Cheongju Sum Hotel

Given the age of the building, there were stains on the wallpaper, torn indoor slippers, and a long strand of hair on the pillow, so I docked one star for cleanliness. However, for a solo traveler simply needing a place to sleep, I felt it was more than sufficient. It seemed to be a popular motel, and while I initially found it a bit awkward to frequently encounter couples at the front desk, I quickly got used to it. My room was on the 6th floor; the screen was dirty, but I could see the entrance to Central Park. It was very quiet with the window closed. The shower was cleverly designed so the toilet wouldn't get wet, and the toilet had a bidet function. They cleaned the room daily, replacing two bottles of water and changing the towels. Both Song'an Road and Yucai Market were nearby, and the location was convenient for accessing various bus stops. While check-in is officially at 7 PM, when I went to drop off my suitcase, they kindly informed me I could check in by 4 PM, and I ended up checking in at 5 PM. Check-out is at 1 PM, which meant I could explore the neighborhood, shop, and have some tea on my last day. The service from the female staff at the front desk was excellent. Thank you. If you take the narrow alleyway marked by the cat signboard in the photo, you can enter the motel through its back entrance.

The room was quite spacious and clean. However, we occasionally smelled smoke from other rooms in the bathroom. The location was also very convenient!

For my first trip to Cheongju, I chose this place, and it was generally good, offering great value for money. I was forewarned, so it didn't bother me, but it's what's known as a 'love hotel', and the amenity kit even included contraception (lol). The woman at the front desk was present for my entire 3-day stay – I actually wondered if she lived there! She doesn't speak Japanese, but she's incredibly friendly and good-natured. Complimentary water is available on the first floor, and light breakfast snacks are provided in the morning if you're hungry. There's even a popcorn machine from which you can freely help yourself. This place will likely be one of my go-to options for future visits to Cheongju.

Although it's close to the bustling downtown area and market, it's tucked away on a side street, making the surroundings quiet. The bathroom doors are partially transparent, and from the outside, it definitely looks like a love hotel. However, it's incredibly clean; they even tidy it up spotlessly every day during multi-night stays. With a coffee machine in the lobby, bidet toilets, two desktop computers, and a large-screen TV with Netflix, it offers every imaginable convenience. I would definitely stay here again if I have the opportunity to visit Cheongju!

While a little dated, it was very clean and the bed was comfortable. Its location right on the pedestrian street made shopping incredibly convenient.

Great, loved it.