Sejong Hotel Seoul Myeongdong

We booked Sejong Hotel this for a six-day trip to Seoul and was looking forward to seeing a new city. We arrived late into Incheon airport and took a Uber to the hotel, we arrived just after midnight, first impressions were good, we when up the escalators from the street into the main lobby. At reception the person behind the desk must have guessed who we were and new the name it was booked under without being prompted. The lobby was clean, bright and spacious. Across from the main desk was the restaurant, this was used for both breakfast and dinners. Not that we tried it, the prices were rather high compared to the abundance of places around to eat. The next day we were up early and could hear drums beating outside and some sort of chanting. Anyway, we went out and explored the city, as we left there was people outside the entrance with banners, and notices protesting. Not really stopping to find out what they were protesting about we headed out for a tiring day exploring, then we headed back to the hotel. To find people still there. In the room it was overly warm, so we tried to get the Air conditioning working. That night it was not getting cooler, in fact it felt like it was getting hotter. As we left that morning, we mentioned this to the reception desk personnel, we were told that the AC in the hotel was not working, but would send a fan up to us. Strange as the AC was working in reception. We left and again the protesters were outside, upon our return that night they had gone, but left all their banners and information there for all to see. So I looked and found that the hotel was at one point run with over 200 staff, post covid it was run with about 22 staff. The protestors were protesting to get there jobs back and were pointing out that the hotel was now unsafe for staff to work at and just as unsafe for customers. We went to out room and again the room was roasting, so we went back to the desk to to find out where the fan we was promised was. A different person was on reception tonight, so we explained again to be told that they call this time of year (Late March/Early April) as winter, so they do not turn the AC on in the hotel. Anyway, this guy said to cool the room open the window, I pointed out that the signs in the room say not to open windows to prevent Mosquitoes coming in. Anyway, after a but of a debate he said that he would bring a fan up himself, I guess as they didn’t have any staff to do it for them. Anyway fan was delivered and we had more of a comfortable nights sleep. To conclude, the hotel was clean and tidy, but the place needs updating and renovating. Carpets are work through in places, and stained, I can not comment on the food. But I can say that in six days I was there I see one person in there, maybe that says it all. Location wise, the Myeongdong metro station is less that 2 min walk from the front of the hotel. You also have the Myeongdong market in the roads behind the hotel, plenty of food places and market stalls to find there. All the food is amazing, so your never go hungry. Enjoy the city, but maybe find another hotel, well until they get their staffing and hotel quality issues sorted out.

I’ve stayed in this hotel a couple of times and it’s getting worse every time. I will never come back again. There was nothing they can provide let alone service. Sheets worn out with holes, facilities very old, no sound proofing whatsoever, I felt like I was sleeping with a snoring couple from next door. Reception never smiles. There are ongoing protest for laying off employees, protest signs and materials pile up right in front of the hotels entrance, protesters gather every other day early morning or night, signing and chanting. It’s chaotic and noisy! ….now you can imagine! Never book this hotel.

This is not just a negative review—it’s a serious warning to anyone considering this hotel. My stay here was not just disappointing, it was genuinely upsetting and unacceptable on every level. To begin with, this hotel is not disability accessible at all. There are no ramps, no accommodations for people with mobility needs, and the front steps are steep and unsafe. While struggling to carry my belongings up myself, my steel RIMOWA suitcase was badly damaged—a suitcase that’s built to endure travel, but not this place. The physical structure of the hotel alone is an accident waiting to happen. When I approached the front desk, hoping for some kind of assistance or even an ounce of empathy, I was met with blatant rudeness and hostility. The staff here are some of the most aggressive, unprofessional people I’ve ever encountered. One even raised their voice and yelled at me, as if I was the problem for pointing out valid concerns. And it only got worse. That night, I discovered the bed had bed bugs. I woke up with bites on my legs and arms, and upon closer inspection, I saw the evidence in the sheets. When I brought it to management’s attention, they acted like it was no big deal. No apology. No room change. No offer of compensation. Just more attitude. There is absolutely no reason anyone should have to go through what I did. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone just looking for a decent night’s rest, avoid this place at all costs. It’s unhygienic, unsafe, and the staff make it downright hostile. You’ve been warned.