Seoul's Hottest Hostel: Olive Dongdaemun - Unbeatable Deals!
Seoul's Hottest Hostel: Olive Dongdaemun - Unbeatable Deals! – My Brain Dump (aka, Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a wild ride at Olive Dongdaemun. And let me tell you, trying to condense this experience into a simple review is like trying to herd cats wearing glitter. But, hey, that's the fun, right? So, here's the messy, honest, and hopefully helpful truth, complete with all my random tangents and questionable opinions…
First Impressions (and the Dreaded Subway!)
Accessibility: Okay, navigating Seoul is no joke. The subway, while efficient, is a labyrinth. Olive Dongdaemun claims to be accessible (though I didn’t specifically test the wheelchair situation - my apologies!). But, the real accessibility challenge is just getting there. Finding the right exit with luggage after a 15-hour flight? Pure masochism, I tell you. Consider airport transfer - or begging a friendly local for help (which I may or may not have done).
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Not much on-site, per se. It's more of a hostel vibe, so think more "grab a pre-packaged Korean instant noodles from the convenience store" and less "Michelin-star dining experience." Which, honestly, I found completely charming in its own way. (More on food later, because duh).
Wheelchair Accessible: Probably best to confirm directly with the hostel about wheelchair accessibility. Don't take my ramblings as gospel!
Internet, Oh Glorious Internet (and Wi-Fi in ALL ROOMS!):
Internet access, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Hallelujah! Praise the Wi-Fi gods! Seriously, after spending an hour trying to connect to my phone’s hotspot on the subway (spoiler alert: still lost), solid internet is a MUST. Olive Dongdaemun delivered. Everywhere. Even in the, ahem, shared spaces. So, thumbs up. Big thumbs up. No buffering, no drop-outs, just pure, glorious streaming. (I may have binged some of my favorite Korean dramas. Don't judge.)
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, You Know, Pandemic):
Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment… Okay, this is where Olive Dongdaemun really impressed me. I’m not usually a germaphobe, but the lingering shadow of that thing made me a bit… paranoid. But seeing staff actively sanitizing, hand sanitizer everywhere, and pre-packaged stuff? It’s comforting. They take it seriously. And the rooms felt freshly cleaned. I almost felt brave enough to share a karaoke mic! (Almost.)
Rooms and Amenities (My Sanctuary, My Cave):
Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Okay, this is a long list, but it's pretty comprehensive. I stayed in a private room (treat yo'self!), and it was… good. Not the Ritz, but clean, functional, and with all the basics. Especially loved the blackout curtains - essential for battling jet lag and Seoul's crazy nightlife! The bed was comfy enough (extra-long, even!) and the air conditioning was a lifesaver during a particularly humid afternoon. The tea/coffee maker was much appreciated, though the coffee wasn't quite up to my caffeinated (and opinionated) standard. Overall, a solid “A” for room comfort.
Getting Around (The City Maze):
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: The hostel offers airport transfer and has parking. The taxi thing? It works. You'll be using it. Seoul's vast. But again – the subway is (mostly) cheap and efficient. Brace yourself!
Things to Do (And Somehow Still Sleep):
Things to do, ways to relax, Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Massage, Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap, Pool with view, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Okay, so, this is where things get a little hostel-y. No spa on-site to be seen, but you're in Seoul! A short taxi ride will get you to a sauna with a view (and maybe a full-body massage!). I'd recommend it. The city's incredible. And the hostel? It's perfectly positioned for exploring Dongdaemun's vibrant markets and shops, plus all the sights of the city. Fitness Center? I'm not sure I saw one… I was too busy eating street food.
Food Glorious Food (And My Stomach's Verdict):
Dining, drinking, and snacking, A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: The breakfast situation? Let's just say it's basic, but not bad. Think Asian breakfast and Western options. You’re not going to be blown away, but there’s some fruit, toast, cereal, and coffee, which is fine. However - the real magic outside the hostel! Dongdaemun is a foodie paradise. Street food galore (try the tteokbokki – spicy rice cakes!), amazing restaurants, and enough coffee shops to fuel a small country. I may have spent half my budget on eating.. No regrets!
Services and Conveniences (Help! I’m Lost!):
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: The staff was friendly, helpful, and spoke English well, which was a lifesaver. The convenience store? Again, essential. Laundry service? Nice to have. Luggage storage? Yes, please! The whole place runs efficiently. The front desk is always there.
