Seoul's HOTTEST Rooftop Hostel: OYO's Unbelievable Views!
Seoul's HOTTEST Rooftop Hostel: OYO's Unbelievable Views!: A Seriously Honest Review (Brace Yourselves)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on OYO's Unbelievable Views! This ain't your average, sanitized travel blog post. This is REAL. We're talking Seoul rooftop hostel life, honest opinions, and enough awkwardness to make you squirm.
First Impressions (and a mini-freakout) - Accessibility & Getting There:
Finding this place? Easier than dodging a K-Pop flash mob (which, by the way, is not easy). Public transport's a breeze, especially with the helpful locals. Now, about Accessibility: Honestly, I didn't specifically check for wheelchair accessibility. My bad. But from what I did see, it SEEMED like getting around the main areas would be okay. Elevators were present, which is a HUGE plus in a city where hills are practically considered hobbies. (And bless the elevator, seriously. My thighs were already screaming from sightseeing!) I'd recommend double-checking with OYO directly about specific needs.
The Airport transfer was a lifesaver after a 15-hour flight. Definitely worth the extra won, especially when you're jet-lagged and resemble a crumpled piece of origami.
The View (and the Reason You're Here): Let's cut to the chase. The "Unbelievable Views" part? Not an exaggeration. I mean, holy smokes. Picture this: Seoul sprawled beneath you, twinkling lights everywhere, that stunning Namsan Tower just there across the cityscape. Seriously, I sat on the Terrace for hours just staring. It’s the kind of view that makes you feel like you're in a movie. Forget Netflix, people. This is the real show. The Pool with a View also looked fantastic, even though I chickened out and didn't go in. (More on that later. My courage sometimes requires a triple shot of espresso).
Rooms & Amenities: Let's Get Real.
My room? Non-smoking, thankfully. Clean? Yep. The air conditioning was heaven-sent (especially after a particularly humid day). The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for battling jet lag. I loved having a Coffee/tea maker in my room, because, let's be honest, I need coffee before I can even think about being a functioning human. Free Wi-Fi! A MUST in this day and age. And the Free bottled water… bless.
Annoying observation: The walls weren't exactly soundproof. I could hear someone snoring in the next room, which, depending on the snorer, can be a blessing or a curse. (I'm looking at you, Mr. Snuffles from room 302!)
I appreciated: The Safe/security feature, the Mirror, and the desk area.
Maybe could be better: The towels. They were functional. Just not luxury functional. Cleanliness and Safety: Gotta be Safe, Yo!
Okay, I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this is important. The Anti-viral cleaning products and the Daily disinfection in common areas gave me peace of mind. Hand sanitizer was plentiful. The staff genuinely seemed to care about hygiene and safety, which is a HUGE relief. Smoke alarms are a plus. A First aid kit? Good. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property also felt reassuring. Though the security guard could have used a smile.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure.
Breakfast? They had a Breakfast [buffet]. Standard Asian and Western options. Good for a quick bite before exploring. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Ditto, essential. The Poolside bar was a nice touch, though I mostly stuck to water (didn't want to embarrass myself by face-planting into the pool). The Snack bar was great for late-night cravings.
- The A la carte in restaurant menu options were also pretty decent!
- I had to have a snack from the convenience store, they were open for a quick purchase.
- Room service [24-hour]? A lifesaver after those long days of walking!
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier.
Luggage storage was a huge plus for me because I arrived earlier than my check-in. Daily housekeeping was great. I could've really needed the Laundry service, but decided against it (too lazy). The Concierge was super helpful with directions and restaurant recommendations. The Cash withdrawal option? Crucial (because Korea is still a bit more cash-based than you'd think). Elevator? YES. Ironing service? Also, yes!
- Business facilities seem present with the Meeting/banquet facilities and Xerox/fax in business center.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Beyond the View.
Okay, here's where I confess my greatest weakness: I'm a spa chicken. I saw the Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna, Body scrub, Foot bath, Massage and Gym/fitness options and…froze. I just couldn't bring myself to fully relax. It’s a personal failing, people! I did spend a lot of time on that Terrace though, which I'm counting as relaxation. The views were therapeutic, I tell you. If you're more courageous than me, you'll probably love the spa.
For the Kids: Family Fun (Apparently).
I didn't travel with kids. However, the presence of Family/child friendly and Kids facilities at the hostel.
