Important Notice: Please note that I have stopped updating all South Korea-related content published before 2020 on this blog. You may find all updated South Korea travel content at my dedicated, new travel site here: www.thecalmchronicle.com 

For those who enjoy the beautiful scenery of South Korea, and would love a free & easy trip to their coastal provinces, I highly recommend the Gangwon province. It has gorgeous sheep farms, endless mountains and breathtaking ocean view, suitable for nature lovers, couples and family with kids.

I embarked on a quest for a place to stay in Daegwallyeong after deciding to bring dad and mom for our first family trip in Gangwon-do. After some search on Naver, I found Queen’s Garden, a beautiful guesthouse located in Hoenggye (횡계), a town in Pyeong Chang that is a 19 minutes drive away to Daegwallyeong Yangtte Sheep Farm. It is a family-run guesthouse famed for its beautifully decorated garden.

As our family trip took place a few weeks before the arrival of autumn, the changing of the season brought a sudden thunderstorm. We were all drenched by the time we reached the guesthouse. The owner set up a cosy fireplace at the lobby cafe and served towels and herbal tea as a welcome drink. Though with limited English capacity, we were delighted by the friendly, thoughtful and authentic service.

We booked a “Pension” room, which is a type of lodging widely found in quiet towns or countryside in South Korea. A pension usually comes with family-friendly facilities, such as separating bedroom, bathrooms, kitchen and ondol-style flooring, which is a excellent amenities for old-folks. Each pension comes in different configuration, and our room has a mezzanine level which has 3 beds and a sofa that can easily be converted into a single bed – great for a 4 pax family!

The room has a veranda that has direct access to the garden, a perfect place for a BBQ party, especially from spring to summer. We did opted-in for their in-house BBQ dinner package which was supposed to take place at the veranda. However, due to the bad weather, we had to move the dinner venue to the lobby cafe.

We had Hanwoo beef and BBQ pork prepared by the owner of Queen’s Garden. The meat was fatty, tender and juicy. We also loved the side-dishes made by the owner’s wife. Though we did not get to experience in-room dining, the atmosphere at the cafe was warm and invigorating, as if we were dining at a friend’s place.

We woke up in the morning feeling refreshed at our pension. The sky has cleared up, and the crisp autumn morning air makes us feel vibrant and excited. We went out at the veranda and inhaled the natural forest fresh air — a much-needed forest bathing indeed.

The complimentary breakfast was a simple and hearty spread consists of salad, juices, soup, bagels with butter and assorted homemade jam. We finished up our breakfast and decided to take a tour at Queen’s Garden’s famed garden. Unfortunately, the damaging storm left the plants flattened – my photos certainly do not do them justice as it was taken right after the storm. I believe the garden will look stunning after tidying up, especially when the weather is good!

Writer’s Note: 

Queen’s Garden is a lovely guesthouse at Hoenggye, perfect for those who are visiting Gangwon-do (or Gangwon Province), especially the Daegwallyeong area. Traditionally known as the best winter destination, this province is exceptionally beautiful in winter. However, I would also recommend you to visit this place even in the summer because it is reportedly 6 degrees cooler than Seoul. This would also mean that the winter in Gangwon-do will get even colder in winter, so do dress appropriately. During the warmer season, you may have a picnic or a swim by the valley which is a stone’s throw away or have an ATV ride session against the scenic wind generator area.

I love how near Queen’s Garden is from Hoenggye Bus Terminal, and you can easily hail a cab to the guesthouse. As for touring around the area, I figured it is best to hire a taxi driver that drives you around the whole day. However, making a reservation wasn’t exactly a breeze. You’ll need a Korean bank account for a deposit, which I find most overseas tourist would find this a hassle. However, if you’d like an experience similar to local Korean, you may still write in to enquire. The owner might be able to help with your booking without a deposit but please do your part by not backing out!

