Last Updated on 2026-03-01 by Tsubaki
There are many comfortable business hotels in Seoul, but did you know that several Japanese hotel brands have opened branches in Korea as well? The most famous example is Toyoko Inn, which can be found across various cities in Korea. Another great option is the Sotetsu Group, which operates multiple properties in Seoul, including the well-located Sotetsu Fresa Inn Myeongdong. As of now, there are three Sotetsu Fresa Inn branches in Korea!
For this short trip to Seoul, Tsubaki and a friend decided to stay near Myeongdong. With so many hotel options in the area, we weren’t sure which one to pick at first, but we ended up choosing the familiar Japanese chain Sotetsu Fresa Inn Myeongdong. This article will walk you through the hotel details and share our stay experience at the Myeongdong branch!
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Sotetsu Fresa Inn
Sotetsu Fresa Inn is one of the hotel brands operated by the Sotetsu Group, a Japanese conglomerate with businesses spanning railway, real estate, retail, and hospitality. Sotetsu Hotels is one of their core divisions, known for offering budget-friendly accommodations in prime city-center locations, especially near major train stations.
In recent years, the group has expanded its footprint overseas, and currently, there are three Sotetsu Hotels in Korea, including Sotetsu Fresa Inn Myeongdong, where we stayed. The other two branches are The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong and The Splaisir Seoul Dongdaemun.
[Sotetsu Fresa Inn Myeongdong on Agoda｜Trip.com]
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Myeongdong
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Myeongdong: Location
You might not realize it just from looking at Google Maps, but this hotel is right inside the Myeongdong shopping district, surrounded by the bustling Myeongdong Night Market. Step out the door, and you’re instantly among a long row of vibrant street food stalls, perfect for evening strolls and late-night snacks.
Although it’s about a 5–8 minute walk to Myeongdong Station, the location is still very convenient.
The entrance is a bit hidden and easy to miss if you’re not paying close attention!
✔️ Sotetsu Fresa Inn Myeongdong（소테츠 프레사 인 서울 명동）
Address: 48 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea（Google Maps｜NEVER Map）
Google Maps Code: HX7M+FX Seoul
Access: 8-minute walk from Myeongdong Station
Check the price: Agoda｜Trip.com
Check-in Process
Once you take the elevator up to the lobby, you’ll immediately see the self check-in kiosks. Don’t worry if you’re unsure how to use them, the friendly front desk staff are always happy to help. Just scan your passport, and the machine will retrieve your reservation information.
One nice touch: because this is a Japanese hotel, many guests are from Japan, and most of the staff either speak Japanese or are Japanese themselves. So even if you don’t speak Korean (like me!), you can easily communicate in Japanese.
There’s also a small front desk in the lobby where you can ask questions or store your luggage before check-in or after check-out.
Hotel Facilities & Services
Free Luggage Storage Before & After Stay
Sotetsu Fresa offers complimentary luggage storage on the day of check-in and check-out. While it’s limited to the same-day only, it’s still a very convenient service if you have plans before or after your stay.
The hotel features a cozy lounge area where breakfast is served in the morning. Note that eating is only allowed before 10 AM, after that, food and drinks are prohibited in this area.
From the other side of the lounge, you can enjoy a relaxing cityscape view. It’s a great place to wait for friends or simply sit back and unwind.
Microwave and Free Coffee Machine
One of the great perks here is the free coffee and access to a microwave! As someone who loves black coffee, this was such a blessing for me!
Free Toiletries and Tea Bags in the Lobby
Next to the front desk, there’s a small area where you can help yourself to free bath salts and tea bags. Feel free to take what you need.
I grabbed a few bath salts and tea bags, only to find out later that the room we booked doesn’t have a bathtub 😂
✔️ Sotetsu Fresa Inn Myeongdong（소테츠 프레사 인 서울 명동）
Address: 48 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea（Google Maps｜NEVER Map）
Google Maps Code: HX7M+FX Seoul
Access: 8-minute walk from Myeongdong Station
Check the price: Agoda｜Trip.com
In-Room Features
The bed felt just right, not too soft, not too hard. I stayed for three nights and slept well without any issues.
That said, I’m the kind of person who can sleep almost anywhere, but sometimes if a mattress is too soft or too firm, I’ll wake up with some back or waist pain. Luckily, no such problems this time! 😅
The only downside is the soundproofing isn’t great, one morning I even overheard some rather enthusiastic activity from the room next door.
There’s a charging outlet and USB port next to the bed. Just note that Korea uses 220V, so plugs from Taiwan or Japan might not be compatible. Make sure to bring a converter or an adapter!
USB ports are universal though, so no worries about voltage compatibility there.
There’s also a control panel by the bed for lighting and air conditioning. While the lights can be adjusted from the wall, temperature settings can only be changed through this panel.
Despite the small space, there’s a decent-sized TV. But honestly, with so much to explore outside, there’s not much time left to watch TV.
Of course, the room comes with a mini fridge and electric kettle, which are must-haves in any hotel. What’s great is that bottled water is provided based on the number of guests and replenished daily.
There’s also an air purifier, which you can keep running continuously.
We booked a room with a shower-only bathroom, which was very clean and well-maintained. Just a small quirk: if you place the bath mat right in front of the glass door, it gets in the way. You’ll need to put it a bit farther away, so the floor might get a little wet.
Surprisingly, the bathroom provides makeup remover! I’ve stayed at many hotels and this is one of the few that includes it, it’s such a thoughtful touch for female guests.
One thing to note: it seems this hotel (or maybe it’s a general policy in Korea) doesn’t provide disposable amenities like toothbrushes, so be sure to bring your own.
But if you forget to bring one (like I did 🥲), you can buy a toothbrush and toothpaste set for 1,000 KRW, payable by credit card only.
A super thoughtful detail: the bathroom comes with both 220V and 110V outlets. So if you’ve brought a hair curler or straightener from Taiwan or Japan, you can use it right here.
Check-Out Process
Check-out is really simple. You’ll find instructions posted near the door. If everything’s good, you just press the check-out button, wait for the confirmation light, and leave your room cards on the desk, no need to stop by the front desk.
At check-out, press the left button first. If the hotel approves, the green circle in the top right will light up. If a red X in the bottom right lights up instead, that means you’ll need to visit the front desk.
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Myeongdong
✔️ Sotetsu Fresa Inn Myeongdong（소테츠 프레사 인 서울 명동）
Address: 48 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea（Google Maps｜NEVER Map）
Google Maps Code: HX7M+FX Seoul
Access: 8-minute walk from Myeongdong Station
Check the price: Agoda｜Trip.com
That’s a wrap! I hope Tsubaki’s hotel review helps you plan your stay in Myeongdong, Seoul 🥰
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🌃Seoul Hotel Recommendations
[Full Review] Sotetsu Fresa Inn Myeongdong, Seoul
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