Getting Around
Car park [free of charge] is available and so are Taxi service, Airport transfer.
The (Slightly Messy) Verdict:
OYO's Unbelievable Views? Absolutely lives up to its name. It's not perfect. (Mr. Snuffles…seriously.) But it's a solid, well-located hostel with that view. Its amazing! The service is friendly. It's clean. It's safe. And the rooftop experience alone is almost worth the price of admission. The hostel does offer the Check-in/out [express], which is a plus for those in a rush, however there is also the Check-in/out [private] for the more privacy-conscious traveller.
My Overall Rating: 8.5/10 (minus points for Mr. Snuffles and my own spa-phobia!)
Now, for the Offer… BECAUSE MARKETING!
Tired of boring hotels? Craving EPIC views and unforgettable Seoul experiences?
Then book your stay at OYO's Unbelievable Views! NOW and get:
- A FREE welcome cocktail at our rooftop bar – toast the city with a drink that will blow your mind! (Or, you know, at least give you a warm fuzzy feeling. )
- 10% off all spa treatments (Yes, I know, I wimped out, but YOU shouldn't!)
- Complimentary late check-out (So you can savor that view even longer.)
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
This offer is only available for a limited time! Don't miss out on the chance to experience Seoul from a whole new perspective (and maybe even make you a new friend and not Mr. Snuffles).
Click here to book your unforgettable stay at OYO's Unbelievable Views! and prepare to be amazed! (And when you're there, tell the staff you need the view - I want to hear all the views!)
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is the unvarnished, slightly caffeinated, probably jet-lagged, totally me version of navigating Seoul and, crucially, surviving (and hopefully thriving) at the OYO Rooftop Hostel. Prepare for a bumpy ride.
The Seoul Scramble: A Slightly Unhinged Itinerary (with potential for disaster)
Day 1: Arrival & Seoul Panic (aka, "Where's My Luggage?!")
- 14:00 - 15:00: Touchdown at Incheon Airport. My flight was delayed, obviously. You'd think after all these years, I'd learn to pack a spare toothbrush in my carry-on. Nope. Just a half-eaten bag of gummy worms. Priorities, people. Finding the airport bus? A Herculean task! Apparently, the bus stop numbers are written in a code only decipherable by seasoned international spies. Eventually, I stumble onto the right one. Phew.
- 16:00 - 17:00: Check-in at OYO Rooftop Hostel. Okay, the rooftop is pretty sweet, I'll give them that. View of the city. Okay, this is good. Found the dorm room and promptly tripped over the one stray suitcase that, I swear, was not mine, which I suspect was already claiming territory in the common space.
- 17:00 - 18:00: Luggage situation to deal with: I need a solution on what to do regarding this suitcase, and maybe a snack.
- Quick Note: Apparently all of this happened due to the bus being late - I need more information before continuing my plan.
- 18:00 - 20:00: Dinner near the hostel. Alright, real talk: I had NO idea what I was doing with the Korean cuisine. Found a little place around the corner that looked inviting. Ordered something with a picture that vaguely resembled deliciousness. Turns out, it was spicy. Like, tear-jerkingly spicy. I survived. Barely.
- 20:00 - 22:00: Exploring the neighborhood. My brain is still lagging about the luggage. Wandered the streets, got lost, ended up buying a ridiculously large ice cream cone from a street vendor. Regretted it immediately because it started melting before I could even take a photo for the 'gram.
- 22:00 - 23:00: Collapse into bed. Jet lag is a beast. Listened to the city sounds - a mix of sirens, chatter, and what I think was a cat fight - and drifted off.
Day 2: Temples, Traditions, and (More) Spicy Food
- 08:00: Wake Up: Okay, this is bad. I woke up at 8:00 AM in the morning! I need to do something!
- 09:00 - 12:00: Gyeongbokgung Palace. Wow. This place. This place is amazing. I'll say this, it's pretty. And crowded. And I definitely did not know the correct etiquette for bowing/not bowing to the guards. I just kind of…wing-ed it. Tried to soak in the history, but kept getting distracted by the beautiful Hanoks.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Lunch. Found a little cafe near the palace. Ordered a something-with-noodles. It was definitely not spicy. A miracle!
- 13:00 - 16:00: Bukchon Hanok Village. Okay, this area is gorgeous. Really. But also, it's full of tourists, me included Wandered around, took a million photos. Tried, and failed, to look effortlessly cool in the traditional architecture.
