Hwadam Forest Autumn Trip & Nine Tree Pangyo Hotel Review 2026
Looking for an unforgettable autumn adventure near Seoul? Our 2-day guide covers Hwadam Forest's stunning fall foliage and a relaxing stay at Nine Tree Pangyo with a kids' pool.
Loading...
Looking for an unforgettable autumn adventure near Seoul? Our 2-day guide covers Hwadam Forest's stunning fall foliage and a relaxing stay at Nine Tree Pangyo with a kids' pool.
In autumn, there's nothing quite like Hwadam Forest
for a perfect family outing with kids!
I felt it would be a shame to just see Hwadam Forest and leave, so
I made it a full 2-day, 1-night trip, including
a relaxing **hotel stay at Nine Tree Pangyo**.
Today, I'll share about a great **hotel stay near Hwadam Forest that's perfect for kids**, and
a full **2-day, 1-night itinerary**.
[2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary Summary]
📌Day 1
Hwadam Forest 🌲 (A stroller-friendly walking course perfect for kids)
Check-in at Nine Tree Pangyo 🏨 (A 40-minute drive from Hwadam Forest)
Hotel Pool Fun 🏊 (Splashing around in the kids' exclusive play pool)
Dinner at Familleus Mall 🍴 (Connected to the hotel! Easy dining without needing to travel)
📌Day 2
Hotel Breakfast 🍳 (A hearty start to the morning)
Uiwang Lotte Outlet 🛍️ (Running around and playing in Time Villas Plaza)
Hwadam Forest Outing with Kids
I visited Hwadam Forest in October, when it's known to be the most popular (and busiest!).
I was worried about parking, but thankfully, there were spaces available.
Even if you park a little far from the entrance,
a **free lift** is operating,
so you can enter comfortably – keep that in mind!
Hwadam Forest features gentle wooden deck paths throughout its entire length.
**Pushing a stroller was not difficult at all**, and
my mother also said it was great for a stroll.
If you visit Hwadam Forest, I recommend taking the **monorail for about one section**,
riding up to enjoy the scenery,
then slowly walking down to experience the rest.
It’s truly wonderful for appreciating the lush nature!
Nine Tree by Parnas Pangyo
Check-in 15:00
Check-out 11:00
[3 Reasons to Recommend Nine Tree by Parnas]
📌 40-50 minute drive from Hwadam Forest! A perfect return route
📌 A swimming pool with a kids' pool and amazing views
📌 Familleus Mall connected to the hotel (packed with indoor activities & great restaurants)
Review of the Indoor Swimming Pool, Perfect for Kids
The swimming pool can be used **only once per night** and
operates by reservation.
You can **reserve your desired time slot during check-in**!
Session 1 07:30-11:00
Session 2 11:30-13:00
Session 3 13:00-15:00
Session 4 15:30-17:30
Session 5 18:15-19:45
Session 6 20:00-21:30
*Closed on the third Tuesday of every month
Sessions 1 & 2 closed every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
You might wonder why you can only go at specific times,
but after using it, I found it great that **only a limited number of people** are allowed in,
making it uncrowded and pleasant to use.
The swimming pool is easily accessible directly from your room by just taking the elevator.
It's great that there's a **children's pool** and
an **adult pool, only for those over 140cm tall**, nicely separated.
The **children's pool is shallow, at 0.6m deep**,
so kids can play safely.
(As someone who loves swimming, I happily went to the adult pool for a bit to enjoy a swim!)
All the **pools are heated**, and
while the water isn't super warm,
it's an indoor pool, so it was perfect for a good play session.
And everyone!
At Nine Tree by Parnas's swimming pool, **swim caps are mandatory**!!
Quickly snap your photos before getting in the water, then put on your swim cap and jump in! Haha!
It seemed like they also **rented out life vests for children**.
My little one was a baby, so I brought one separately.
Upon entry, you're provided with a free sunbed assignment and
one towel, which makes it easy to rest with your child in between activities.
However, the shower rooms and changing rooms within the pool area
were quite small.
