Come the next holiday and you are thinking of yet another destination to relax, unwind, and simply escape the taxing life back at school or work. Undeniably, South Korea is one of the hottest spots for tourists all over the world especially due to the growing popularity of Korean pop culture.

However, South Korea is more than just a destination for shopping, makeup hauls, Korean fried chicken and admiring oppas.

If you are planning for a trip to South Korea and are looking for accommodation that is nothing short of exciting, out-of-the-world and somewhat quirky, here are 9 themed pensions in South Korea that will definitely make your time in South Korea an amazing one.

Photo Credit: everydaykorea

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UNIQUE PENSION

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Have you ever imagined that you could be sipping on soju inside a giant soju bottle, or slurping up some instant Korean ramyeon in a gigantic instant noodle bowl?

Unique Pension will grant you the most interesting and unforgettable stay in your lifetime—here, guests sleep in a giant noodle cup, Starbucks cup, a Heineken can and even a minivan. What’s more, this pension is located in Gapyeong where you can get easy access to the ever-popular Nami Island.

Address: 1689-23, Hoban-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do 12429, South Korea

Photo Credit: 10mag

COSY THEME PENSION

If Unique Pension is not enough, Cosy Theme Pension’s rooms are also next-level interesting.

Housing the same concept as Unique Pension, what you can expect here is nothing short of fun, innovative and adorable themed rooms, including one that resembles South Korea’s iconic banana milk bottle. Say what?!

Address: 604, Buk-myeon, Baekdun-ri, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Photo Credit: Bomun World Pension

BOMUN WORLD PENSION

Bomun World Pension is one of the most popular properties in the area and they are particularly well-loved by couples seeking a retreat. Here, guests can take their pick from a range of gorgeous fairytale-themed rooms.

The best part? Bomun World Pension is conveniently located right beside Bomun Lake—one of the prime spots to view cherry blossoms in South Korea!

Address: 22, Cheongun 1-gil, 38118 Gyeongju, South Korea

Photo Credit: Korea Tourism Organisation

SEOMJINGANG RAIL VILLAGE

Though it is one of Korea’s major rivers, Seomjingang River remains as one of the most underrated tourist destinations over there.

With that in mind, if you are searching for a place to have a tranquil getaway, this would be it. Built to resemble a steam engine train that used to run in that region years ago, the rail takes a route along Seomjingang River from Chimgok Station to Gajeong Station and guests sleep inside the train before waking up to picturesque views of the river outside.

Address: 232, Gichamaeul-ro, Ogok-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do

Photo Credit: blogdaum

HAPPY HOUSE SANTORINI

Santorini—one of the most well-loved tourist destinations of late famed for their blue and white walls that are utterly beautiful. Well, if Santorini is too far and expensive a place for you, you’d be glad to hear that South Korea has a substitution for it.

As its name suggests, Happy Housse Santorini is constructed to resemble Santorini’s white and blue themed hotels. Decked out in minimalistic blue and white colours—the hallmark of Santorini’s cubiform houses—, this small 20-room pension is what you should keep in mind for your next trip to South Korea.

Address: 80-32 Salgoji-gil, Seosin-myeon, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do Province

Photo Credit: weegypsygirl

SUN CRUISE RESORT AND YACHT

Perched on one of Jeongdongjin’s mountains, Sun Cruise Resort and Yacht is a hotel designed to resemble the Royal Caribbean International Sovereign Class cruise ship and it is by far, the first of its kind in the world.

Its location grants guests the most beautiful and magnificent panoramic vista of the East Sea, making the hotel one of the most popular destinations for people all over the country to unwind at. What’s more, the resort has plenty of restaurants, facilities and even a park located adjacent to the resort to make your stay as entertaining as possible.

Address: 950-39 Heonhwa-ro, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Photo Credit: michellelvie

ALADDIN PENSION

To say that this pension looks like it came straight out of a movie would be an understatement.

Aladdin Pension houses 11 separate rooms in 4 different buildings, all of which come with an indoor whirlpool for you to take a dip as you like. Marketed to be a “couple pension”, we reckon that there is no better way to spend a holiday with your other half then at Aladdin’e Pension.