- 16:00 - 17:00: Coffee Break. Needed caffeine. Found a trendy coffee shop, ordered an iced latte. Overheard a couple of young people talking about K-pop. They were whispering about something. They were excited but I was too nervous to ask.
- 17:00 - 18:00: Something random. I had no idea what to do, since I was so unsure of my surroundings. Wandered around for a bit, went back to the hostel to relax, and have some time to myself.
- 18:00 - 20:00: Dinner. Again with the food dilemma! Searched for another restaurant. Still no idea. I will be honest, I was having a hard time. It was not easy. I think I need help, and some guidance, before deciding on what to do. I am not certain what to do.
- 20:00 - 22:00: Attempt to socialize. Tried to talk to some of the other hostel guests on the rooftop. Felt awkward, but managed to have a brief conversation. They were all already friends from before.
- 22:00: Bedtime and a promise to be better organized tomorrow. Yeah, right.
Day 3: Myeongdong Mayhem and Karaoke Catastrophe
- 09:00 - 12:00: Myeongdong. Oh. My. God. This place is nuts. I loved it. And I hated it. All at once. Shopping, cosmetics, street food. So. Much. Stuff. Got completely overwhelmed. Bought a face mask. And then another. And then… well, you get the picture.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Lunch in Myeongdong. More street food! Found some amazing Korean fried chicken. My taste buds literally did cartwheels.
- 13:00 - 15:00: More Myeongdong shopping. My credit card is weeping. Found a cute shop with weird-looking socks. Bought all the socks.
- 15:00 - 17:00: Karaoke. This was…an experience. I've always wanted to go; this was the moment! Chose a karaoke room, brought some friends, picked some songs. The other girl sang like a powerhouse, and I sang…well, I probably offended every eardrum nearby. Still, had an absolute blast.
- 17:00 - 18:00: Drinks (to recover from the karaoke). Needed something strong.
- 18:00 - 20:00: Dinner. Needed a hearty meal after all that singing. Found some great korean food, and ate it. I am tired of writing about food.
- 20:00 - Late: Back to hostel, planning for further adventure.
Day 4: DMZ Tour (and a little soul-searching)
- 08:00 - 17:00: DMZ Tour. Heavy stuff. Really puts things into perspective. The DMZ tour was a humbling, thought-provoking experience. Saw the reality of the division between North and South Korea. Felt a mix of awe, sadness, and hope.
- 17:00 - Late: Quiet dinner. Process all the things I witnessed. Journaling. Reflecting.
- Late: Preparing for departure.
Day 5: Departure (and a Final Reflection)
- Morning: Last-minute souvenir shopping. More face masks, of course.
- Afternoon: Head to Incheon Airport. Sigh. Time to leave. But I'm taking a piece of Seoul with me. It was a messy, wonderful, confusing, and exhilarating experience.
- Evening: Flight home. Already planning my return.
Final Thoughts (aka, Ramblings)
Okay, so this itinerary is far from perfect. It's chaotic, over-scheduled, and probably missing some crucial "must-see" things. But hey, that's real life, right? I stumbled, I got lost, I ate too much spicy food, and I probably offended someone with my terrible singing. But I also discovered the magic of Gyeongbokgung Palace, had a blast at karaoke, and gained a new appreciation for this incredible city.
The OYO Rooftop Hostel? It was the perfect base camp for this slightly unhinged adventure. The rooftop view was killer, the other travelers were interesting, and the free breakfast was a lifesaver (especially on those mornings when jet lag hit hard).
Seoul, you were a whirlwind. I know I will be back!
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OYO's Unbelievable Views: Seoul's Rooftop Rhapsody... or Regret? (FAQ & Rants Included!)
Okay, spill the tea! Is the view *really* as epic as the Instagram photos?
Alright, let's get real. The view? Yeah, it's pretty damn good. No, seriously, *good* doesn't cover it. I'm talking, like, cityscape sprawling before you, Namsan Tower twinkling in the distance, and... well, it's a view that makes you almost forgive the questionable instant coffee they serve at breakfast. Almost. But the photos are always idealized, right? Let's be honest, sometimes there's a haze. Sometimes the air quality is… well, let's just say you might want to pack a mask. But even with a bit of smog? Still breathtaking. I swear, I spent like, an hour just… staring. Lost myself in the glitter.
