hostel suggestions?

[gogo]

Hi y'all -

So I'm a student from Univ. of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington and I'm going to be heading to Korea in two weeks, to stay about a month doing my senior thesis research. Granted, climbing will end up the main focus, but it does mean I'll have to stay mostly around Seoul.

I've been looking at some hostels in Seoul and there seems to be quite a few options, all about the same price. I figured here would be a good place to ask if anyone has done the hostel thing in Seoul, and if anyone has suggestions for where I should head to.

much appreciated,
mike

[skinsk]

I have not been impressed with the hostels in Seoul. .. the "backpacker's" hostels are not really deals, and their a little weird. Hotels/motels/yogwans are not so expensive (often $20 if you're solo or stay a few nights); yeoinsuks and minbaks are cheaper. . . you can stay in 24 hour saunas very cheaply ($6+/-), though like the hostels, these can be noisy on the weekends.

I can't help you out so much in Seoul, but if you come down south, give a shout! What is your thesis on?

[gogo]

Yeah, I'm travelling solo, but I'm on some research grants from the school, so $20 a night is what seems to be the average rate. I've been looking at the Windflower Guesthouse, the Beewon Guesthouse, and Songwontel guesthouse. Either way, I figure after the first few night, if a better deal emerges I can seek it out - I just need a place with a bed, internet access, and in the city.

I'm an Asian studies major and my minor is in economics, though I'm kinda aiming at widening my field of studies - most of what I've done thus far has been centered in religion, spirituality, and culture. So this project is going to look at pharmaceutical innovation and globalization, and do a comparative study between S. Korean firms and Indian ones (so I head to New Dehli end of June).

Plus, both countries have sick amounts of climbing. What an, um, "unintended," perk, right?

[skinsk]

Sounds like an interesting comparison! Two fascinating but very different countries. . .and a pretty relevent point of reference. Good luck!

I leave mid-June for the summer, but I hope to get to meet you. Wherever you end up in Seoul, find the nearest gym (or find a good gym, and stay at the nearest hotel/jimjjilbang:)). . . you'll get hooked up to the Korean scene, and in Seoul, quite a few gyms have some members who speak English. You can also meet people at the outdoor walls, especially in the evenings. They can help you find the local gyms. Keep checking in with KOTR! People will be getting out and about when the weather's good. If you're in Seoul, it's not hard to make a weekend trip just about anywhere in the country.

Internet connections are everywhere-- tourist info kiosks, coffeeshops, and PC rooms, free to W1,000 or less an hour, 24 hour access. . . (maybe slightly higher--W500/25 minutes-- at the 24 hour saunas).

[Hikemonster]

hostelz.com and asiarooms.com