For the Kids (Potential Mini-Travelers):
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: This place seems kid-friendly. But I didn’t see a ton of kids. This isn't a Disney resort, it’s more of a base camp for exploring Seoul, and a great place to enjoy for a couple. Maybe just be prepared!
Cleanliness and Safety (Seriously, That's Important):
CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: Felt safe and secure. 24/7 front desk is always a good thing. Cameras everywhere. Good. Peace of mind!
My Emotional Journey (The Good, the Bad, and the Spicy):
Okay, let's be real. Traveling is hard. And Seoul is intense. There were moments of pure joy (eating kimchi jjigae at 2 AM), and moments of utter exhaustion (trying to read the subway map). Olive Dongdaemun was a welcome haven. It wasn't perfect. But it was clean, comfortable, and the staff were lovely. It was
Unbelievable Nanjing Hotel Deal: Confucius Temple Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic mess that is my Seoul adventure, centered around the hallowed halls of the Olive Hostel in Dongdaemun! This isn't your meticulously planned, robot-written itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly-hungover truth.
Seoul Scramble: D-Day (Plus a few days either side, probably)
(Pre-Seoul Anxiety Haze – a day or two before)
Oh god. Seoul. South Korea. Land of perfect skin, kimchi, and… what even is a bibimbap, really? (My brain, bless its cotton socks, is mainly picturing instant ramen. Profound shame.) Packing. Ugh. Do I actually need that thermal underwear? Probably. Panic-buying weird travel-sized toiletries at Boots. Is this what adulting looks like? I feel like I'm forgetting something…my sanity, perhaps?
(Arrival – Day 1: Dongdaemun Dumpster Diving…er, Discovery)
- 6:00 AM (ish) - Flight Nightmare: Let's be real, flights are just a series of indignities punctuated by lukewarm coffee and the existential dread of turbulence. Finally, FINALLY, touch down at Incheon! Jet lag already kicking my arse.
- 9:00 AM (ish) - The Airport Shuffle: Navigating Incheon airport is like being a tiny, bewildered mouse in a vast, shiny maze. The signage is surprisingly helpful, but my brain is still fried. Finding the AREX (airport express train) was a triumph… until I realised I'd taken a wrong turn and ended up staring at a bewildered-looking baggage handler. "Sorry!" I squeaked, mortified.
- 10:30 AM - Olive Hostel – The Haven (and the Slight Panic): Finding the Olive Hostel was a minor victory. Thank god for Google Maps! It's… cute. Tiny! My dorm room is smaller than my bathroom back home. "Cozy" they call it. I’m calling it "intimate." The other occupants are… well, they seem nice. One guy is playing a ukulele. (Please, God, let him be good.) The best part? Free coffee. Bless.
- 11:30 AM - Dongdaemun Exploration (or, I Tripped Over a Shoe): Okay, time to be a proper tourist. Dongdaemun is INSANE! Giant skyscrapers, neon lights screaming at you, fashion… things. I walked outside the hostel and immediately nearly faceplanted over a stray shoe. Not a great start. But the energy is electric! Feeling a tiny bit less terrified.
- 1:00 PM - Street Food Frenzy (and the Chilli Inferno): Okay, I'm a foodie. I love street food. Found a vendor selling… something. It looked amazing. Tasted… amazing. Until the fire alarm in my mouth went off. Turns out, it was incredibly spicy. Eyes streaming, I frantically chugged water from my tiny, slightly-leaky water bottle. Lesson learned: Learn your limits. Especially with the red stuff.
- 3:00 PM - Wandering and Wondering: Just wandering. No real plan. Soaking it all in. Watching people. Trying to decipher the Korean alphabet (epic fail). Feeling a weird surge of…joy? Maybe the spicy food killed some of my brain cells. Maybe I'm just thrilled to be somewhere new.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Disaster (and the Language Barrier): Tried to order dinner at a tiny, local place. My Korean vocabulary extends to "hello" and "thank you" (and the word for "spicy," which, let's be honest, I'm going to be saying a lot). Ended up pointing at a photo and hoping for the best. Got a plate of… something. It was delicious. Mystery meat? Possibly. Worth it.
- 8:00 PM - Retail Therapy (and the Credit Card Calamity): Dongdaemun is a shopper's paradise. Or maybe a shopper's nightmare. So many shops! So many clothes I don't need! I succumbed! Spent way too much on a cute, ridiculously oversized sweater. My credit card might be screaming at me… I'll deal with it later. Right now, I need that sweater.
