Unbelievable Saesori Guesthouse: Your Gangneung Dream Stay Awaits!
Unbelievable Saesori Guesthouse: My Gangneung Dream Stay? Hold on a Sec… (And Why You Probably Should Book It!)
Okay, so I'm back from Gangneung, and I'm supposed to be this objective, polished travel blogger. But honestly? My experience at Unbelievable Saesori Guesthouse? Let's just say it was… well, unbelievable. (See what I did there? Marketing genius, I am.) And before you ask, no this isn't a sponsored post. Though, if the owner's reading this, hit me up! I'm practically free advertising now, practically living rent-free in my head now…
I’m not even entirely sure where to begin with this place. They sent me a huge list of stuff, like "accessibility" and "dining." It’s overwhelming! So, I’m just gonna start rambling and see where it goes, okay?
First Impressions and The "Unbelievable" Part:
The name, Unbelievable Saesori Guesthouse, is pretty much spot-on. I mean, "Saesori" sounds mystical, right? And the place did feel a bit magical. I got there, jet-lagged, after a crazy train ride, and the check-in… smooth as butter. Check-in/out [express]? They actually were expressive and fast! So different from some other hotels! The staff was genuinely friendly, not the, "Hi, welcome, here's your room" kind, but like, "Hey! How's your day been? Long trip? Let me get you some water and help with your luggage!" (And yes, Luggage storage was offered, thank goodness!) That initial welcome really set the tone. And for a place that boasts Non-smoking rooms, they were truly committed!
Accessibility: Can Anyone Get In?
Okay, so, I didn’t personally need a wheelchair, but I did notice some good things here. Facilities for disabled guests were listed. They also had an Elevator! Bless. The Car park [free of charge] was a bonus, and they had Car park [on-site] too. So, getting to the place was easy. I can't, in all fairness, do a full audit of how friendly it is, but the building setup seemed promising.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (with Wi-Fi!)
The room! Sweet, blessed room. It was definitely Air-conditioned -- seriously, a lifesaver in that humidity! And they had Air conditioning in public area too!
Available in all rooms:
- Air conditioning - YES!
- Alarm clock - Who needs a clock?!
- Bathrobes - Comfy, really comfortable!
- Bathroom phone - Seriously?
- Bathtub - Luxurious!
- Blackout curtains - Sleep until noon!
- Carpeting - Cozy!
- Closet - Big enough for all my stuff.
- Coffee/tea maker - Essential for the mornings (and afternoons).
- Complimentary tea - Wonderful!
- Daily housekeeping - My room was immaculate, every day!
- Desk - To write all my AMAZING travel blog posts!
- Extra long bed - I'm tall, so appreciated this.
- Free bottled water - Hydration is important, people!
- Hair dryer - Check!
- High floor - Beautiful views from the window!
- In-room safe box - Peace of mind.
- Interconnecting room(s) available - Great for families!
- Internet access – LAN - For you wired nerds!
- Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free]) - YES! The most critical part!
- Ironing facilities - If you're into that!
- Laptop workspace - I used it every day.
- Linens - Clean and fresh!
- Mini bar - Filled with tasty treats!
- Mirror - To check out my glorious self.
- Non-smoking - Clean air is bliss
- On-demand movies - Didn't get around to it!
- Private bathroom - Always a win!
- Reading light - For those late-night bookworms.
- Refrigerator - Keep your drinks cold!
- Safety/security feature - Always important!
- Satellite/cable channels - Endless entertainment, if you want it.
- Scale - I avoided this…
- Seating area - Room to relax.
- Separate shower/bathtub - Fancy!
- Shower - Good water pressure.
- Slippers - Comfy!
- Smoke detector - Important, of course.
- Socket near the bed - Convenient!
- Sofa - Perfect for lounging.
- Soundproofing - Blissful peace.
- Telephone - Didn't use it.
- Toiletries - Basic, but good!
- Towels - Nice and fluffy.
- Umbrella - Thankful to have!
- Visual alarm - Nice little feature!
- Wake-up service - If you can't wake up yourself!
- Window that opens - For fresh air!
But the most important thing? The Wi-Fi! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services. I'm a travel blogger, remember? Staying connected is essential. The Wi-Fi was blazing fast, I could upload photos, video conference, and research all the amazing things to do around Gangneung without a problem.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food!
Now, I’ve got to rant a little on this one. The Breakfast [buffet] was… okay. (I'm a breakfast snob, okay?) It had the essentials, Asian breakfast and Western breakfast, but it wasn't unbelievable. However, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop were available, and I spent quite a bit of time in the coffee shop sipping lattes, editing photos, and people-watching.
