K-Grand Hotel Myeongdong Review: My Stay Above Popmart Myeongdong

4 June, 2025 1 category

If you had told Summer 2024 me, during the absolute peak of my Popmart obsession, that I’d be staying in a hotel right above Popmart Myeongdong, I probably would’ve been so thrilled. This stay felt like a field trip for that era of my life, even if my collection craze has cooled down a bit since then.

That’s the door to the hotel, just right next to Pop Mart’s!

I recently stayed at K-Grand Hotel Myeongdong, which I booked via Agoda. It’s a budget-friendly option tucked right in the heart of one of Seoul’s busiest shopping districts. And yes, it shares a building with the Popmart store! While the location is a total win, there were definitely some trade-offs. Here’s a quick rundown of my experience:

The Not-So-Great:

Tiny room alert: Honestly, it felt more cramped than the goshiwon I stayed in before! If you’re traveling with big luggage or need breathing room, this might be a squeeze.

Missing in-room amenities: I’ve gotten used to Airbnbs with a kettle, microwave, and small dining setup. Here, there’s no in-room option for eating or heating food, though there is a shared kitchen one floor down. Still, sometimes you just want your own space for a late-night convenience store haul.

Minimal personal care items: Only small sachets were provided at check-in, so I ended up making a quick Daiso run for full-size essentials.

Also, the room I was assigned to has no windows which can trigger claustrophobia to some. I just opened the ventilation or the aircon while I was inside the room.

Why It’s Worth The Stay:

Unbeatable location: You can shop, eat, and explore all day, then walk back to your room in minutes. No cab or subway stress…just instant rest!

Mid-shopping pit stops: Perfect for dropping off bags between Olive Young, Daiso, and skincare binges. Your back (and wallet) will thank you.

Transit convenience: Subway exits, tour meet-up points, and even the airport bus stop are all within walking distance. It made every outing smooth and stress-free.

Privacy: I think I’m okay with having my own tiny space, as long as it comes with a private toilet and bath, especially in such a great location!

Photos of my room:

There are only a few rooms per floor, and there’s a water dispenser (on the other side, not in photo) at the end of the hallway near the elevator, along with trash bins

My single room. Bed is HUGE, would have been better if there’s bigger floor space even with a single bed. But okay for solo traveler:

Your own toilet and bath:

Final Thoughts:

Would I stay here again? For the location alone — absolutely. But if I’m not planning to shop or join tours (I stayed here mainly to be close to my sister’s hotel, as she wanted me to accompany her on their tours), I’d probably choose other accommodation with more space and a better price point.

That said, for Korea first-timers: if you’re a light packer who prioritizes convenience and plans to spend most of your day out and about, K-Grand Hotel Myeongdong is a solid pick. Just don’t forget to bring your own shampoo.

Just a small desk for my beauty stuff, 2 hangers, a wall mirror, aircon, and hair dryer: