DADA House Seoul: South Korea's Most INSANE Art Experience!
DADA House Seoul: Hold onto Your Socks, People (and Maybe Your Sanity) - A Review That's Less "Perfect" and More "Absolutely Bonkers"
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just emerged from DADA House Seoul, and my brain is still doing the cha-cha. This place… this experience… forget what you think you know about hotels. This is like a fever dream dipped in art, sprinkled with luxury, and garnished with a healthy dose of "What the actual…?!" Let's dive in, shall we? And yes, I'm expecting this review to be a bit of a mess, because honestly? So was my stay.
Accessibility: (Phew, starting with something sensible. Sort of.)
Look, I didn't specifically test for accessibility from a wheelchair user's perspective. But what I did see? Elevators, decent signage, and generally, things seemed relatively navigable. Probably best to contact them directly for specifics, though. You know, to be sure, to be sure. Safety first, and all that.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Again, a question mark. Gotta ask the hotel directly. I was too busy trying to understand the meaning of life through a plate of kimchi pancake art (yes, art!).
Internet & Tech Stuff (Because Even in a Wonderland, You Need to Instagram)
- Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! - Okay, good. Because let's be real, I'm constantly online. The Wi-Fi was decent, reliable, and FREE, which is a win in my book. Seriously though, free Wi-Fi should be a legal right at this point. I just wanted to get my selfies up immediately.
- Internet access – LAN - Meh. I didn't use it. Who needs a cable when you've got the power of the cloud?!
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Projector/LED display - I didn't see any special events, but I assume they have them. Maybe I was too busy being bewildered by the giant kaleidoscope in the lobby.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Or Go Completely Insane, Whichever Comes First)
- Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Pool with view, Swimming pool, Sauna - Okay, the pool with the view? Spectacular. Like, drop-dead-gorgeous. I spent a good hour just staring. The sauna was, well, a sauna. Hot and steamy. Perfect for sweating out the sheer absurdity of some of the art installations. The spa… yes, please. I'm pretty sure I floated out of the massage room.
- Gym/fitness, Fitness center - Didn't even glance at it. My workout was navigating the labyrinthine corridors and trying not to get lost. Which I failed at, repeatedly.
- Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap - See "Spa"… and yes, yes, YES!
- Foot bath - Now there's something I might have liked to try. I was way too overwhelmed though.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because Even in Wonderland, You Want to Avoid the Swamp Thing)
- Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hot water linen and laundry washing, 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 - Look, amidst all the weirdness, I felt safe. This place takes hygiene seriously. Lots of hand sanitizer everywhere, staff masked up, and they clearly understand the current climate. I felt good.
- Hand sanitizer, First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call - Check, check, and double-check!
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour] - Definitely well-secured. I didn't feel the need to worry about a zombie apocalypse or anything.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Madness)
- Restaurants, Bar, Coffee shop, Poolside bar, Snack bar, A la carte in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Happy hour… - Okay, the food. The FOOD! It's good. Really good. BUT! The presentation? Mind-blowing. Remember that kimchi pancake art I mentioned? That was just the beginning. I'm not sure what kind of cuisine it all fell under, but it's all delicious. The breakfast buffet was a masterpiece. Seriously, I could write an entire review just about the breakfast. And the happy hour? Let's just say it loosened me up enough to actually try to understand the "art." I mean, they had a cocktail that literally changed color in front of my eyes. It was… weirdly delicious.
- Bottle of water, Room service [24-hour], Alternative meal arrangement, Vegetarian restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant - Good options. I didn't need a vegetarian restaurant option, or 24-hour room service, but the variety was nice to see.
Services and Conveniences (Because Even Artists Need Laundry Done)
- Concierge, Luggage storage, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Daily housekeeping, Cash withdrawal, Safety deposit boxes, Elevator, Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning, Facilities for disabled guests, Doorman, Convenience store, Gift/souvenir shop, Cashless payment service, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Currency exchange, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Airport transfer, Valet parking, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Xerox/fax in business center, Business facilities, Computer/printer/scanner - Okay, that's a lot. But it's all there. They've got you covered. The concierge was super helpful, especially when I got hopelessly lost trying to find the exit (again). The cash withdrawal machine came in handy after I blew my budget in the gift shop on a particularly bizarre sculpture.
- Contactless check-in/out, Check-in/out [express], Front desk [24-hour] - Easy peasy. Efficient. And no awkward small talk, which is a godsend when you're still trying to process the installation involving a taxidermied squirrel wearing a tiny top hat.
- Smoking area - Yes, it's there.
For the Kids (Because Even Your Offspring Deserve a Dose of Dadaism)
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal - I didn't bring any kids, but I saw a family there with, like, a ton of kids. They seemed to be having a blast.
- Family/child friendly - The staff seemed very friendly to kids.
Access (aka, Where You'll Find Yourself Lost)
- Security [24-hour], Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Exterior corridor, Hotel chain - Easy to find, well-lit, and extremely secure.
Available in all rooms (aka, Where You'll Actually Be Sleeping)
- 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, the rooms. The Rooms! They were surprisingly normal, considering the rest of the place. Comfortable bed, lovely bathroom, all the usual amenities. But even in the room, you knew you were somewhere special. There was a framed picture of a sock puppet wearing a monocle. A MONOCLE!
My Personal Experience: The "Art" of Confusion
So, the art. That's what DADA House Seoul is all about, right? Well, I'm not really an "art person." I enjoy a pretty landscape and call it a day. But here? It's unavoidable. From the moment you walk in, you're bombarded. Giant sculptures that move, digital installations that make you question your sanity, and entire rooms dedicated to… well, I'm not entirely sure what they were dedicated to, but they were fascinating. And confusing. And sometimes
Angoulême's BEST Apartments: Arsenal Heart of the City!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into my gloriously chaotic, probably caffeine-fueled, and definitely opinionated itinerary for DADA House in Seoul. Forget perfectly manicured travel blogs, this is the real, messy deal.
DADA House Seoul: A Descent Into Artistic Mayhem (and Possibly Kimchi Pancakes)
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic
- Morning (aka "Is My Luggage Actually Here??")
- Touchdown Incheon airport. The air smells of… well, I'm not sure yet. Something vaguely floral and a hint of… fried? Definitely hungry.
- Big Problem: My travel partner, bless her heart, forgot her passport. I'm already envisioning myself stranded in a foreign land, subsisting on instant ramen and regret. She's frantically video-calling home, and I'm clinging to the hope that Korean bureaucracy is as efficient as everyone says it is.
- Minor Victory: Found a tiny, adorable convenience store in the airport selling tiny bottles of soju. Small comfort, but it's a start.
- Getting to DADA House: The airport train is a breeze, thankfully. Everything is so clean and efficient. Seriously, it's mildly concerning. Are we even in reality anymore? At least the scenery whizzing by gave a glimpse of the beauty that's in store.
- Afternoon (aka "DADA House… Is This It?")
- Finally, finally arrived at DADA House. Okay, first impression: Not entirely what I expected. Instagram photos, you treacherous liars! It's quaint. Quirky. And that courtyard? Tiny, but in a way that's… inviting.
- Quirky Observation: The building is a beautiful mishmash of eras and styles. Someone's clearly an art lover, and also, possibly, a hoarder of architectural odds and ends!
- Emotional Reaction: A wave of both relief and mild bewilderment. The rooms look like they've been ripped straight out of a magazine, yet there's a comforting lived-in feel. Still, the internet photos played a trick. It's not quite as luxurious as I imagined, but it has a vibe I can appreciate. The host is a delightful old lady, very sweet, but speaks absolutely zero English. Our only interaction was through my attempt to point at the stairs, and her nod of understanding.
- Settling In: We unpacked, trying to fight off the jet lag, and then I started the real tour. This house screams art. Bright artwork on every wall, vases… every single one filled to the brim with flowers. A quiet, serene atmosphere, a welcome reprieve from the jet lag and airport pandemonium.
- Evening (aka "BibimBap & Cultural Misunderstandings")
- Dinner: Found a bustling little street food place nearby. The menu was entirely in Korean. Pointing and praying worked, and I ended up with a steaming bowl of bibimbap. Delicious, but the chili paste? Whew, talk about a wake-up call.
- Anecdote: While eating, I noticed a group of teenagers giggling at us. I'm 99% sure they were laughing because my attempts to use chopsticks were utterly pathetic. I was stabbing wildly at the rice and barely managing to get a morsel into my mouth. Humiliating, but also kind of hilarious.
- Cultural Misunderstanding: My traveling partner accidentally ordered a side of live octopus, which was still wiggling when it arrived. She nearly lost her lunch. I, on the other hand, was strangely fascinated.
- Bedtime: Crawled into bed, utterly exhausted but already loving Seoul. Praying for a solid night's sleep, and for a less fiery breakfast tomorrow.
- Dinner: Found a bustling little street food place nearby. The menu was entirely in Korean. Pointing and praying worked, and I ended up with a steaming bowl of bibimbap. Delicious, but the chili paste? Whew, talk about a wake-up call.
