
Mangrove Dongdaemun
I’m quite particular when it comes to lodging, but this hotel exceeded my expectations. I’m writing this review with complete honesty and specificity to help fellow travelers.
Location
Mangrove Dongdaemun Seoul is conveniently located just a three-minute walk from Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Subway Station (DDP).
The building is tall and visually striking from a distance, making it easy to find. Nearby, you’ll also find Toyoko Inn Hotel. The area felt completely safe, even for a nighttime stroll there was no eerie or unsettling atmosphere.
Reservation
Booking a room was simple and hassle-free through the website. The hotel offers a variety of options, including single and double rooms, as well as 6-bed dormitories (with separate sections for men and women).
Check-in
Mangrove Dongdaemun consists of multiple levels:
Basement: Gym, library, convenience store, and laundry room
First Floor: Lobby and café
Upper Floors: Apartment-style accommodations
At check-in, guests receive a QR code that grants access to different floors via the elevator.
Dormitory Experience
Mangrove Dongdaemun is not just a hotel but also a co-living space designed for long-term stays.
I stayed on the second floor, and surprisingly, there was no one else in the 6-bed women’s dorm. Like many hostels in Seoul, the dorm featured three sets of sturdy bunk beds.
As the responsible older sibling, I let my younger sister pick her bed first and followed her to the upper bunk. The bed was solid, and the soundproofing was excellent, so I didn’t have to worry about disturbing the person below me.
Inside my private locker, I found:
A large bath towel and a small towel, A pamphlet about Mangrove Hotel, Two bottles of mineral water
Bathrooms are a major concern for me. I can’t stand scale buildup, mold, or stray hair. Thankfully, since this building is brand new, it was spotlessly clean.
There were three separate areas for washing up and using the toilet.
Since Mangrove Dongdaemun promotes eco-friendly practices, they do not provide toothpaste, toothbrushes, or facial cleansers.
Flex Room
A multi-purpose space available for reservation
Relax Room
A cozy lounge area featuring a small cinema for movie screenings. It seemed more geared toward long-term residents rather than short-term guests.
Mangrove Dongdaemun Souvenir shop
I appreciated the vegan-friendly options and healthy snacks like Almond Breeze and low-calorie treats.
Kitchen
A quiet space resembling a library, perfect for reading or working on a laptop.
15F (Canteen)
Guests can cook their own meals or order takeout here. The view was stunning, and since there weren’t many people, I was able to enjoy the jazz background music in peace.
Rooftop
The rooftop was an absolute highlight of my stay!
We arrived just in time for sunset, and the combination of perfect humidity, pleasant temperatures, and breathtaking scenery made it an unforgettable experience. I spent a long time simply soaking in the beauty.
Pros
✔ Great value for money
✔ Clean and quiet environment
✔ Friendly staff
✔ Purpose-driven, eco-friendly hotel
✔ Excellent soundproofing inside the rooms
Cons
✖ Can hear noise from outside (elevators, cars)
✖ No toothpaste, toothbrush, or facial cleansing foam
✖ Only one power socket in the bathroom, making hairdryer use slightly inconvenient
The accommodations were spotless, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed. Next time, I might opt for a single or double room, but even the dormitory experience was great.
If you’re traveling solo or with a companion in Seoul, I highly recommend Mangrove Dongdaemun!
Address : 334 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul OPEN GOOGLE MAP
Website : https://mangrove.house/
Instagram : @mangrove.city
Source : https://blog.naver.com/dsk03064/222896448340
Writer : dsk03064
Special thanks to dsk03064
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