The Restaurants had a variety of options I was surprised at. I really wanted Vegetarian restaurant, but they didn't have one on-site. However, A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant options kept me satisfied when I was at the place.
They had a cool Poolside bar to bring all of my things near, I would have loved to have Happy hour too!
Wellness and Relaxation: Where Did I Find Happiness?
This is where things got truly "unbelievable". They had a Fitness center! I actually used it, for the first time in, oh, a year? (Don't judge!) The Spa with Sauna – incredible! I spent a good chunk of my time there. I also loved the Foot bath. And they had a Pool with view – breathtaking! That pool saved me from the scorching heat with the stunning surrounding view! I got the chance to use the Steamroom and the Swimming pool [outdoor] too!
Cleanliness and Safety? They Take It Seriously!
I’m a bit of a germaphobe (don't tell anyone!), so I pay close attention to this stuff. They are super serious! Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Rooms sanitized between stays. Felt very clean and safe. They even had Sanitized kitchen and tableware items! I would have loved to see them do it to the Shared stationery removed to be 100% certain though.
Getting Around: Ease of Access
Airport transfer? They've got it. Taxi service? Yup. Car park [free of charge]? Plenty. Honestly, getting around was simple.
Things to Do: Because You Didn't Come to Just Sit Around
Okay, so, I only had so much time. But the helpful staff were all about giving advice. There are tons of things to do, like:
- Near the beach - Perfect for any weather!
- Explore hiking trails. - A must for nature lovers.
- Gangneung is amazing! - Amazing food and culture!
The Little Extras: Because It's the Little Things
I loved the Concierge service – perfect for booking tours and getting recommendations. They even had a Gift/souvenir shop! The Laundry service was a lifesaver. And they have a 24-hour front desk [24-hour] and Security [24-hour], which is fantastic.
**Flaws? Yeah, There Were a Few…
Seoul's Hidden Gem: Chic Jongno Jmini House Near Cheonggyecheon!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into my disastrous, beautiful, and utterly chaotic trip to Saesori Guesthouse in Gangneung-si, South Korea. This itinerary? More like a suggestion… you know, a loose suggestion that I probably deviated from almost immediately. Prepare for a LOT of coffee, and probably some tears (mine, not yours… hopefully).
Day 1: Arrival, Ramen & Regret (Kinda)
Morning (7:00 AM -ish): Woke up. Or, more accurately, dragged my sorry soul out of bed. Woke up in Seoul, feeling that pre-travel anxiety gnawing at my gut. Checked my passport for the thousandth time. Confirmed: still me. Took the KTX train to Gangneung. The train was thankfully on time, but battling the crowds felt like a freaking Olympic sport. Seriously, people, personal space!
Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Finally arrived in Gangneung! Sunshine! Fresh air! Wait, where’s my phone? Rummaged through my bag – PANIC. Found it. Phew. Took a taxi to Saesori. The first impression? Charming, with a capital C. Quaint little guesthouse, surrounded by what I thought were mountains (turns out, maybe more like… really big hills?). The air smelled of pine and something I couldn't quite place, but it was good.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): Checked in. Met the owner, who (thankfully) spoke some English. He was a delightful older gentleman, and the guesthouse had a distinctively relaxed atmosphere. Asked for a restaurant recommendation for authentic Korean food, he directed me to a place called "Noodle Nirvana" and pointed me toward the city center. Got completely lost immediately upon leaving the guesthouse. Wandered aimlessly. Almost tripped over two adorable puppies. Eventually found "Noodle Nirvana" (it took some effort!), and the ramen? Glorious. Perfectly spicy, savory, and exactly what I needed. I inhaled it like it was my last meal. I really felt something from the ramen. Like, my whole body just felt so satisfied. It was bliss..
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Decided to try and conquer the "mountains" mentioned earlier. Packed a water bottle (which I’d promptly forgotten to fill) and headed up the nearest incline. Mistake number one: Didn't bring enough water. Mistake number two: underestimated the elevation. Halfway up, I was panting like a dog and contemplating begging for a helicopter ride. Scenery was beautiful, though. Stunning views of the city and the sea. Made it to the top, took a picture (huffing and puffing), and promptly lost my way again on the descent. Found myself in a small, quiet village. Ended up sitting on a random bench, staring at the sky and feeling oddly serene.
Evening (6:00 PM Onward): Back to Saesori! Tried to chill on the terrace to watch the sunset, but it was a bit chilly. Had a weird conversation with a German guy who kept talking about the historical significance of soy sauce. Ended up ordering some instant noodles from the convenience store. Ended up watching, like, three hours of Korean dramas with English subtitles as I snuggled into some blankets. Sleep came easily.