- 9:00 PM - Hostel Hangout (and Ukulele Apocalypse): Back at the hostel. Ukulele guy is still playing. Actually, he's… pretty good. Turns out his name is Liam, and he's from… well, from somewhere. He’s traveling the world solo too! We talk for hours about life, travel, and the existential dread of adulting.
- 11:00 PM - Lights Out (ish): Attempting to sleep. Jet lag is a cruel mistress. Dozing. Waking. Wishing I’d brought earplugs. The ukulele continues to haunt my dreams…
(Day 2: Culture Shock and Kimchi Cravings)
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast of Champions (and Instant Noodle Regret): Cheap instant ramen from the hostel. Fuel for the day. I vow to eat something vaguely resembling healthy later.
- 10:00 AM - Gyeongbokgung Palace – Majesty and Manic Crowds: Saw some tourists (like ME!). The palace is beautiful, but the crowds… Oy. Managed to take a few pretty pictures before getting swept away in the human tide. The architecture is stunning, though. Really.
- 12:00 PM - Bukchon Hanok Village – Lost in Time (and a Wrong Turn): Tried to navigate the maze-like streets of Bukchon Hanok Village. Got lost. Ended up walking past a random woman's house. She gave me a weird look. Awkward. Eventually found my way, and the traditional houses are charming. Still, it made me realise how bad I am at directions.
- 2:00 PM - Insadong Tea and Tranquility (and Another Plate of Spicy Surprise): Insadong: tea shops, art galleries, and a general air of calm. Needed this. Found a tea house. Ordered something. Again, spicy. But this time, I was prepared. Kind of. It had a weird, fermented taste. Interesting.
- 4:00 PM - Namsan Tower – Views and… (More) Crowds: Took the cable car up to Namsan Tower. The view is breathtaking. Breathtaking with a side of thousands of other people taking selfies. The "love lock" fences are cute, if a little cheesy. Wrote my name on one… then realised I didn't have a partner. Oh well.
- 7:00 PM - Dongdaemun Shopping Spree, Part 2 (and the Wallet's Wail): Back to Dongdaemun for more shopping. Okay, I might have a problem. But the clothes are just… too… cute. And cheap. And I’m telling myself I need that fluffy pink hat. Don't judge.
- 9:00 PM - Late Night Ramen and Hostel Gossip (and a Slight Romance?): Back at the hostel. Liam and I are bonding over instant noodles at 10pm. We are talking like we known each other years, chatting about life, and I can't stop laughing. He's got a cute accent. Maybe… Just maybe…
- 11:00 PM - Sleep (Maybe): Head to bed; tomorrow is another day, another adventure!
(Day 3: The Kimchi Chronicles and A Culinary Catastrophe)
- 10:00 AM: The Kimchi Quest: Today, I decided I am going to learn how to make kimchi. I am going to conquer the fermented cabbage beast! Found a cooking class. (Slightly hung-over. Don't judge.)
- 11:00 AM - Kimchi Kitchen Chaos: The class… was… an experience. The instructor, a tiny Korean woman with the energy of a rocket, was brilliant. We chopped, we mixed, we stuffed cabbage. I nearly poked myself in the eye with a knife. There was chilli EVERYWHERE. I'm pretty sure I now have kimchi clinging to every surface of my body.
- 1:00 PM - The Kimchi Tasting (and Tears of Joy/Pain): The moment of truth! We tasted our creations. My kimchi… was… fiery. So fiery, I was sniffling and my nose was running. But it was also… delicious. A weird, amazing symphony of spicy, sour, and… well, cabbage. I am officially a kimchi convert.
- 2:00 PM - The Great Busan Betrayal: I had stupidly booked a bus to Busan.
Olive Dongdaemun: Let's Do This (FAQ - Kinda)
Alright, listen up! You're thinking Olive Dongdaemun? Wise choice... probably. Let's untangle this whole hostel thing. Prepare for some real talk. And maybe a little regret about that second soju...
1. Okay, So... Is This Place ACTUALLY as Cheap as They Say? (And Is That a Red Flag?)
Alright, let's be real. Money, money, money. The BIG question. Yes, it's genuinely affordable. We’re talking ramen-for-breakfast level of cheap. Now, the red flag alarm *did* go off in my brain. I mean, seriously, *how* cheap can this get without attracting... problems? (Like, a guy who snores like a freight train… spoiler alert: I met him.) But honestly? The value's there. You're not getting a suite. You're getting a roof over your head in a *fantastic* location. And that, friends, is gold. Think of it as a starter home... for your Seoul adventure. It's not the Ritz; it's a trampoline. You bounce around and then crash. (Metaphorically, of course... mostly.)
