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Hong-dae Pencil Guesthouse & Hostel Reviews

149-11, Dong-kyo Dong, Mapo Gu, Seoul, South Korea

Reviews & Ratings Explained

87%Overall Rating

From 47 ratings
  • 83%Character
  • 83%Security
  • 90%Location
  • 91%Staff
  • 84%Atmosphere
  • 88%Cleanliness

The following reviews were submitted by customers who booked in the last 6 months.

The reviews and ratings in the rating box are based on all-time feedback and are the opinions of the customers who submitted them and do not express the opinions of Hostelworld.com. This way, you get an up to the minute opinion of just how good a hostel really is. Read our review guidelines »

We now classify our reviewers based on how well travelled they are.

  • Novice Nomad: 1-10 Reviews Added
  • Avid Traveller: 10-20 Reviews Added
  • Globetrotter : 20+ Reviews Added
  • Show Translated Reviews In A Specific Language
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97%

My second stay at this hostel In common with all hostels, separate showers and toilets would be good.but apart from that, a great place to stay, near to hongik station and central for both Hongdae and Sincheon nightlife---and Loving Hut


87%

Other than being a bit hot in the dorm room and the bathrooms being a bit grungy, it was fine. The location is excellent and it's really easy to find. The staff are helpful and nice. I felt safe. They provide lockers with a key for your valuables. If I would have had the time, I would have loved to take advantage of the free bike rental. I'd recommend staying here!

  • Novice Nomad
  • 11 May 2013
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Female, 41+
  • (1 review)


73%

As it turns out, there are four Pencil Hostels in the same area. I didn't know this when I booked and they are all very different. We ended up going to the wrong one and had to find the other location. There wasn't clear directions on which one we were supposed to go to. So, double check which location you are supposed to be staying at. The confirmation with Hostel World was different from the email I received. The hostel we ended up staying at was fine, but wasn't as expected.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 03 May 2013
  • chevelledevine214
  • USA
  • Female, 25-30
  • (1 review)


93%

I had such a fantastic experience here, thanks to both the excellent staff and the great visitors who happened to share the place with me while I was there. Thanks for everything guys! I'll definitely recommend you to my friends who pass through Seoul in the future!

  • Novice Nomad
  • 27 Apr 2013
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Male, 18-24
  • (1 review)


87%

Amazing company and a relaxed atmosphere.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 26 Apr 2013
  • Anonymous
  • New Zealand
  • Male, 25-30
  • (2 reviews)


100%

We enjoyed the friendly atmosphere!

  • Novice Nomad
  • 10 Apr 2013
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Couple, 41+
  • (1 review)

Owner Comment (Show)
Hope you had an awesome time with us :)

100%

Hong-dae Pencil Guesthouse & Hostel in Seoul is an excellent hostel in every single way. We are regular guest there, and wouldn't stay at any other places. Hong-dae district is the best district in Seoul for a young traveler. Stay at this district, and this hotel, will give you a perfect Seoul experience! We totally love it!!!

  • Novice Nomad
  • 04 Apr 2013
  • Anonymous
  • Hong Kong
  • Couple, 25-30
  • (1 review)

Owner Comment (Show)
Hye, thanks for staying with us again.. Hope to see you in August.. Take care..

97%

I've stayed in many hostels before, but Pencil Guesthouse is easily one of the best hostel experiences I've ever had. The staff was super helpful and friendly. The facilities were clean and comfortable. The overall atmosphere was relaxed and felt more like being at a good friend's house than at a hostel. The staff even helped me find a lost camera and shipped it to me overseas! They were beyond helpful. I'd recommend this place to anyone. If I go back to Korea, I wouldn't consider anywhere else!

  • Novice Nomad
  • 24 Mar 2013
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Male, 18-24
  • (1 review)


80%

the youtube video instructions to the hostel was briliant. everyone there is helpful all you have to do is ask someone and they will help you. if was a bit confusing figuring out who worked there and who was ust living there, but other than that it was an good hostel.


97%

I liked the hostel it was comfortable and nicer than the other one I stayed at in this area. The staff was really helpful and friendly.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 09 Mar 2013
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Male, 25-30
  • (2 reviews)

Owner Comment (Show)
Thank you. Hope to see you again.

