{"id":1877,"date":"2026-07-23T03:49:28","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T18:49:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ktripmate.com\/?p=1877"},"modified":"2026-07-23T03:53:43","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T18:53:43","slug":"hotel-bay-204-banghak-station-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ktripmate.com\/ja\/hotel-bay-204-banghak-station-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Affordable Hotel Near Banghak Station: Hotel Bay 204 Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

Finding a clean and reasonably priced hotel around Nowon, Dobong, Gangbuk, or Jungnang isn’t as easy as you might expect. That’s why Hotel Bay 204<\/strong>, located just a short walk from Banghak Station (Line 1)<\/strong>, stood out as a great option with convenient transportation, practical facilities, and reasonable rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Room prices were around KRW 80,000\u201390,000 on weekdays<\/strong> and about KRW 120,000 on weekends<\/strong>. During my stay, I booked both Suite A and Suite B<\/strong> instead of staying multiple nights in the same room. I also had the chance to look around the Standard Room<\/strong> and take a few photos, so I could compare the different room types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s my honest experience, along with some practical tips that may help you decide which room suits your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hotel<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Convenient Location Just Steps from Banghak Station<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hotel Bay 204 is only a 1\u20132 minute walk from Exit 3 of Banghak Station (Line 1)<\/strong>. Although the entrance is tucked slightly around the corner of the building, it’s still easy to find, even on your first visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The surrounding area has everything you might need during your stay, whether you’re traveling or visiting Seoul for business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • A pharmacy open 365 days a year<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Emart24 convenience store with No Brand products<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Olive Young<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • A large Daiso about a 5-minute walk away<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    The Daiso was especially useful. It’s a great place to pick up inexpensive daily essentials, snacks, souvenirs, or bath bombs before heading back to the hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"olive<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"emart24\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Easy Access to Seoul’s Major Attractions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Although the hotel is located in northern Seoul<\/strong>, getting to the city’s most popular attractions is straightforward thanks to Line 1<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is one of the routes I frequently use while getting around Seoul:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Banghak Station \u2192 Jongno 5-ga (Gwangjang Market) \u2192 Jongno 3-ga \u2192 Jonggak \u2192 City Hall (Transfer to Line 2) \u2192 Hongik Univ. Station (Hongdae)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Subway<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The entire trip takes about 40 minutes<\/strong>. Since the route passes through popular areas like Gwangjang Market, Jongno, and City Hall<\/strong> before reaching Hongdae, it’s an easy way to plan a full day of sightseeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you’re planning to explore Gwangjang Market or the historic Jongno district before heading to Hongdae<\/strong>, this route is simple to follow and requires only one transfer, making it convenient even for first-time visitors to Seoul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Standard Room \u2013 A Practical Choice for Budget Travelers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Although I stayed in the two suite rooms, I also had the opportunity to look inside the Standard Room<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Compared to the suites, it’s more compact and focuses on practicality rather than luxury. It includes all the essentials, such as a comfortable bed, TV, and table, making it a good choice for solo travelers or short business trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The bathroom includes a regular-sized bathtub<\/strong>, which is suitable for a relaxing soak after a long day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The biggest difference is that, unlike the suites, the bathtub is located inside the bathroom rather than in the bedroom area<\/strong>. In particular, Suite A places a large marble bathtub directly in the room<\/strong>, creating a completely different atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Standard Room guests also receive the same complimentary benefits, including free breakfast<\/strong> and one welcome drink at the rooftop bar<\/strong>. If you don’t need a large bathtub or a premium room layout, this room offers excellent value for the price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Standard<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Standard<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Standard<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Suite A \u2013 Relax with a Large Marble Bathtub<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The first thing that caught my attention when I opened the door was the large marble bathtub<\/strong> placed right in the center of the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For me, this bathtub alone makes Suite A worth considering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A Spacious Bathtub for Two<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The bathtub is much larger than what you’ll typically find in a business hotel. Two adults can comfortably use it together, and it would even be spacious enough for children to enjoy a little water play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Water pressure was strong, although filling the tub takes some time because of its size. I’d recommend starting the water as soon as you check in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Since the tub is so large, one bath bomb doesn’t make much of an impact. I picked up a few inexpensive bath bombs from the nearby Daiso, and they made the experience much more enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Soaking in warm water while watching Netflix was easily one of the highlights of my stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Large<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Comfortable Room Condition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The bedding felt fresh and comfortable, and the room itself was clean and well maintained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The TV already had access to popular streaming services such as Netflix, so there was no need to sign in with my own account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The shower and toilet are separated by glass partitions, while the sink is located beside the bathtub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bathrobes, plenty of towels, and an in-room safe were also provided, making the room feel well equipped for a comfortable stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Suite<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    A Few Minor Drawbacks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Of course, there were a couple of things worth mentioning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The window faces a nearby apartment building, so I kept the curtains closed most of the time for privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The TV cannot be adjusted, making it easiest to watch from the bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The table and chair also felt a little dated compared to the rest of the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Even so, despite having such a large bathtub inside the room, there were no humidity issues or fogged-up windows. The room remained comfortable throughout my stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you’re looking for a room where you can unwind with a long bath and a movie at the end of the day, Suite A is easily the most enjoyable choice.