Seoul Family Fun: Oasis Hongdae D3 Suite Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the Seoul Family Fun: Oasis Hongdae D3 Suite Awaits! experience. Forget the stiff hotel reviews you're used to. I'm going full-on sensory overload, unfiltered truth, and a healthy dose of "did I pack enough snacks?"
First, the name! SEOUL FAMILY FUN? Sounds… promising. Oasis Hongdae D3 Suite Awaits? Alright, already, building the hype! And let me tell you, from the moment I stumbled out of that taxi (jet lag is a cruel mistress, folks, a CRUEL mistress), I was on a mission to find out if this place was the real deal. Was it family fun or family disaster?
IMMEDIATE IMPRESSIONS & ACCESSIBILITY (and my tired feet)
Okay, so, Accessibility. The biggest question for me, since I was dragging not only myself but a slightly grumpy grandma and a toddler with a penchant for wandering. Elevator: YES! THANK GOODNESS. Because hauling luggage AND tiny humans up stairs? Hard pass. Facilities for disabled guests: Listed, which is a major plus, but I didn’t need them, so I can't speak to specifics. The exterior corridor aspect was nice, felt safe, and not like you're trapped in a hotel maze.
The Front desk [24-hour] thing is a lifesaver. Especially when you arrive at 2 AM, delirious from the flight. The staff were incredibly patient with my questions (mostly, "Is there coffee? Please tell me there's coffee."). Check-in/out [express] – nice, but not essential if you're the kind of person who likes to linger (me, for the coffee). Concierge? YES! They were amazing, booking us a last-minute tour (more on that later) and generally being incredibly helpful. They even got me a translator app on my phone. Genius.
CLEANLINESS AND SAFETY - Because Let's Be Real
- Anti-viral cleaning products: CHECK. Daily disinfection in common areas: CHECK. Rooms sanitized between stays: CHECK. Hand sanitizer: EVERYWHERE. Okay, I get it. They're serious about the germ situation. Which, honestly, is comforting, especially with a kid who treats the floor like a buffet.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seems so! They wore masks (as required at the time) and were noticeably careful.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Not just lip service - you could smell the clean. Seriously, it's the little things.
- First aid kit: Present and accounted for. (Never needed it, but a good sign).
- Smoke alarms: Yay! Important.
THE SUITE LIFE – D3, WAS IT WORTH IT?
Okay, the D3 Suite. This is where things got interesting… and then a little too interesting.
- The View: AMAZING. Seriously, panoramic views of Hongdae. Beautiful.
- Size: HUGE. Plenty of space for a family to spread out without wanting to murder each other (a MAJOR win). I had to yell to my Grandma to grab her in the kitchen, and she yelled back from her bedroom and the toddler was happily playing.
- Air conditioning: Needed it. Used it. Loved it.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Worked. Surprisingly well. I could stream shows while the kiddo napped. It was a dream truly.
- The Bedding. Ahhh! The fluffy pillows were perfect. I slept like a baby (a well-rested baby).
- Bathroom: Excellent. The separate shower was a lifesaver for managing kids. Toiletries good.
- Kitchenette Okay, it had a refrigerator AND a coffee maker. I was in heaven! Enough microwave-ready foods for the first day, no worries.
- Amenities:
- Coffee/tea maker: Saved my life. Multiple times.
- Refrigerator: Kept my soju and snacks chilled. Essential.
- Mini bar: Slightly tempting, but I had a budget.
My Mini-Rant on Room Service, or Lack Thereof
The Room service [24-hour] listed! Not true. Ok, maybe it was because of COVID protocols? It was a bummer. Thankfully, there was a Convenience store nearby, and food delivery was readily available (and a lifesaver in emergencies).
DINING, DRINKING, AND SNACKING – Food, Glorious Food!
This is the part where things get a bit… messy. Bear with me.
- Asian Cuisine in Restaurant: Sadly, the hotel's restaurant wasn't fully open at the time of my trip. Sad face.
- Breakfast [buffet]: I saw pictures of the buffet. Looked great! But, again, closed because of the situation at the time.
- Breakfast takeaway service: The only option. It was fine. Basic. The pastries were good. Not the kind of breakfast that screams "Seoul!" But it did the job.
- Snack bar: Nope. (See above, "lack of room service"). That's what the convenience store is for.
THINGS TO DO (and My Hilarious Misadventures)
This is where Seoul Family Fun really shines.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Not for us (but good to know).
- Fitness center: Yes! Didn't use it. Too much exploring to do.
- Pool with view: Nope.
- Spa/sauna: Didn't see.
- Swimming pool: No swimming pool. (But a big park nearby had a lovely pool!)
Getting Around - The Taxi Tales
- Airport transfer: They have it (nice).
- Car park [free of charge]: Woohoo! One less thing to worry about.
- Taxi service: Readily available. Be prepared to download a translation app. Learning a few basic Korean phrases is also a VERY good idea. "Thank you" and "Where is the nearest convenience store?" go a long way.