Day 2: Art & Exploration (And a Near-Disaster Involving Kimchi)
- Morning (aka "Breakfast of Champions… or, at Least, Kimchi Pancakes")
- The most important question of the day Is breakfast provided at DADA House? Oh my god, yes! There was a small pantry with the most delectable offerings. We stuffed the pancakes with apples, and it was heaven.
- First real outing after our rest: Checked out the nearby area. It was cute, but seemed a bit empty. Not many stores open on a Monday, I suppose.
- The problem of kimchi: After our morning excursion, we wanted something to eat. The fridge in the pantry was, of course, filled with kimchi. Delicious. But, after opening the jar, I couldn't put it away. I swear it stared at me. After staring back for what seemed like forever, I had to close this jar.
- Attempted coffee: We went out for a little coffee, but it was so bitter that I gave up. I'll need something sweet to balance out this kimchi business.
- Afternoon (aka "The DADA House Experience: Double Down")
- This afternoon was all about DADA house, and it was amazing. I'd love to just stay in this house forever.
- Double down #1: The art in this house. It's just, wow. I saw a painting, a woman's portrait, that reminded me of my grandmother. Then, the way the painting looked, the way the colors worked, it's perfect.
- Double down #2: The little details are perfect. Flowers everywhere. A beautiful outdoor courtyard. Everything is perfect.
- Evening (aka "Lost in Translation and Searching for the Perfect Snack")
- Dinner: Wandered the vibrant streets around DADA House, trying to decipher the menus. The smell of street food was intoxicating. Ordered something with a lot of meat in it. Had no idea what it was, but it tasted like a party in my mouth.
- Lost in Translation Anecdote: Tried to ask for directions to a specific bookstore, using my broken Korean and a crumpled map. The shop owner just stared at me blankly, then burst out laughing. Finally, a kindly stranger stepped in and rescued me. Apparently, I was asking about a cat cafe while gesturing to a library.
- Searching for Snacks: Roamed through convenience stores, searching for the perfect Korean snack. The packaging is incredibly cute and confusing. Ended up with a bag of… something. Honestly, I'm not sure what it is. But it's chewy, sweet, and I'm not mad about it.
- Bedtime: Back in my room, utterly exhausted but with the most lovely night view of the Seoul night lights. I should keep my opinion on the Korean dramas, or I'll be spending the whole night here.
Day 3: Exploring Seoul & (Hopefully) Avoiding More Culinary Mishaps
Morning (aka "Hanok Villages, Coffee, and Courage")
- Early start! Going to the Bukchon Hanok Village.
- Hanok Village: Charming, but crowded. Still, worth it to wander the picturesque streets.
- Coffee: Found a tiny, hipster coffee shop. The barista spoke English, which was a miracle. Got a strong, delicious latte.
- Courage Test: Considered trying the worm cakes, but chickened out. Baby steps, people, baby steps.
Afternoon (aka "Gyeongbokgung Palace and Shopping Frenzy")
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: Spectacular! The architecture is breathtaking, and I spent ages just wandering around, feeling like I'd stepped into a historical drama.
- Shopping Frenzy: Myeongdong. Sensory overload! So many skincare products, K-pop merchandise, and colorful clothes. May have bought too many face masks. Regret zero.
- Emotional Reaction: Overwhelmed, but in a good way. Seoul is a city that just throws experiences at you.
Evening (aka "Traditional Dinner & Reflecting on the Chaos")
- Dinner: Tried a more traditional Korean restaurant. Absolutely delicious, with so many tiny, flavorful side dishes. The service was impeccable.
- Reflecting: As I write this, sitting in the courtyard of DADA House with a cup of tea, I can't help but smile. This trip has been a whirlwind of emotions, from the sheer panic of the passport situation to the delicious joy of discovering new flavors. Seoul is a city that's both chaotic and beautiful, and DADA House is the perfect, quirky haven from the storm. I'm exhausted. I'm caffeinated. And I'm absolutely in love with this place.
Day 4: Say Goodbye to DADA House
- Morning (aka "Last look and Final Moments") * One last look at DADA House. It looks good and cozy, and it'd be sad to leave. But, you have to go!
- The end!
This is just a sketch, of course, and things will probably shift and change as new things happen. But that's part of the fun!
Unbelievable Balikpapan Escape: Oval Guest House Awaits!
DADA House Seoul: You've Been Warned! (A Chaotic FAQ)
Okay, so you're thinking about braving DADA House? Good luck, you glorious masochist! I've survived it (barely), and I'm here to lay down some hard truths, some weird observations, and a whole lot of "what the heck was that?!". Consider this your pre-DADA House therapy session. Buckle up.
What IS DADA House, anyway? Is it, like, a gallery? Because...I can handle a gallery. Mostly.
