Note: I also wrote a review for Namu Guesthouse (sister property literally around the corner from Studio 41st). So check that out also... My review for Studio41st will really be almost identical as far as how much I love both places, the staff and locations.
Besides Korea being a super place to visit - One of the main reasons I felt so at home in Seoul is because of my stay at Studio 41st (as well as their sister property Namu Guesthouse...The staff is precious and amazing (both places).Key words: amazing, super, awesome, glorious, cozy, creative, clean, private, green, friendly, relaxed, great location, charming, quiet, in-expensive..... So the details:
Location: Very very good, in a quiet part of Hongdae area. ~10-15 minute walk to the bustle of Hongdae. About ~5-7 minute walk to line 2 subway. Line 2 is the circle line so super central transportation. Lots of charming cafes are nearby as well. Studio 41st looks just like the pictures on the website. No hocus pocus...
Guestrooms / Common Room / Amenities: CLEAN!...adorable decor, cozy and warm. I stayed on the 4th floor in a 4 person room. The room is a really good size, like your own little apartment w/ washer, kitchenette, mini table/chairs, TV/PC. Wi-Fi is available throughout property and works great. I loved the rooftop garden and you can feed the earth worms too (composting). I considered the breakfast pretty generous for all inclusive guesthouse amenity. Serve yourself, eggs, cereal, toast, fruit, juice, coffee/tea, yogurt..
Staff: I miss them!!!! Gaya, Ryan, Moon, Jin...and the mascot Gumi/Gami ..a hug for them all. I felt that all of them did their best to make our stay pleasant as well as keep the place a safe, clean, quiet, haven for it's guests. All of them have amazing personalities and when my friend and I were staying at Namu we would make special trips to say hi and just hang out with the everyone at Studio 41st. Ask Moon is she is selling prints of her paintings yet...heheh...If you are concerned about your rusty or beginning Korean (like me), not to worry all the staff speaks great English.
Good to Know: There is no lift / elevator to access Studio 41st. So you will need to walk up several flights of stairs depending which floor you are on. All of the rooms are private studio type rooms with a dedecent sized bathroom. If you have never stayed in Asia, then be prepared because the shower and bathroom (toilet/sink) are all one room with a floor drain. Have your own soap handy since it's studio/apartment type living.Towels are plentiful in the bathroom cabinets..
There is a washing machine in the room. It takes about 45 min -1 for a load. Soap is also provided. You will need to hang your launtry on the rooftop clothelines or there is a drying rack in a separate area in the bathroom. The guesthouse does have a policy about noise...so don't expect to have karaoke parties and dance-offs even though your room is private. The streets are also safe and quiet around the guesthouse. I walked home late at night often. If you are a single girl traveling alone you can feel pretty safe here as well (goes for all of Korea really). There are also several markets/ convenience stores located nearby.
And finally - if you are arriving by cab or walking...make sure you print the map from their website / give directions to the driver. It can seem a little tricky to get there the first time but it's pretty easy/close to get to the guesthouse from the line 2 metro or Arex. Studio 41st is about ~10 walk from bustling busy sections of Hongdae but there is lots going on/nearby. If you watch k-drama at all. the hostel is walking distance to the 1st Shop of Coffee Prince; ~20 min walk.
Happy travels!
-Kim