Contact Details:

Queens Garden
Tel.:  +82 10-9012-2583
Email: queens700@naver.com
https://queensgarden.co.kr/ (Korean)

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I was totally charmed by the beauty of Chunsang eui Noeul 천상의 노을 when we got dropped off at the frontyard of the bungalow. The rustic facade of the house, the pebbles stones, the red roofs… the moment you see it from the outside, you know it is something special.

For more than a decade, the Kim family receives guests from all around the world at their double-storey bungalow by the sea. It is one of the 3 accommodations that is awarded service excellence by the Jeju Government on the whole island. Sunny and cozy, with some French influences interior here and there, this place is a top favourite among local.

Our lovely studio suite at the 2nd floor has a breathtaking view of the sea, which makes the trip so remarkably wonderful. We arrived in the late afternoon and decided to stay indoor to appreciate the beauty of Jeju before scouting around the vicinity on our 1st day there. Of course, we didn’t miss the surreal moment watching the sun dipped below the water’s edge right from our room.

Dinner was the barbecue Jeju black pork from a restaurant some 5 minutes walk from the bungalow, though it pales in comparison to the bbq black pork at a restaurant call Chil-don-ga 칠돈가 near Cheonjeyeon Waterfall. It was that kind of taste that lingers in your memory. Too bad we didn’t have time to revisit Chil-don-ga this time as our itinerary were to check out places at the northern part of the island. Driving to the restaurant from the bungalow would take up 40 mins. to an hour!

Simple breakfast is served daily at the cafe at the ground floor. You can help yourself with some toast, eggs & beans, cereal, fruits and salad, coffee or tea before heading out.

Writer’s note: Waking up to the sea view each morning was the best thing during my 3-day-stay here. The vivid and cheerful sunlight, the changing colours of the sea and the movements of the light in the room, all add up to a relaxing and carefree atmosphere throughout our stay. We engaged a private guide to drive us around during our stay. The tour starts at 9am and ends around 6pm every day. After a long and tiring day, the minute we dropped off at the place, I would see the golden sunset lit up the stone wall, the greeneries surrounding the white bungalow, the quiet trail descending down towards the sea, and when I hear the echoes of the ocean waves, I knew I was home.

The room was kept tidy every day and each room has its speedy private wifi and mini kitchen. Mrs Kim, although not exactly well verse in English, was very kind and helpful and attended to all our queries regarding food/travel recommendation. Their daughter who’s currently in the US is contactable via their Airbnb account. You may contact her if you need more information.

Contact Details:

천상의노을 Chunsang eui Noeul
2839-1 Sineom-ri, Aewol-eup, Jeju-do, South Korea.
제주도 제주시 애월해안로 424번지/ 제주특별자치도 제주시 애월읍 신엄리 2839-1
Tel. 064-799-6116

Location:

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It is now my best go-to cafe whenever I need quality time with my friends, and an excellent hideout for some alone time. It is strangely a space befitting almost all kinds of dates – with a bigger group of friends, with that special someone, over afternoon tea or evening cocktail, to wine and dessert after dinner or even for proper meal.

Tucked away in the hidden gol-mok (alleyway) of Itaewon, the cafe requires its visitors a little patience to locate. It is hidden humbly at the end of a steep staircase off the main road – the kind of location you won’t even noticed unless given a tip-off. Behind the black metal door was a huge private garden with open terrace. I love having brunch at their outdoor terrace when the weather is fine.

The interior was a brilliant combination of industrial and traditional design. I love the wooden flooring, the rustic colonial settings and how the metal furniture, decorations and exposed bricks adding a nice industrial touch to the interior.

The cafe offers a wide variety of drinks, ranging from alcoholic drinks like beer, cocktails and wine to alcohol-free beverages like mocktail, juices and coffee. Having tried their red and white wine, gin & tonic and coffee, I would say their drinks are pretty decent, generally a 6-7/10 and above if you want a rating. After all, it is the variety that makes every trip down to Ando so enjoyable.

My brunch companion got herself an Iced Latte, and I took a sip of it. Personally I think it was a little too milky for my liking. I understand milk is what makes up a latte but it tasted mostly like milk with weak espresso lingering in the background. I once ordered their Americano, and it turned out great. It was smooth, velvety, full bodied but balanced, exactly how I like my coffee to be.