2. The Location – Dongdaemun. Is It Actually Cool, Or Just... a Bus Station?
Dongdaemun. *Sigh*. Look, before I went, I was picturing... well, a bus station. And yes, there *are* buses. But listen UP, you're in EXPLOSION of fashion. Think bright lights, insane shopping, and street food that’ll make your tastebuds *sing*. It's open ALL. THE. TIME. Which is both amazing and terrifying. Midnight craving for tteokbokki? Done. Sudden need for a sequined unicorn backpack at 3 AM? Got you covered. I actually got *lost* in a mall at 2 AM. True Story. Found a killer hat, though. Worth it. Plus, it’s super central. Everything’s accessible. Underground, which is awesome. Except when that darn subway train goes off track and you're sitting there with some random lady and she starts yelling at you in Korean, which you don't understand. You just look at her, smile, and nod hoping you don't offend her.
3. Dorms vs. Private Rooms – My Sleep Is Precious. What Do I Do?
Okay, let's talk about sleep. This is where the real decisions are made. If you value sanity above all else (and I’m talking *major* value here), spring for a private room. Seriously. The dorms? Well... they're what you expect. People come and go. Lights get flicked on at 3 AM. That snoring guy I mentioned? He sounded like a walrus being strangled by a vacuum cleaner. *Shudders*. But if you're on a *serious* budget and can sleep through a rave, the dorms are fine. Just pack earplugs. And maybe a hazmat suit for the shared bathroom. (Just kidding... kinda.) The private rooms are cozy. Small, but hey, who needs space when you're in Seoul?
4. The Atmosphere – Is It a Party Hostel, Or Can I Read a Book in Peace?
Okay, the vibe. It's a *vibe*. It's not a raging party hostel, thankfully. But it's definitely social. You'll find people hanging out in the common areas, chatting, maybe playing cards. They have a little kitchen. I saw someone make a gourmet kimchi pancake at 2 AM. The horror! The amazingness! It's a good place to meet other travelers, share recommendations, and maybe – *maybe* – get talked into trying something you'd *never* consider (like, I don't know, fermented skate). (I was coerced by a very enthusiastic Aussie. But his skate *was* delicious.) You can also hide in your room and read your book. Everyone's pretty cool about everyone else just doing their own thing. Unless you snore like a tractor, of course. (Looking at you, Mr. Walrus...)
5. Cleanliness – Be Honest. How Bad Is It Really?
Okay, the cleaning. This is important. (Especially after the kimchi pancake incident.) It's clean. It's not *spotless five-star hotel* clean, because, let's face it, that comes with a five-star hotel price. The dorms are cleaned regularly. The bathrooms, generally, are…functional. I saw a cleaner *actually* clean the toilet seat (high five!). The common areas are well-kept. I didn't get a single stomach bug, which is a win in my book. So, yeah, you'll be good. Just… maybe bring your own hand sanitizer. For peace of mind. And to keep the germs at bay, obviously.
6. Laundry – Can I Wash My Clothes, Because I'm Probably Going to Be Sweating a Lot?
Yes! There's laundry. Thank the heavens. Because seriously, you're walking around, eating street food, riding the subway... you'll need laundry. Look for the laundry machine (I think it was on the bottom floor?). They usually have detergent available, but pack some just in case. I've learned the hard way not to assume. (Because in some cases you're getting to hand wash your clothes in the bathroom sink... Trust me on this.) It's not a fancy, state-of-the-art laundry facility, but it works. And that's all that matters when you're trying to stuff 10 pairs of socks, 3 t-shirts, and a pair of jeans into a tiny backpack.
7. The Staff – Are They Actually Helpful, Or Just Annoyed by Me Asking Dumb Questions?
The staff? They're good. Really good. Not the kind that are just faking it, but actually *helpful*. They speak decent English, which is a godsend when you're trying to navigate the Seoul subway system with a map that resembles a Jackson Pollock painting. They're happy to give recommendations, help with bookings, and generally make your life easier. I asked about the best places for bibimbap at 3 AM. (Don't judge. Jet lag. And also, bibimbap is delicious.) They didn't even bat an eye. They just pointed me in the right direction. They’re a *life-saver*. They're real people. Not robots. They get tired, but they also seem to genuinely care. Like, I saw one of the guys helping a lost-looking grandma. Definitely a plus. They even seemed thrilled when I asked if they hadCity Stay Finder