Day 2: Beach Bliss (Mostly) & Coffee Coma
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Woke up feeling slightly less like a crumpled tissue. Decided to brave the local beach. Packing? Sunscreen. Sunglasses. Confidence (a lie, as always). The beach was stunning! Golden sand, bright blue water… the works. Spent a solid hour just staring at the waves. Tried to build a sandcastle, failed miserably, and then enjoyed the feeling of my toes being buried in the sand. Took tons of pictures (of course).
Morning Anecdote There was this little kid who kept trying to steal my sunglasses. He would run up, try to take them, and then collapse into giggles. Honestly, it was adorable, even though I was slightly terrified of losing my only pair.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): Lunch at a little seafood restaurant near the beach. More delicious food! Got a little too into the food, and over-ordered. Over my head, really. Everything was so fresh! (I may have had an allergic reaction later that day shudders) I ate so slowly, savoring every bite. Looked out at the ocean as I ate, a perfect moment. I took a moment to be incredibly grateful.
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM): COFFEE TIME! Gangneung is famous for its coffee culture. Went to a local cafe that was supposedly "the best". The aroma of freshly brewed coffee nearly knocked me over. Ordered a latte. Then another. And another. (I have a problem, okay?). Read a book. People-watched. Felt the caffeine coursing through my veins. Felt like a god. Then started to get jittery. Then started to sweat. Then the world started to tilt slightly. Started to realize I probably needed to slow down on the caffeine.
The Coffee Incident I was so high on caffeine that I started talking to a cat outside the cafe, believing it could understand English. I'm pretty sure I even tried to become friends with the cat.. It resulted in nothing.
Evening (6:00 PM Onward): Attempted a leisurely stroll back to the guesthouse, but my heart was racing. I was sure something was wrong with me. Slightly panicked. Ended up just collapsing on my bed, trying to breathe. Ordered some mild food. Watched a movie and passed out as I finished the first sentence.
Day 3: Art, Anxiety, and Attempted Enlightenment
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Woke up feeling strangely energized. Finally, no caffeine to hold me down! Visited a local art museum that housed a collection of what I could only describe as “interesting” paintings. Spent way too long staring at abstract art, trying to decipher some hidden meaning. Failed miserably, but I did take some photos (because, you know, Instagram). The museum was beautiful, and there were many stunning pieces that were just so thought-provoking.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): Found a local restaurant that was filled with locals. Ordered something, because it looked interesting. It was good. Simple. Comforting. Felt more comfortable with each passing day.
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:30 PM): Tried to find some zen. Visited a Buddhist temple. Spent some time meditating (more like attempting to meditate). My mind wandered a lot. Kept thinking about that ridiculously delicious ramen. Then I thought about my life. Then I started stressing and had a mini-meltdown. The temple was incredibly beautiful though, absolutely breathtaking; the incense, the architecture, all combining into a spiritual experience I wasn't sure I could fully grasp.
The Meditation Fiasco: I found a secluded corner and tried to meditate. I attempted to empty my mind of all thoughts. Failed. Miserably. My mind was like a runaway freight train filled with anxieties and shopping lists. I started laughing. Then crying. Then I was just a mess, and had to leave the temple.
Evening (6:00 PM Onward): Back at the guesthouse. Talked with the owner. He saw my slight breakdown and gave me some tea, and we had a lovely conversation. Managed to say some positive things. It was very helpful. Cooked some simple ramen at the guesthouse. Watched a movie. Started to feel a sense of calm. Packing for the next day, which was, yes, the return to Seoul. Took a moment to reflect on the trip and all that happened, good and bad. A good thing, but also an end.
Day 4: Departure
Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Woke up. Said goodbye to the owner of the guesthouse. Tearfully, actually. He was so kind. He felt like a grandpa I never had! Checked out. Baggage weighed down, but my soul felt lighter. Grabbed a quick breakfast at a cafe near the train station.
Travel Home (9:00 AM Onward): Goodbye Gangneung. Goodbye Saesori. A train ride. Thoughts of ramen, beaches,
Unbelievable Saesori Guesthouse: Your Gangneung Dream Stay...Maybe? FAQ - Prepare Yourself!
Okay, so "Unbelievable"... Is it *really* that? What's the catch?
Alright, let's rip that band-aid off immediately. "Unbelievable" is a bit…optimistic. It’s more like... undeniably charming, with a healthy dose of "character." The catch? Well, it depends on your definition of "perfect." Expect some quirks. Think wobbly tables, maybe a slightly tricky lock on your door (I spent a good five minutes wrestling with mine – felt like a scene out of an action movie, actually. Only…I was the action movie star and the lock was the villain). The charm, though? It’s in spades. Seriously, the owner is the kindest soul you'll ever meet, and the views from the rooftop? Forget about it. Utterly worth it. Just…don't expect a 5-star hotel facelift, you know? It's more like *that* cool aunt’s place with the slightly wonky furniture but the *best* stories.