I have only dined in once at Ando. However, the pizza we ordered during the brunch date was only mediocre. It has a wonderful thin crust, slightly smokey and crisp as you can see from the pictures, but the toppings were a little weird. I did not truly enjoy the pizza, but I love the atmosphere and the relaxing jazz music in the background. It is a pity I only dined there once, and the rest of my visits were either in the afternoon or after dinner at elsewhere. I hope I can try out other dishes there soon. The salad and pasta from other tables looked great.

Ando Chocolate Brownie is my favourite dessert at the cafe. I love the combination of yogurt whipped cream with the sinful cake – the yogurt makes the cake tastes so much fluffier. Sprinkled with nuts, cranberries and drizzled with chocolate sauce, the soft and squidgy cake is a good dessert to share. I like to pair the brownie with some red wine.

Ando Tiramisu. The generous sprinkling of cocoa powder made it a visually seductive tiramisu. However, the chef seemed to overlook the amount of brandy in the crust. There’s no single trace of alcohol in it, which is quite a disappointment. Perhaps it was the lacking of alcohol makes the dish plain and uninteresting. It is such a waste since the mascarpone cheese topping was nicely textured. I still prefer the Tiramisu at Tutto Bene.

The atmosphere of the cafe turns helplessly romantic at night. I love having wine here with my friends and loved ones after dinner.

Much to my surprise, Ando also operates as a guesthouse. Their newly renovated and tastefully styled rooms, pantry and even the shower room is so Instagram-worthy it is an awesome space every hipster traveller would dream of. I look forward someday I will be able to spend a night or two there, and tell you my experience with Ando Stay 101. It seems positive judging from the pictures on Airbnb.

ANDO STAY 101 ITAEWON – Houses for Rent

House in 서울특별시, South Korea. It is an ANDO STAY 101 ITAEWON linked with CAFÉ ANDO. Clean environment and sensory interior can be found from recent remodeling. Very close to CAFÉ ANDO that any necessities can be fulfilled easily. ANDO STAY 101 ITAEWON is located in the center… View all listings in 서울특별시

Writer’s Note: Truly a hidden urban oasis in Seoul. It is a good brunch spot in downtown Seoul with a nice blend of home tranquility and city cosmopolitan. I would recommend the place for a group gathering, date night or even a post-dinner-chill-out session. For those who are interested in staying in the guesthouse, I would say it is not heavy-luggage friendly. This could be a nice find if you’re going to stay in Seoul just for a couple of days without heavy baggage.

Contact Details:

카페 안도 Cafe Ando
서울특별시 용산구 한남동 736-8
736-8 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel. 02-749-0619

Directions:

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Thank God we now have that connects the travelers with the locals. I depend on this online platform a lot when I travel overseas. With the tips given by my Airbnb hosts from different countries, I was able to eat out at places only the locals frequent, enjoy my weekend visiting a hideaway market and ultimately, getting a sense of belonging from a home away from home.

If you have a wanderlust soul and looking for a unique, “live like a Seoulite” experience, you NEED to check out these 10 cool and unusual Airbnb Korea homes while planning your itinerary to South Korea.

1. Nordic Nous

This Airbnb Korea listing reflects understated elegance. 3 designers have incorporated simplicity and functionality to this beautiful Scandinavian home, right at the center of Gangnam district. I especially admire the clean-lined furniture and the designer’s talent for infusing everything with light. Gangnam Style with a Scandi twist, anyone?

Image Credit: 1409 Studio. https://goo.gl/YMe2J5 

2. For the Cafe Enthusiast

Fancy starting your day in the delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee? Check out this hidden property tucked in the alleyway of Itaewon, Seoul’s international district with an endless lineup of exotic eateries to dine, drink and be merry! The bungalow function as a guesthouse, a cafe by day and a bar by night.