Hahahahahaha. Oh, bless your sweet, innocent heart. NO. It's not a gallery. Not even *remotely*. Imagine a gallery, then multiply the weirdness, the interactive-ness, and the sheer...*existential dread* by about a thousand. It's an immersive art experience. Think Alice in Wonderland meets a fever dream, sprinkled with a healthy dose of Korean performance art. Basically, you enter a world where the rules of reality seem to have politely excused themselves. Prepare yourself for a sensory overload because, trust me, you're going to need it. I’m still not sure I’m fully *there*, you know?
Okay, so...what kind of "art" are we talking about? Is it like, paintings? Sculptures? Abstract, modern, or... what?
Okay, so I thought exactly the same thing before I went, right? I figured, you know, some minimalist sculptures, maybe some cool projection mapping. Oh, honey, no. DADA House throws a whole bunch of things at you, and, yeah, the way they’re put together is *weird*. There's performance, installation, video, sound, smell... They *smell* things at you. They *make* sounds. Things you can 'touch', things that 'touch' *you*... It's… everything. And nothing. It's deliberately ambiguous. It's meant to be *felt*, more than understood. And good luck figuring out what the hell it 'means'. Seriously, I have some theories, like, the people running it are secretly aliens and this is a social experiment or some crazy thing, but then again, it doesn't matter, because I wouldn't even believe my own theories.
Is it, like, scary? Should I be worried? I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat.
Oh, my sweet summer child. "Scary" is a… *good* way to put it. Depends on what scares you. Think less jump scares, more… psychological unsettlement. Think deeply disorienting. Think questioning the very fabric of your reality. I was *fine*, honest! Until this one moment… See, there was this one room. The "Mirror Maze of Lost Souls" or something equally dramatic. And it wasn't even that *physically* scary. Just mirrored walls, flickering lights, and some… *things* lurking in the shadows. And there was this *sound* – this low, guttural *hum*. It just started getting to me! Then...I saw my reflection, and suddenly, I couldn't tell which one was me. Then, wait, there's a *shadow* that's not *me*. I totally lost it for a minute there. I started screaming, but nothing came out. I could feel my heart POUNDING. I actually tripped and fell and landed on my face! It probably wasn't that bad, but in that moment, I was *terrified*. So, yes, be worried. Be VERY worried. And maybe bring a friend to hold your hand. Or, better yet, someone you don't mind traumatizing. (Just kidding...mostly).
What should I wear?
Something comfortable. Something you don't mind getting a little... *involved* with. You might be crawling, climbing, or just generally getting up close and personal with the art (and the artists). Layers are a good idea, because the temperature can fluctuate wildly. Also, skip the heels. Seriously. You will regret them. And remember the mirror maze that haunted me for days? Well, you can wear whatever, but you might want something that covers a bit more. You know. For *reasons*. Just... go comfortable.
Can I take pictures? Because, Instagram, obviously.
Hmmmm. Depends. Some areas might be okay, some might have restrictions. But here's my advice. Put the phone away. Seriously. It's tempting to capture every bizarre moment, I get it. But you'll miss the experience. You'll be too busy framing the perfect shot to actually *feel* it. And trust me, you'll *want* to feel it, even if you don't enjoy it. Sometimes. Just... absorb it. Let it wash over you. You'll remember it better. And honestly, the pictures won’t do it justice, anyway. It’s one of the reasons why I feel weird about trying to capture this whole thing.
Is it worth the money? It seems pretty expensive.
Ugh. Good question. It *is* expensive. And honestly, I'm still wrestling with this one. On the one hand... yes, it's an undeniably unique experience. It's unlike anything else. It's art that challenges you, confronts you, maybe even breaks you a little. On the other hand... you might end up feeling totally bewildered and slightly ripped off. I saw the price, and I thought... "Oh, really? I'm paying *how much* to be confused?!" Honestly, you're not sure what you're paying for. But it's an experience, a feeling, a journey. Is that worth the price? Maybe. Maybe not. It really depends on your budget, and how willing you are to be utterly *weirded out*. And if you *do* go, then just tell me what *you* think is worth it.
Any packing list suggestions?
Besides comfortable clothes? Here's what I recommend: a sense of humor (you'll need it), an open mind (essential), a willingness to let go of control (good luck!), and maybe a friend to hold your hand (or, as I suggested before, someone you don't mind emotionally scarring). Also, some tissues, for...reasons. And maybe some earplugs if you're sensitive to loud noises. And a good therapist. Just kidding! (Kinda.)
Okay, fine. I’m going. What's your final piece of advice?Local Hotel Tips