Can I actually *see* the ocean from the guesthouse? Is that a lie?
Okay, this one's important. Yes. YES YOU CAN! From some rooms and DEFINITELY from the rooftop terrace. The pictures? Spot on. I remember, on my first morning, bleary-eyed and fueled by instant coffee (which, by the way, they provide – bless them!), I stumbled outside and BAM! Ocean. Blue, gorgeous, wind-whipped ocean. It took my breath away, and I literally forgot I was wearing mismatched socks and hadn't brushed my hair. So, no, the ocean view isn’t a lie. It's a promise. A beautiful, salty promise.
The rooms... What are they *actually* like? The website is always…well, idealized.
Okay, deep breath. The rooms are…cozy. Let's go with cozy. They're clean, which is a massive win. They're decorated with a mix of…things. Think grandma's attic meets minimalist chic (with a slight emphasis on the "grandma's attic" part). My room had a tiny, tiny balcony, which was glorious for sipping soju and watching the sunset, even if I had to maneuver around a slightly wonky plant pot. The beds? Firm. Very firm. You will sleep. You might also feel like you’ve been through a slightly less-than-relaxing yoga session in the morning. But look, it's all part of the experience, right? Embrace the firm bed. It builds character! And, honestly, after a day of hiking and exploring Gangneung, you'll be out like a light.
Is the owner as nice as everyone says? Because sometimes the glowing reviews are, you know…suspect.
Oh. My. God. The owner, I’m pretty sure, is an actual angel in disguise. No, really. She (I think it's a she – my Korean is…developing) is the sweetest, most genuinely kind person you'll ever encounter. She makes you feel like you're staying at her home, not just a guesthouse. She’ll offer you fruit, point you in the direction of the best seafood restaurants (which, trust me, you WANT), and will try her best to communicate, even if your Korean is as terrible as mine (which, believe me, is REALLY terrible). I remember once, I was struggling to figure out the bus schedule, and she patiently, with a smile that could launch a thousand ships, helped me. She even wrote down the route in English for me because, well, I was hopeless. This woman is a treasure. Book it *just* for her!
What about breakfast? Food is important.
Breakfast is… basic. (Sorry, angel owner!) Think toast, jam, maybe some cereal. They have coffee, bless them, even if it's that instant stuff (see previous coffee comment). You’re not coming for the Michelin star dining experience, alright? You’re coming for the atmosphere, the views, and the general feeling of chill. My advice? Load up on the amazing street food Gangneung has to offer for lunch and dinner, and consider breakfast fuel. Get a good base, people! There are *so* many delicious options nearby, you'll be fine. Consider breakfast a quick springboard to the fun stuff. And you know what? That's completely fine with me!
Is it good for solo travelers? I'm a bit of a loner, but I still want to meet people, maybe.
Absolutely! Saesori Guesthouse is perfect for solo travelers. It’s small enough to feel intimate, but big enough that you don't feel like you're suffocating in silence. You'll inevitably bump into other travelers in the common areas, on the rooftop, or even just at the breakfast table. I met some amazing people there! Woke up one morning to a hilarious conversation in the breakfast area. Lived through the most awkward yet endearing attempt to speak to each other because not one language was spoken by all. You won't find your lonely vacation there. The owner is also great at fostering a friendly atmosphere, I met people during my stay and got to know some great friends. Plus, the rooftop terrace is a prime spot for sunset contemplation (and making new friends, if you're into it). It's a very welcoming environment. Don't be shy, folks!
Is there anything I should DEFINITELY bring?
Okay, listen up. Pack:
- Earplugs: Because sometimes the waves are loud at night (in a good way, most of the time, but you know).
- A power adapter: Because Korea runs on a different voltage, and you don’t want to be stuck with a dead phone while trying to figure out the bus schedule (learn from my mistakes).
- Your sense of adventure: This is the most important one. Be open to the quirks, embrace the unexpected, and be prepared to fall a little bit in love with this guesthouse.
- A very small, very loud, and very embarrassing alarm clock: Maybe not, but it could be funny.
- One of those travel sized shampoos: The big bottles are bulky.
Okay, so I'm booked. Anything *really* important I should know before I go?
Yes! Embrace the chaos. No, seriously. Things might not always go perfectly according to plan, butEasy Hotel Hunt
