no other place I want to stay at in Seoul, definitely! And of course, every time I hear or know people planning on trips to Seoul, this place is surely going to be recommended!

I stayed at Urbanwood Guesthouse for 5 nights in May. The guest house is based in the Hongdae area near the Hongik University.||The best way to reach Urbanwood is by taking the ALL STOPS Airport Line train (AREX) from either Incheon or Gimpo Airports and alight at Hongik University station (it’s the blue line on the latest metro map). Exit 7 is the best way exit to take for this line. It’s only a few minutes’ walk, even with luggage, to Urbanwood.||||The accommodation is as described on the guesthouse website, but with the added friendliness of Martin, the affable host of Urbanwood Guesthouse. I had never stayed in a guesthouse in Seoul before, always a hotel, so I was a little nervous sharing the space, but Martin soon puts you at ease,||||Wi-Fi is readily available and there's also a computer that can be acessed. Each guest is given a room key when they check in and also an electronic password for the front door key. ||Martin also has many guide books available at the guesthouse which are a great help in planning your stay. He also will pass on his great knowledge of tourist sights in Seoul to all of his guests and is happy to chat over a coffee or a glass of red.||||Every morning Martin personally prepared delicious breakfasts – including fresh fruit, bagels, cream cheese and cold meat or bacon. ||||There are three guest rooms at Urbanwood Guesthouse, one with its own private bathroom and toilet, while the other two bedrooms share the other bathroom, kept very clean by Martin. I had one of these rooms and found it no inconvenience to share the bathroom.||Being in the student area of Hongik, the Urbanwood Guesthouse is surrounded by a lot of cafes, restaurants and bars and there is also a fabulous Gelato shop GLT, just 5 minutes’ walk away.||Because of the proximity of eateries and bars, it can be a bit noisier on a Friday and Saturday night, but I had no problem sleeping and I am a light sleeper.||Also it is up a few flights of stairs, so unfortunately no wheelchair access,||||If I was going back to visit Seoul, I would definitely book Urbanwood again. Keep up the good work Martin!

very warm, clean, comfortable, well designed and the best location!! The house is well-designed,artistic but environmental friendly. Martin (the host) is just the friend you need in Seoul! He gives good suggestions to our needs. The best experience of staying in the guesthouse! Really make me feel like at home. I can even just staying in the guesthouse,lying on the chair and doing nothing... (and there is always music around to enjoy) The atmosphere is just this good!!!!! I am very happy I stayed here when my visit to Seoul. Highly recommend!!!!

Really enjoyed my stay at Urbanwood guesthouse. Stayed for 5 nights and had a comfy sleep which i can imagine isn’t always guaranteed in busy Hongdae! Anyway that said it’s right in the middle of the action, close to the Meteo as well. Martin is a tip top host with great local tips and is genuinely passionate about what he does. The guesthouse is basically a well fit out apartment and i loved the rooftop balcony for a sunset beer. Martin whips up a great coffee and breakfast spot on. Will definitely recommend to others - and hope to back soon myself!

We traveled as a family of 2 adult members and 2 teenagers stayed in Urbanwood for 5 nights. The decor and setting of Urbanwood is very welcoming and homely. On top of the common sitting and dining area, the reading corner and the roof top gave a special touch to Urbanwood. They served as a good escape just to take a quiet break after a long day out in the busy Seoul area. Martin, the host, is very sincere and hospitable. He takes the effort to make nice breakfast with different expression of his own food styling every morning. He is also very helpful in giving very clear directions about how to get around Seoul to various cultural and entertainment places. It is definitely a very enjoyable and memorable stay.

A really pleasant stay together with my girlfriend! The location is perfect if you love good Korean food restaurants around the block. Also the location is pretty much in the centre of Seoul! :) The guesthouse is really nice. I loved the interior. Also Martin is a really warm helpful person who is always ready to help you with every needs.

The other reviews of this place are spot on. This is basically an apartment in the heart of Hongdae with several rooms, a shared bathroom and a kitchen, so it's not your typical hotel. If that's what you're looking for, then this is the place. I stayed here 2 nights and would definitely return. The proprietor, Martin, is extremely nice and helpful - he also enjoys conversation about the city and anything else, and he is a great resource for information about the city. He fixed a fantastic breakfast - fresh fruit, bagels, and cheese. It was simple but very good and a great way to start the day. The location couldn't be better - only a 2 or 3 minute walk from the subway, and a similar walk to many restaurants, bars, etc.