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wants to drink something at fmd_goodHops Hall
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wants to take a walk at fmd_goodLocal House
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$200 worth of new cosmetics from Olive Young disappeared from hotel room?
What can I do here? I'm really upset since I saved up a lot for this trip and shopping on this trip. I also feel bad for the hotel staff but I'm not sure what I can do. They haven't responded to my emails and I have since checked out of the hotel and go back to my country tomorrow. Thank you.
ah man that really sucks, sorry this happened to you. hotel 28 is a decent spot in myeongdong but theft is rare here not impossible, especially with new stuff left in plain sight. myeongdong is tourist central and while korea's safe, housekeeping or other guests could've grabbed it if the bag was visible.
since you're leaving tomorrow, file a police report at the myeongdong police station near exit 6 of myeongdong station. bring the itemized list and hotel's response. your travel insurance might cover this if you have it, so check that too. the hotel might be dodging responsibility because they don't want to admit fault, but the cctv should show something if they actually look
also leave a review on google maps or tripadvisor mentioning this. hotels here care about their online rep and it might push them to follow up or compensate you
Olive Young receipts usually have a transaction number printed on them, and they keep detailed records of what was sold per receipt at the Myeongdong branch. If you still have the receipt or can get a screenshot from your card statement showing the merchant and amount, their customer service can pull up the full item list for your insurance claim. Also, Hotel 28 is a boutique spot that uses a third-party laundry service for their linens, and sometimes stuff gets mixed up in those bins, so ask them to check with their laundry vendor too.
hn that's really frustrating, especially after all that time picking stuff out. hotel 28 is in a busy part of myeongdong near the l7 hotel and the main shopping street, so it's possible a guest or staff mistook it for lost property they were supposed to clear out. the hotel's customer service team is separate from the front desk there, so try calling the main line and asking for the guest relations team directly, they handle complaints differently than the manager on duty.
also if you used a kakao pay or toss payment at olive young, check if the receipt has a purchase protection option through their app. i've seen toss cover up to 300k won for theft if you file within 7 days, no police report needed. just need the transaction details and a screenshot of your list. your bank might not cover it if you're already back home, but the local payment apps are faster for this kind of thing
Seoul on a Budget: Tips 2026
Stay in guesthouses or hostels in Hongdae or Myeongdong for as low as 20,000-40,000 won per night. For a private room, try a goshiwon (student housing) starting at 300,… 🏠 Affordable Accommodation
Stay in guesthouses or hostels in Hongdae or Myeongdong for as low as 20,000-40,000 won per night. For a private room, try a goshiwon (student housing) starting at 300,000 won per month. Book directly with the property or use local platforms like Yanolja for discounts.
🍜 Cheap Eats
A bowl of bibimbap or kimchi jjigae at a local restaurant costs 6,000-8,000 won. For budget meals, visit convenience stores like GS25 or CU for triangle kimbap (1,200 won) and instant ramen. Street food like tteokbokki (3,000 won) is filling and cheap.
🚇 Transportation Savings
Use a T-money card for subway and bus rides at 1,400 won per trip, with free transfers within 30 minutes. A day pass costs 5,500 won for unlimited rides. Walk between nearby attractions like Gyeongbokgung and Insadong to save even more.
🎫 Free Attractions
Many palaces, including Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, offer free admission on the last Wednesday of each month. Cheonggyecheon Stream and Namsan Park are always free to explore. Visit Bukchon Hanok Village for a glimpse of traditional Seoul without spending a won.
💰 Local Money-Saving Tips
Locals often use apps like Coupang Eats for discounted meal deliveries or visit traditional markets like Gwangjang Market for cheap, fresh food. Avoid tourist-heavy areas for souvenirs; instead, shop at Daiso for affordable Korean snacks and gifts.
🎭 Free Cultural Experiences
Watch a free traditional performance at the Korea House or at the Namsangol Hanok Village on weekends. Many museums, like the National Museum of Korea, have free permanent exhibitions. Check out Hongdae street performances for live music and dance.
🍺 Nightlife on a Budget
Join a free walking tour of Hongdae or Itaewon to discover cheap bars and pubs. Many places offer happy hour deals from 5-7 PM with 50% off drinks. For a unique experience, visit a pojangmacha (street tent bar) for soju and anju under 10,000 won.
📱 Essential Apps
Download Naver Map for accurate transit directions and KakaoTaxi for affordable rides. Use Mango Plate to find restaurant discounts and coupons. For free Wi-Fi, connect to the city's public network at subway stations and parks.
this is a solid list, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card also works for the airport railroad express (arex) and you can get a discount if you buy a "climate card" from the subway machines for like 62,000 won a month, unlimited rides on seoul metro and buses. also, for free stuff, the seoul city wall hiking trail from naksan park gives you amazing views of the city and bukchon without paying a thing, plus it's way less crowded than namsan. gwangjang market is great but go for the sundubu (7000 won) at the stalls in the back, not the front ones near the entrance which are pricier for tourists
honestly the guide nails it, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card deposit is refundable at any convenience store when you leave, most people forget and just toss it. also for free stuff, the seoul philharmonic does free outdoor concerts at seoul plaza in spring and fall, just show up with a blanket. if you're near hongdae on a friday night, the playground area has buskers that are genuinely talented, way better than the overhyped clubs
i live here and a few things this guide nails. one tip that saves me money is the "climate card" for 62,000 won a month, unlimited subway and bus, even works on the airport express if you're staying a while. for cheap eats, skip the main streets in hongdae and go into the alleys behind the art center, there's a place that does dwaeji gukbap (pork soup) for 7,000 won and it's way better than the tourist spots. also, the seoul city wall trail from naksan park is free and gives you killer views without the namsan tower price tag, way less crowded too