FOR THE KIDS (and Keeping My Sanity)
- Babysitting service: Not that I needed it. But good to know it's an option!
- Family/child friendly: DEFINITELY. The suite size, the friendly staff, the general vibe all contribute.
- Kids meal: I'm pretty sure I could have made some requests.
THE UGLY TRUTH: The Imperfections, the Hiccups, and Why I'd Still Go Back
Okay, here's the honesty part. It wasn't perfect. And, frankly, that's what makes it relatable.
- Room Service Woes: Like I said, it could have been better.
- My Korean is garbage. Google Translate saved me. Repeatedly.
- The Noise Hongdae is a vibrant area. You'll hear street noise. But the Soundproof rooms helped.
SEOUL FAMILY FUN: OASIS HONGDAE D3 SUITE AWAITS! – THE VERDICT
So, is it family fun? YES. With the right expectations. It's a great base camp for exploring Seoul. A comfortable space for a family to spread out and relax. The location is fantastic, with shops, restaurants, and the vibrant Hongdae nightlife right at your doorstep.
THE OFFER - Book NOW and get a FREE Family Fun Pack!
Tired of the usual bland hotel experience? Craving an adventure, a space to crash (and maybe even some peace)? 📣
Book your stay at Seoul Family Fun: Oasis Hongdae D3 Suite Awaits! within the next 30 days, and we'll throw in a FREE Family Fun Pack!
Here's what you'll get:
- Discounted Taxi Transfers: Take the hassle out of getting to and from the airport.
- A voucher for a Local Experience (think: a class for your little ones)
- A personalized guide to great family-friendly things to do in Hongdae
Click here for a reservation now and get your family's memories of Seoul off to a great start!
Don't miss out! This offer is for a limited time only!
Escape to Paradise: COCO Canopy's Koh Jum Luxury
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to get my version of planning a trip. Forget those pristine, perfectly-ordered itineraries. This is gonna be a messy, hilarious, possibly-slightly-melodramatic journey straight from the depths of my travel-obsessed brain. And we're doing it in Seoul, specifically at that Oasis Hongdae Family Suite Type D3. Let's get this show on the road!
The "Realistic Chaos" Itinerary: Seoul & The Pursuit of Koreanness (with Kids!)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Seoul Shock
Morning (6:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Pre-Flight Freakout (Home): Let's be honest, packing with kids is a contact sport. Finding matching socks? Forget about it. The entire suitcase is now a black hole containing everything from a rogue LEGO piece to a half-eaten lollipop. Managed to get everyone (and the luggage) to the airport. Victory is ours! (Or more accurately, a temporary truce.)
- The Plane Ride From Hell: The flight was a blur of ear-splitting cries (mostly the kids, though I may have contributed during a particularly turbulent patch), spilled juice, and that existential dread that comes with being trapped in a metal tube for 12 hours. Did I sleep? Nope. I think I may have hallucinated a talking stewardess made of kimchi.
- Airport Arrival (Incheon): Disembarked, blinking into the bright lights of Seoul, feeling like a zombie fresh from the Walking Dead convention. Now, where's that luggage? Oh, and the kids need to pee. Immediately.
- Baggage Claim and Train Trauma: Found our luggage, miraculously intact! Hopped on the AREX train. The sleek design and quiet efficiency of the train was seriously impressive. For like 30 seconds, then the kids got antsy.
- Check-In (Oasis Hongdae – D3 Suite): Finally! Oasis Hongdae. The photos online looked amazing. Turns out, reality is almost as good. It's spacious, clean, and (crucially) has a washing machine. Pure. Bliss. Unpacked, and already feeling the urge to rearrange the entire suite to my liking.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM):
- Lunch – Street Food Extravaganza (Hongdae Area): We are starving. Found a bustling street food market near the hotel. Ordered everything that looked remotely edible. The kids went for the predictable fried chicken. Me? I dove headfirst into tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). Oh. My. God. My mouth is on fire, but it's worth it. The energy of the market's unbelievable, full of vendors barking deals and music blaring from nearby shops. This is it. This is Seoul!
- "Cultural Experience" Fails (Hongdae Street): Stumbled upon a cool-looking art market. Tried to impress the kids with my vast knowledge of… modern art? Let's just say "vast" might be an overstatement. They were WAY more interested in the bubble tea. Fair enough.
- Nap Time Attempt (Suite): Failed. Miserably. The kids decided playing hide-and-seek in the suite was a much better use of time. I joined them.
Evening (6:00 PM - onwards):
- Dinner – Korean BBQ (Restaurant Near Hotel): Found a Korean BBQ place that was surprisingly kid-friendly. (Translation: They had french fries on the menu.) The meat was amazing. Marinated beef, sizzling on the grill. The banchan (side dishes) were a delicious, overwhelming array of kimchi, vegetables, and mysterious little bowls. I was in heaven. The kids were mainly interested in playing with the tongs.