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Suite<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Suite B \u2013 A More Classic Room with Beautiful Mountain Views<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    I didn’t take as many photos of Suite B because I was exhausted after a long day, but the atmosphere felt quite different from Suite A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The biggest difference is the layout. While Suite A features a large bathtub placed inside the bedroom area, Suite B follows a more traditional hotel design with the bedroom and bathroom clearly separated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The bathtub is located inside the bathroom, making it a more familiar layout for travelers who prefer a conventional hotel room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Suite<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The Highlight: A View of Dobongsan Mountain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The biggest selling point of Suite B is the view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Through the large window, you can enjoy Dobongsan Mountain<\/strong>, one of the most famous mountains in northern Seoul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    During the day, the green mountain scenery feels refreshing, while at night the lights from the nearby roads create a peaceful city view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It’s surprisingly difficult to find a hotel in Seoul where you can relax while looking out at a mountain, and that alone made the room feel more relaxing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The bathtub is a standard size, similar to the one in the Standard Room, and is comfortable for one adult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Dobongsan<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Dobongsan<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    A Few Things to Keep in Mind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The bathroom doesn’t have an exterior window, so it feels a little less open than Suite A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The bathroom floor can also become slightly slippery when wet, so it’s worth being careful after taking a shower or using the bathtub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I also noticed a few signs of age around the room, including a slightly uneven section of the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Still, the overall layout felt comfortable and well organized. Compared with Suite A, Suite B offered a calmer and more traditional hotel atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Complimentary Breakfast (6:00 AM \u2013 8:00 AM)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    All guests at Hotel Bay 204 can enjoy a complimentary breakfast served in the restaurant on the basement level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Breakfast is available from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM<\/strong>, so it’s worth getting up a little earlier if you don’t want to miss it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The menu is simple and includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Jin Ramen (spicy instant noodles)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Chapagetti (Korean black bean instant noodles)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Toast<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Strawberry jam<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Coffee<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      It isn’t a hotel buffet, but it’s more than enough for a quick breakfast before heading out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      One fun feature is the self-service noodle cooking machine, which lets you prepare your ramen just like the popular “Han River ramen.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      I normally skip breakfast, but my friend suggested we give it a try just before service ended. I wasn’t expecting much, but it turned out to be surprisingly satisfying and was a nice way to start the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"breakfast<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      \"Han<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      \"Toast<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Rooftop 204 \u2013 Complimentary Welcome Drink<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Another benefit for hotel guests is a free welcome drink<\/strong> at Rooftop 204.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      You can choose either a beer or one of the hotel’s signature cocktails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The indoor area has a slightly classic feel, but the outdoor terrace is much more enjoyable. Looking out over the streets with a cool evening breeze made for a relaxing way to end the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      I tried the signature omija (Korean magnolia berry) cocktail<\/strong>, which had a refreshing sweet-and-tart flavor that was easy to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      If the weather is nice, I definitely recommend spending a little time on the rooftop instead of heading straight back to your room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"Rooftop<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      \"Rooftop<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Which Room Would I Choose?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      After seeing all three room types, each one had its own strengths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The Standard Room<\/strong> is the most practical option for solo travelers or business trips. It still includes a bathtub and all the basic amenities, making it a great value for the price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Suite A<\/strong> stands out because of its oversized marble bathtub located inside the room. If your idea of relaxing is soaking in a hot bath while watching Netflix, this is easily the best choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Suite B<\/strong>, on the other hand, is all about the view. Waking up to Dobongsan Mountain creates a completely different atmosphere, making it a better fit for travelers who enjoy peaceful scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      If I visit again, I’d probably choose Suite A for a relaxing stay<\/strong> and Suite B when I want to enjoy the mountain view<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How to Get to Hotel Bay 204<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      By Subway<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Take Seoul Subway Line 1<\/strong> to Banghak Station<\/strong> and leave through Exit 3<\/strong>. The hotel is only a 1\u20132 minute walk<\/strong> from the station. Although the entrance is slightly around the corner of the building, it’s easy to find.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      From Incheon International Airport<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Take the AREX<\/strong> to Seoul Station<\/strong>, then transfer to Subway Line 1<\/strong> toward Banghak Station<\/strong>. The total journey takes about 1 hour 20\u201330 minutes<\/strong>, depending on transfer times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      From Gimpo International Airport<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Take Subway Line 5<\/strong> to Jongno 3-ga<\/strong>, transfer to Line 1<\/strong>, and continue to Banghak Station<\/strong>. The trip usually takes around 50\u201360 minutes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n