Address: 152 Gubong-gil, Daebubuk-dong, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Photo Credit: everydaykorea

GULLIVER’S TRAVEL PENSION 

Yes, we have already established that South Korea has no lack of beautiful and adorable themed pensions by now. But Gulliver’s Travel Pension may quite possibly take the cake as the most whimsical and magical one of them all.

This resort screams ‘enchanting’ right from the get-go—purple-hued rooms adorned with furnishings that make guests feel like royalty, restaurant on a makeshift pirate ship and a pub and café in the resort itself, Gulliver’s Travel Pension must be on your bucket list when in South Korea.

Address: 1870-98 Daebubuk-dong, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do

HAPPY WORLD JONGIHAK PENSION

Retreat from the monotony of the city and unwind in Jongihak Pension, where guests will be staying in a surreal tree house or a mushroom-style pension.

This fantasy-themed pension in Incheon doesn’t have any chandeliers nor elegant furnishings but trust us when we say that it will still blow your mind nonetheless. From tree stumps to mushrooms to paper cranes, every one of their pensions is undeniably adorable—perfect for your little ones!

Address: Seonjae-ri, Yeongheung-myeon, Ongjin-gun, Incheon

When in Korea, do as the Koreans do. Plenty of tourists traverse the dazzling urban cityscapes that Seoul has to offer. However, a great deal of adventure lies beyond the nation’s capital, and within the rustic and beautiful countrysides of South Korea. Here are 3 adventures that you must experience in Korea.

Climb a mountain in South Korea’s most beautiful park

Korea is a country filled with mountains – almost 70% of land mass is covered by hilly terrain. There are a total of 20 national parks in South Korea, so there are plenty of mountains for you to choose from. People climb these massive mountains even in South Korea’s chilly winters, and the beautiful landscapes are absolutely worth the effort. Seoraksan (or Mount Seorak) is considered by many to be one of the most picturesque mountain reserves in South Korea, and it happens to also be the third highest peak in South Korea. The reserve can be reached by a short 3-hour bus journey from Seoul, and is located near the sleepy town of Sokcho, in the nation’s Gangwon province.

Seoraksan National Park is not only famous for its magnificent views, but also for its religious and cultural landmarks. You will discover plenty of Buddhist statues and temples scattered along your journey from the mountain’s base to its peak.

A taste of France, in Korea

If you are a fan of the famous children’s storybook Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince), then this is one place you will need to visit when you are in South Korea. Petite France, as its name implies, is a miniature French village and themed park, constructed in tribute to the classic French tale. Here you will find charming little French-style villas, within which houses museums, art galleries, and even a marionette puppet theatre. This park was also the shooting location for Korean dramas (Beethoven’s Virus) and variety programmes (Running Man).

Take some time to explore the village, and appreciate the French architecture and beautifully manicured shrubbery. Then make your way to any one of the bistros or cafes for a meal – make sure to snag an alfresco seat to enjoy the gorgeous views of the rivers and hills surrounding Petite France. The entrance fee is 8,000 KRW for adults; 6,000 KRW for youths; and 4,000 KRW for children.

1063, Hoban-ro, Cheongpyeong-myeon
Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

Ride a zipline to Nami Island

Most people would take the ferry to Nami Island (Naminara). For the raging adventurer, however, there is a much more thrilling mode of passage to the little island. Ditch the conventional boat ride, and ride the Nami Skyline Zipwire (38,000 KRW) instead! The cable ride spans almost a kilometre in length and lasts for a good minute and a half, promising scenic aerial views of the Gapyeong waters and Nami Island itself.

You start your ride from the top of the Nami Zipline Tower, which is more than 24 storeys above the ground. You will zoom across the Han river, taking in panoramic views of the beautiful countryside. The ride ends as you glide into the lush Nami forests, where another adventure in Nami Island begins.

1024 Bukhangangbyeon-ro
Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do
Nearest Station: Gapyeong Station

About the writer
Cherylene is an adrenaline junkie, with a thirst for travel and adventure. She bungee jumps, scuba dives, and hunts for the world’s most insane rollercoasters. Check out her adventures on her travel blog wandersugar, and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.