THE CAPSULE Myeongdong Review
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I stayed here, THE CAPSULE Myeongdong, for one night, paying just 25,000 KRW (even on a weekend). That alone already tells you what kind of place this is. This hotel definitely has its flaws compared to other capsule hotels in Seoul, but at this price, many of those flaws become much easier to accept.
If you are visiting Seoul for just 2–3 days, I would honestly recommend paying a bit more for a better hotel. However, if you are planning to stay for 10 days or longer, the cost difference becomes huge. For the price of one decent hotel night, you could stay here for almost 10 nights. Here is what my stay was actually like, including a few practical details you may want to know before booking.
Quick Review Summary
🛌 Room type: Capsule Bed (Capsule #1-A)
📅 Stay date: March 2026
✔ Unbeatable price in central Seoul (around ₩25,000 per night)
✔ Capsules can be locked from the inside for extra privacy
✔ Extra-large luggage lockers that fit large suitcases
❌ Inconvenient location (30-minute walk to Myeongdong)
❌ Security flaw in the self check-in system
❌ Cleanliness and hallway maintenance need improvement
Location & Hotel Essentials
🕒 Check-in: 16:00 | Check-out: 12:00
📍 Address: 23 Toegye-ro 45-gil, Jung District, Seoul
🌐 Booking Site ↗
The location is a bit awkward. Although the hotel name includes “Myeongdong,” it is actually about a 30-minute walk to the main Myeongdong area, or about 10 minutes by bus. If you are taking the subway, it is around a 10-minute walk from either Chungmuro Station (Line 4) or Euljiro 4-ga Station (Line 2).
Getting here from Incheon Airport is not the most convenient compared to other properties. But again, this is where the extremely low price explains everything.
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Check-in Process (Important)
This is a fully self check-in hotel, and during my stay, I didn’t see any staff at all.
However, there is a serious issue here. When you scan the QR code at the entrance, you can see all the guest names for the day. By clicking any name, anyone can access door passwords and locker codes. This is a major security concern, and I strongly advise you to NOT store valuables in the locker. This system definitely needs improvement.
Capsule Room Experience
The capsule itself is fairly standard, but with one key difference: you can lock it from the inside. This is actually better than curtain-style capsule hotels, and I felt much more secure while sleeping.
Inside the capsule, you will find:
- A multi-national power outlet (works with different plug types without an adapter)
- A light switch
- A ventilation fan
Since the capsule is enclosed on most sides, it can get slightly stuffy, but the ventilation fan helps a lot and is very useful for removing odors.
There are some noticeable downsides. The capsule feels a bit tight, and the bedding is old and not well maintained. The sheets could definitely be cleaner, and the blanket is thin, meaning you may feel cold if you are sensitive. While there is air conditioning, I did not notice any proper heating system.
Luggage Storage & Security
The locker situation is a bit complicated. On the positive side, the lockers are very large. They can easily fit a 28-inch suitcase or a large backpack. On the negative side, as mentioned earlier, anyone can potentially see your locker password via the check-in system. So the question is: what is the point of having a lock? If they fix the security issue, this would be an excellent luggage storage system.
Aside from the check-in issue, overall security is not terrible. There is CCTV installed throughout the building, including at the shower entrance. Since towels are shared and taken freely from the shower area, the CCTV seems necessary. Fix the check-in flaw, and security would be acceptable.
Shared Bathrooms & Showers
The biggest concern for many people is that the shower is shared by both men and women. This may feel uncomfortable, especially for female travelers.
However, each shower booth is individually enclosed, and you can lock the door twice from the inside. So in practice, it is usable without major issues.
Amenities provided:
- Shampoo
- Body wash
- (No conditioner or body lotion)
Some reviews mention that there is no hot water, but in my case (Shower Booth #5), the water was actually very hot, and I had to adjust it carefully.
Cleanliness: The Biggest Issue
This is the most disappointing part of the stay. You can understand a slightly far location or older bedding at this price point, but cleanliness is something that should be managed better.
During my stay, trash and boxes were left near the elevator, and the hallways were not properly maintained. Even basic cleaning would significantly improve this place. It feels like a missed opportunity.
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Conclusion
At the end of the day, 25,000 KRW per night in central Seoul is extremely cheap. Because of that price tag, you can tolerate some inconveniences and overlook some flaws. What you pay is what you get. But in this case, you might actually get a bit more than what you paid for.
✔ Who Should Stay Here
- Long-term travelers (7–10+ days)
- Budget-focused travelers
- Solo travelers who just need a place to sleep
❌ Who Should NOT Stay Here
- Cleanliness-sensitive guests
- Travelers expecting hotel-level comfort
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, it can be a reasonable option for solo travelers, especially if you only need a cheap place to sleep. The capsule has a solid door that can be locked from the inside, which feels more secure than curtain-style capsule beds.
It is not right in Myeongdong. Walking takes about 30 minutes, while taking a bus usually gets you there in under 10 minutes. The nearest subway stations are Chungmuro and Euljiro 4-ga, both around a 10-minute walk away.
The hotel has CCTV in several areas, so it does not feel completely unsafe. However, the self check-in system has a clear weakness because guest names, door codes, and locker codes can be exposed too easily. For that reason, I would not store valuables in the locker.
The shower area is shared by both male and female guests, which may feel uncomfortable for some travelers. However, each shower booth is separated individually, and the door can be locked from the inside, so the actual shower space is private.
Basic amenities are provided, including towels, shampoo, and body wash. However, there is no free bottled water, no conditioner, and no body lotion. There is also no proper dining space, so it is better to eat outside and bring your own water.
If you are planning a short trip, paying more for a better hotel may be the better choice. But for a longer stay in Seoul, this place can offer strong value because the nightly rate is so low. It is not a comfortable hotel, but it can work well for budget travelers who care more about price than comfort.