83%

We booked a private room and found it clean, comfortable, and private. Pencil is in my favorite area of Hongdae and is only a few minutes from the subway making it very easy to get around.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 01 Mar 2013
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Male, 31-40
  • (7 reviews)

Owner Comment (Show)
Thank you Daniel :) See you again.

80%

Great location and clean. But only 2 bathroom for more then 20 people (when full) is just not enough...also on 8 persons dorm you have to cross the common room to get to the bathroom which is not very nice

  • Novice Nomad
  • 22 Feb 2013
  • Anonymous
  • Israel
  • Male, 18-24
  • (4 reviews)


93%

We really enjoyed our stay here.Originally we booked out the 8 bed dorm for 8 adults however we arrived a little late in the evening. The staff were so nice, they upgraded 4 of us to a 4 bed dorm with ensuite in another room...which initially we were hesitant about as we wanted to be together, but the kind girl working said it was fine if some of us moved the bedding round etc. Super relaxed staff.The hostel is very close to all the bars/restaurants in Hongdae, and we will definitely stay again!

  • Novice Nomad
  • 16 Feb 2013
  • Lissa
  • New Zealand
  • Mixed Group, 25-30
  • (5 reviews)

Owner Comment (Show)
Thank you for the review. Glad that your enjoyed yourself :) See you again. Take care.

97%

very recommended to stay here. everything is awesome. thank you DJ and Pei. i feel like am home with your hospitality.. and the other guest is very nice :D. It's a good place to start your travel in Seoul. oh, and i love the food too :D . I'll stay here again when i come back to Seoul. gamsa hamnida

  • Novice Nomad
  • 14 Feb 2013
  • Anonymous
  • Indonesia
  • Female, 25-30
  • (4 reviews)

Owner Comment (Show)
Thank you ^_^ Hope to see you again~

90%

This is great hostel.I stayed either side of a vacation abroad.The first time I stayed in the new building- the dorm was clean, warm,had an ensuite.Was basically private to me and my friend-but there was no 'hostel feel' in this side of the building.Then I stayed in the main building-again, clean, warm and comfortable.The staff were a great help-letting me check in ahead of time and having my bed ready for when my delayed flight came in at 1am.Excellent.Only downside was the breakfast-hotdogs?

  • Avid Traveller
  • 09 Feb 2013
  • Anonymous
  • England
  • Mixed Group, 25-30
  • (14 reviews)

Owner Comment (Show)
Thank you for your comment ^_^

100%

One of the best most friendly hostels I have ever stayed in. In a great location near bars, resturants and cool shops. I will definitely come back!

Owner Comment (Show)
Thank you. We miss you already. Seeing you girls lying down watching movies ^_^ Do come back soon.

53%

I was in the 8 br dorm. There was no heat and the room was absolutely freezing. The staff tried to bring an old space heater from the basement but it was broken. The staff could have offered us a spot in the open beds in warmer rooms, but they made no such offer. The door has a security code but is never locked. The hot water in the shower is almost nonexistent. There are only 2 bathrooms for the whole hostel. The lockers are small but free.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 02 Feb 2013
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Female, 18-24
  • (1 review)

Owner Comment (Show)
I'm so sorry that it happened. My manager was on holiday and the part timer was new. It would be nice if you had asked him for an extra blanket or switch rooms.

83%

the hostel itself is decent, but the staff here went above and beyond the call of duty when i had my things stolen out of my purse while i was at a bar. they helped me organize my things, went back to the bar with me the next day, helped file the police report, pretty much everything i needed. i really appreciate it because, along with my passport and credit cards, they took my phone, so i'd have had no hope of translating enough to wade through the waters of finding out how to file a report.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 31 Jan 2013
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Female, 18-24
  • (2 reviews)


100%

This was my second stay at this hostel ! and of course it was amazing !

  • Novice Nomad
  • 24 Jan 2013
  • Anonymous
  • Australia
  • Male, 18-24
  • (5 reviews)

Owner Comment (Show)
You are awesome ^_^ come back and drink more

83%

This was a great hostel to stay at. No complaints. It was smooth sailing the whole stay.

  • Novice Nomad
  • 24 Jan 2013
  • Anonymous
  • USA
  • Female, 25-30
  • (1 review)


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