Since the guest rooms are directly connected by elevator,
I recommend heading back to your room to shower.
The swimming pool at Nine Tree by Parnas
boasts a spacious indoor area and panoramic window views, so it felt wonderfully open and refreshing.
The expansive view was truly amazing.
(The photos turned out great too!)
What's great is that the kids' play area is generously separated,
and because entry is by reservation only for a set number of people, it never felt crowded.
It was perfect for enjoying a relaxed hotel staycation!
Crib Rental Available, Family Twin Room Review
Since I was with my mom, my sister, and one child (a total of 3 adults),
I booked a Family Twin Room.
(Queen bed + Single bed)
The hotel offered a free crib rental for my little one,
so they could sleep comfortably nestled between the beds.
Both the room condition and the bathroom were excellent,
so I had a very satisfying hotel staycation.
If you're 2 adults and 1 child,
booking a Double Room and renting a crib
should be perfectly sufficient!
Kids-Friendly Famious Mall Connected to the Hotel
(No worries about rain or cloudy weather!)
One of the reasons Nine Tree by Parnas Pangyo is such a great hotel for families with kids is that it's directly
connected to Famious Mall.
I was genuinely surprised when I entered the mall –
I couldn't believe such a huge shopping mall was hidden right there!
Thanks to the hotel connection, whether it rained or was cold,
we could easily move around with a stroller,
making Famious Mall incredibly convenient!!!
With its focus on kid-friendly restaurants and entertainment,
it's a place I'd highly recommend as a hotel staycation spot for parents.
It's also great for exploring Hwadam Forest during good weather,
or simply for a standalone hotel staycation.
I've even compared prices for you!
Weekday Double Room Price Comparison Chart
Agoda | Trip.com | Booking.com |
~$86 | ~$96 | $111 |
After comparing prices for double rooms, I found that
Agoda offers the best price.
Even for the Family Twin room,
Agoda offered the lowest price, which is why I booked it!
I encourage you to check room availability and snag a great deal too!
Book with Agoda ▼
According to the 1-night, 2-day course summary in the article, it takes 40 minutes by car from Hwadam Botanic Garden to Nine Tree Premier Pangyo. Additionally, the hotel recommendation section mentions it takes about 40-50 minutes.
The swimming pool can be used once per night and operates on a reservation basis. You must book your desired time in advance at check-in, and wearing a swimming cap is mandatory when using the pool.
The children's pool at Nine Tree by Parnas Pangyo is shallow, with a depth of 0.6m. The article mentions that children's life vests also seem to be available for rent.
The Family Twin room at Nine Tree by Parnas Pangyo is furnished with one queen bed and one single bed. The hotel offers complimentary crib rental, allowing for a comfortable stay with children.
Discover more travel stories curated around the same theme.
Craving authentic Korean fried chicken? Head to Gwangju's Yangdong Market and discover 1969 Yangdong Fried Chicken, a legendary spot with over 50 years of history. A must-try!
Explore Baoroddeul Seowon in Gwangju, a serene Catholic book and gift shop. Discover handmade cards, religious articles, and a unique Prayer Postbox for shared intentions.
Experience the lively Gwangju Sangmu Friday Market, a unique urban street market offering delicious food, fresh produce, and local crafts. Find parking and food tips for your visit!
Feeling drained? Discover Jeonpyeong Lake, a hidden gem in Gwangju offering serene walks, stunning lake views, and a perfect escape from city life. Find your peace here.
Discover Gajok Hoegwan in Gwangju, a 37-year-old traditional Namdo Hanjeongsik restaurant. Enjoy exquisite Korean full-course meals, elegant Hanok ambiance, and exceptional service perfect for family gatherings in 2026.
Discover Cheonji Ramen, a hidden gem in Gwangju's Dongmyeong-dong, offering authentic Japanese ramen with a cozy, intimate vibe. Explore their signature Tonkotsu, unique Garlic, and spicy options.
Agoda Official Site | Free Cancellation & Discount Deals | 2 Million+ Properties