Image Credit: ANDO STAY 101 Itaewon. https://goo.gl/NbHu0O

3. Rooftop Secret Garden

Mrs. Kim’s rooftop apartment is truly an urban oasis! How about sipping sweet Makgeolli (Korean Rice Wine) at a rooftop BBQ party with a local family during your stay in Seoul? It is your greatest chance to understand the local lifestyle better!

Image Credit: Rooftop Cosy Place @ Seoul Jamsil. https://goo.gl/EL6otw

4. A Panoramic Stay

Enjoy a the wide panoramic stay overlooking the Seoul city skyline, and to relax enjoying the idyllic landscape at sunset. Conveniently located near the Seoul Station, it is a huge apartment that accommodates up to 16 people.

Image Credit: Wow Apartment. https://goo.gl/kQh7zY

5. A Heritage-listed House

If living in a heritage-listed house is your dream, spending a few nights at this traditional Korean Hanok backdated to the Japanese colonial period is probably your cup of tea. The property is placed on the Modern Cultural Heritage list in 2003 by the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea. A dream stay for all history and culture geeks!

Image Credit: Manaedang. https://goo.gl/38Tr7D

6. Loft

This Dutch style loft house certainly reminds me of the sleepovers with my friends. Recapture some of the best nights where you drifted off to sleep surrounded by your besties, by renting this fabulous loft located near Hongik University, a breeding ground for many of Korea’s growing subcultures! Call your buddies, it’s time for a good bonding trip.

Image Credit: iHouse ChinChin. https://goo.gl/l5q9dK 

7. Contemporary Traditional

Minimalistic and extremely elegant, this tastefully renovated Hanok is located in Bukchon, the historic village in the heart of Seoul. It combines the traditional architecture with elements of contemporary art, perfect for those who wants to enjoy the best out of both worlds!

Image Credit: goi Seoul. https://goo.gl/YLRf3u 

8. Posh Dormitory

A flashpacker looking for a sense of comfort and a little bit of luxury during your trip? This posh dormitory is probably an ideal place to call home in Busan. The luxury shower cubicles and personal dressing space are the scoring factors.

Image Credit: 1st Guesthouse Haeundae. https://goo.gl/Wb7veN 

9. Antique Museum

Surrounding yourself with things that have meaning and history is a wonderful way to live. Stepping into the home of Bongseok in Busan will remind you of the English classics. The historical artifacts, furniture and the chandeliers are all more than 80 years old and were painstakingly shipped from England and France.

Image Credit: château de Maisons. https://goo.gl/RRVAWz

10. Luxury Studio

Indulge and pamper yourself in a beautifully decorated French Maison themed apartment in town, without really have to burn a hole in your pocket. The cream white walls, the matching chaise, and the stylish decorations all scream elegance. A perfect home for the girls’ getaway.

Image Credit: The Prada House.https://goo.gl/wnEv8m 

Disclaimer: This post is inspired by Airbnb’s recent campaign “A Different Paris” video ads, and is presented by Airbnb. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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]]> https://www.pheurontay.com/10-cool-and-unique-airbnb-homes-in-korea/feed/ 1 https://www.pheurontay.com/jeonju-guesthouse-review-becky-guesthouse-gallery/ https://www.pheurontay.com/jeonju-guesthouse-review-becky-guesthouse-gallery/#comments Mon, 12 Jan 2015 13:34:13 +0000 https://www.pheurontay.com/?p=4731 Jeonju is a homeland for many talented artists. Known as the city of romance, culture and tradition, it is rich in history and definitely worth exploring– especially their unique Hanok Village. Talking about Jeonju Hanok Village (전주한옥마을), many would actually suggest you to stay at a Hanok for that traditional touch on your Jeonju trip. However, such fancy little traditional experience does not come cheap. Many of the good Hanok Stay cost close to a 4 or 5 star hotel, but the service and comfort they provide simply could not justify that price.