What's the deal with the rooftop parties? I heard… THINGS.
Oh, the parties. Buckle up, buttercup. They're... intense. They're the reason you're probably booking this place, right? And yeah, they happen. Every. Single. Night. (Or so it felt). They're a swirling vortex of questionable dance moves, slightly-too-enthusiastic karaoke attempts (some genuinely good, others… let's just say they needed more practice), and the inevitable awkward hookup or two. I saw a guy try to serenade a potted plant with his terrible Korean. It was…a sight. The music is usually loud, the drinks are flowing, and the energy is electric. You'll either love it, or you'll be huddled in your earplugs wondering why you didn't book a library. I'm somewhere in the middle, but I will never forget that potted plant. Never.
Is it… clean? Like, *actually* clean?
Okay, real talk: hostels are rarely *immaculately* clean. It's the nature of the beast. OYO is… mostly clean? The common areas are surprisingly well-kept, given the constant stream of people and the nightly rooftop carnage. My dorm room? Let's politely say it had *character*. Like, character that involved a questionable stain on the bedsheet (apologies to whoever slept there before me), and a lingering scent of… well, something. But the bathroom was regularly cleaned. So, score? Yeah, kinda. Definitely pack some sanitizing wipes. Trust me.
Tell me about the dorm rooms. Cozy? Cramped? Nightmare fuel?
Cramped. Very cramped. Imagine four (or six, or eight, depending on your dorm size) people crammed into a space roughly the size of my tiny closet. But hey, that's hostel life, right? The beds are… adequate. The lockers are small, but they exist. The noise levels are… well, see above re: rooftop parties. Bring earplugs. Seriously. And a sleep mask. The curtains on the beds offer a *little* privacy, but don't expect to feel like you're in a luxurious hotel suite. I think my roommate snored. In four languages. All at once. It was… unforgettable.
Food, glorious food! What's the breakfast situation like?
Let's get this over with. The breakfast. It's… included. And it's basic. Really, really basic. I'm talking toast, instant coffee (the aforementioned questionable kind), and maybe some sad-looking cereal. There was fruit one day! I think. Don't go expecting a gourmet experience. But, hey, it's fuel. And it's free. Plus, there's a 7-Eleven around the corner that has some amazing Korean snacks. Do yourself a favor and hit that up. Seriously.
What's the vibe? Party central or chill vibes?
Party central, 100%. But let's be honest… that's the point, isn't it? If you're looking for Zen-like tranquility, this ain't it, babe. If you're looking to meet people from all over the world, have a few (or a lot of) drinks, and maybe find yourself singing karaoke to a song you barely know at 3 AM? Then you've found the perfect spot. I made some of the best, and worst, decisions of my life there. All thanks to the vibe!
How easy is it to meet people? I'm awkward...
Oh, honey, you're not alone. I'm the queen of awkward. But this place? It's like a social lubricant. Between the rooftop parties, the communal activities, and the sheer proximity of everyone, you can't *help* but meet people. Seriously, it's like they're glued to you! (Met my new best friend there, and also had a conversation with a person I would never look at again... a mixed bag!) The trick is to actually *talk* to people. Even if you're terrified. They're all in the same boat. Plus, a few beers can go a long way. Just sayin’.
Getting around Seoul from OYO? Easy peasy?
Surprisingly easy! Seoul's public transport is legendary. The subway is clean, efficient, and well-connected. OYO is generally pretty well-located, so you'll be able to hop on a train and get to most of the major sights without too much hassle. Bonus points for the late-night buses – perfect for stumbling home after a night of… well, you know. The only downside? Navigating the subway after a few drinks. It's an adventure, to say the least. I may or may not have ended up in a district I'd never heard of. Let's just say I saw a side of Seoul I wasn't expecting!
Okay, the BIG question: Would you stay there again?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Honestly? **Probably.** Despite the questionable cleanliness, the cramped rooms, and the ever-present noise, there's something undeniably *magnetic* about OYO. It's that view, that chaotic energy, and the sheer opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. It's not perfect, far from it. But it's an experience. A messy, loud, slightly-hungover-inducing experience. And for that? I'd probably do it all again. Just, maybe, with an extra pair of earplugs and a slightly lower expectation of finding a decent night’Trip Stay Finder