- Early Bedtime (Eventually): Exhausted. Jet-lagged. Belly full of deliciousness. Dragged the kids (and myself) back to the Suite and collapsed.
Day 2: Gyeongbokgung Palace & The Melodrama of Beauty
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: The Good, The Bad, and the Kimchi: We were up relatively early, thanks to the constant inner clock reset. Hop on the subway, which was smooth, quiet, and a little intimidating at first, but we got accustomed to it. Reached Gyeongbokgung Palace, and oh my god. It's breathtaking. The architecture, the scale, the history… it's overwhelmingly beautiful. Wandered through the courtyards, taking photos, trying to absorb it all. Managed to get the kids to cooperate for maybe 8 minutes before the "I'm bored!" chorus began. Found a cute little cafe nearby for a caffeine fix.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM):
- Lunch – Bibimbap Feast: Found a cozy restaurant near the palace. Bibimbap was our lunch choice, a colorful, delicious medley of rice, vegetables, and a fried egg. Even the kids loved it! (Victory!)
- Secret Garden (Gyeongbokgung Palace): Went to the Secret Garden. I heard it was amazing. It's a bit of a hike and you need to book in advance. It was nice. The kids, however, were much more interested in collecting fallen leaves.
- Shopping Street – Myeongdong Madness: Decided to hit the famous Myeongdong shopping district. Prepare yourself for sensory overload! It's a vibrant, chaotic explosion of shops, street food, and cosmetics. The kids were overwhelmed. I loved it. Bought way too many face masks, and, of course, a pair of cute socks with tiny, flapping dumplings on them. Because, why not?
Evening (6:00 PM - onwards):
- Dinner – Korean Fried Chicken (Myeongdong): The ultimate ending of the day. The lines were long, but it was worth it. Crispy, juicy, and slathered in a variety of delicious sauces. (The kids chose the honey-garlic. I went for the fiery hot pepper sauce. Big mistake, but so so good.)
- Evening Stroll & Collapse: Exhausted, feet aching, and slightly tipsy from the chicken, we walked back to the subway. The kids slept soundly on the train. Finally, back at the Oasis Hongdae - collapsing on the bed. Time for Netflix and chill (if the kids let me).
Day 3: Gangnam & Cultural Confusion
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Gangnam Style, Sort Of: Headed to Gangnam. Expecting glitz and glamour. Found… well, it was definitely fancier than Hongdae.
- COEX Aquarium (Coex): The aquarium was fantastic! We were mesmerized by all the marine life. The kids were particularly captivated by the jellyfish and the giant sea turtles. Success!
- Lunch - Street Food in Gangnam: We knew this was a good idea, as we could take a break and refuel. So, more bibimbap, but with more variety.
- Starfield Library: The most Instagrammable library on the planet! This was a quick visit since we had to adhere to a schedule.
- Shopping: There were some shopping opportunities, even for the kids.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM):
- Taehangno (Daehangno) - A Theater District: This was also a quick trip for the day, as the kids were starting to be weary.
- Namsan Park (Seoul Tower): The view from Namsan Tower was spectacular. The kids were less impressed. They were, however, very interested in the love locks.
Evening (6:00 PM - onwards):
- Dinner and Bedtime: The kids were exhausted. More fried chicken and straight to bed.
Day 4: The Pursuit of Coffee & Hanok Village Dreams
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Coffee Hunt: Seoul is a coffee lover's paradise. The cafe scene is insane. We went to the cafe in Myeongdong and a couple more on the way to the Bukchon Hanok Village, hoping to find the perfect cup. I didn't find perfection, but I found a few that were pretty close. The kids were mostly occupied with milkshakes.
- Bukchon Hanok Village: So much better than I thought. The traditional Korean houses. The calm, peaceful atmosphere. The contrast with the bustling city. BREATHTAKING. Tried to pretend I lived there. The kids tried to run around.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM):
- Lunch - Korean Food: Back again for some more food.
- **Itaewon to finish the
So, Oasis Hongdae D3 Suite Awaits... What Even *Is* That, Exactly? (Besides a Potential Escape from My Kids?)
Hongdae? Is That… Cool? Or Am I About to Wander Into a Tourist Trap of Glittering Overpriced Wares?
The Suite Itself… Is it Actually Family-Friendly? I've Been Betrayed By Photos Before.
Okay, Let's Talk Transportation. How Do We Actually *Get* There? Trains? Taxis? The Mystery of Korean Public Transit...
What About Food? Will We Survive the Korean Food Scene With a Picky Eater (My Child, Not Me, Sadly)?
Activities! What Are We *Actually* Going to Do in Hongdae? Besides, y'know, try not to lose a child in the crowds...
The REAL Question: How Do I Survive This and Still Enjoy it? (And Maybe Get Some Decent Sleep?)
Bathroom Breaks and Baby Gear: What's It Like Navigating Seoul With Little Ones?