If you want a room that is quirky, designer-inspired, yet not burning a hole in your wallet,  Becky Art Space (백희) located right at the Jeonju Hanok Village (very good location) could be what you are looking for. Now that I am writing about the trip, I find that allowing myself to immerse in a space of arts and to be able to enjoy the perks of starting my day in the delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee throughout my stay, was a brilliant decision.

I reached Jeonju Station quite early that morning. Not a fan of carrying my heavy backpack as I roam around the city, I decided to try my luck and hail the cab straight to the guesthouse. Though their house rules were to only accept check-in at 3pm, I was lucky enough to be granted an early check in.

As the name suggests, Becky Art Space is a guesthouse for travellers, a gallery and a cafe. The guesthouse has 9 tastefully decorated rooms. Rooms come in different sizes. Bigger rooms could fit up to 5 people, which is very accommodating for group visitors, or even family outings. Room rates vary from KRW 60,000 per night to KRW 140,000 per night, depending on the size of the room and the amount of guests per room. **price listed here varies depending on peak and low season.**

The lobby of the guesthouse serves as a cafe-cum-art gallery, where the space is dedicated for talented artists to showcase their masterpiece and to reach out to the public. Interesting exhibits and exquisitely selected furnitures formed a harmonious ensemble.

 The Room:

Becky has 9 guest rooms. Each and every room is a living example of a perfect mix of Korean traditional and contemporary interior design. I especially adore Room 1, 2, 4 and 7, which has bigger windows that allow ample sunlight in the daytime. Another thing I like about Becky’s  is that each room has a beautiful bathroom attached.

Since the trip was decided in a rush, and it happened to be the year-end festive season, I was not able to secure myself with any of the rooms above that I prefer. However, I was still very keen on spending my nights at Becky so I settled with Room 6, the only small room available then. It costed me KRW 280,000 (peak season pricing) for two nights.

Room 6 turned out to be clean and cosy. It comes with a comfortable double bed, thick comforter, a TV, and a corner for tea. Basic amenities such as hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and toothpaste are provided. As I prefer natural sunlight, Room 6 was a tad too dark in the day time. However, the design of the room, the atmosphere and the cleanliness are above expectations.

The Cafe: Chosun Fantasy

The cafe at their lobby, the Chosun Fantasy serves unexpectedly good coffee. Coffee, herb teas, smoothies, burgers and shaved ice can be found on their menu. It is the only place in the building with WiFi access. Spending a relaxing morning, sipping a cup of goodness while surfing the Internet was the first thing I did every day during my stay.

The coffee Mocha and Americano me and my mom ordered. Seriously I did not expect quality coffee at a guesthouse cafe in the first place. The first sip of the Americano was a mind-blower. It wins any international franchise hands down. Though I think their Mocha is too sweet for my liking, I really like their black coffee (great choice of beans!). If you are craving for an excellent brew, and if you trust my taste buds for coffee, here is where you should visit. The cafe has a great sense of selecting their music as well. It is certainly a space with character and a great atmosphere.

My Verdict: My 3D2N stay at Becky Art Space (Becky Gallery Guesthouse) was a pleasant surprise. Although living with the art exhibits for about half a week did not change my charisma or anything LOL, it feels great waking up in an art space. More importantly, the room was cosy and clean. Hot shower supply and the heater were left on 7/24 (you know this is crucial in winter). Service was friendly, and the owner is very knowledgeable in terms of good restaurants around Jeonju. Everything was great, the only drawback was that the guesthouse does not provide drinking water. Guests will have to purchase bottled water from the nearby convenience store.

Contact Details:

Becky Art Space. Gallery. Guesthouse 백희(click me!) 
Jeonju-si, Wansan-gu, Gyeongwon-Dong 2 Ga, 40-35
전주시 완산구 경원동 2가 40-35번지(어진길94-6)
Tel. 063-232-6748
HP. +8210-9595-6748

If you read and understand Korean and resides in South Korea, you may make your reservation through their official website, which enables you to secure the room instantly after transferring the rental through a Korean bank account. If not, you may want to contact Becky Kim at bkartspace@naver.com or call for a reservation.

Directions:

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