Escape to Paradise: Yeongheungdo's 8gram Pension Awaits!
Oh My God, Get Me to Yeongheungdo! (An Honest Review of 8gram Pension) 🌊🏖️
Okay, so you're thinking about ditching the urban jungle and escaping to paradise? You've stumbled upon Yeongheungdo, the island whispering promises of sea breezes and sun-kissed skin, and you're eyeing the 8gram Pension. LISTEN UP, because I just got back, and I'm here to tell you the TRUTH. It's good. REALLY good. And, yeah, there are a few minor hiccups, but don’t let those scare you. This place is worth it. Trust me.
Let's dive in, shall we? Because I’ve got a LOT to say.
The Vibe (and the Accessibility):
First off, Yeongheungdo itself is stunning. Think rolling hills meeting the sparkling sea, punctuated by charming little fishing villages. The 8gram Pension? Nestled right in the sweet spot. Getting there is a breeze, especially if you take advantage of their airport transfer (WORTH IT! Saves you the bus-and-taxi chaos), and car parking is free of charge (another win!). They also have car park on-site so you can relax, knowing your car is safe.
Now, about Accessibility: Honestly, it's a mixed bag. While they have facilities for disabled guests (elevator, yay!), the overall layout isn't perfectly wheelchair-friendly. You might encounter some stairs here and there. So, double-check if you have specific needs, and maybe contact them directly to ensure they can accommodate you. They do have a doorman and elevator – these alone make a huge difference.
The Room: My Sanctuary (and my mini-rant):
My room? Oh, it was a haven. Air conditioning blasting the perfect, cool air. Blackout curtains that banished the morning sunlight (bless!). Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Praise be!) The Wi-Fi [free] in my room was, in all honesty, phenomenal. I could stream everything. I even had Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, ensuring I was always connected. Additional toilet, my god, this is a luxury. Let me just say, if you value your sanity, the separate shower/bathtub is a MUST. The bathroom phone, a delightful anachronism yet useful. And the safe box for your valuables? Peace of mind, people. Especially since I almost lost my passport once.
But…and there’s always a but, isn't there? The TV was… a bit dated. The Satellite/cable channels were okay but felt a bit old. Don't get me wrong, the on-demand movies were a lifesaver when I got a sudden urge to watch a movie, but I am glad that I had my tablet and the internet access – wireless. The refrigerator was perfect for keeping my soju cold (essential). And the complimentary tea? A lovely touch, especially after a long travel.
The Spa-tacular Escape (and my personal bliss):
Okay, let's talk about the real reason you should go: the spa. The spa/sauna is a dream. Seriously. I spent HOURS luxuriating. The sauna itself was a hot, steamy paradise. So relaxing! I went in the steamroom, and now I'm considering installing one in my home. They didn't have a Body scrub or Body wrap. I should have tried the foot bath! I'm SO mad I didn't!
Food, Glorious Food! (And my slight disappointment):
Foodwise, 8gram had a lot to offer. Asian breakfast? Check. Western breakfast? Check. Breakfast service, breakfast [buffet] - definitely check! They have restaurants on site. Coffee/tea in restaurant, and a coffee shop made my mornings complete. The desserts in restaurant were divine. I ate a LOT of them. The a la carte in restaurant was a great option, and the poolside bar was a must for happy hour! And the snack bar was a godsend. However, there wasn't a Vegetarian restaurant, and I noticed that there were no alternative meal arrangement.
Now, for the minor disappointment: I was hoping for more Korean seafood. I'd heard Yeongheungdo was a seafood paradise! Even so, you're right next to paradise! I hope you like bottle of water! There's a mini-bar too!
Cleanliness and Safety: They Take It Seriously (Which Is Great!):
In this post-pandemic world, safety is paramount. Thankfully, 8gram really nails it. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and the Rooms sanitized between stays. I saw Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were clearly trained in safety protocol. They even had Individually-wrapped food options. They have a doctor/nurse on call, and a First aid kit. I didn't need them, but it's good to know they were there.
Things to Do (Beyond Just Relaxing):
Beyond the spa, the pension is well-equipped. Sadly there's no Fitness center, Gym/fitness or the possibility of a Massage. And if you're traveling with kids, they have a Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids facilities.
Services and Conveniences: They've Thought of Everything (Almost):
The Concierge was super helpful. They have a Convenience store, a Currency exchange, and a Laundry service. They even have Dry cleaning! The Luggage storage was a godsend. I really appreciated the Daily housekeeping.
For the Love of God, Book This Place (Seriously!):
So, is the 8gram Pension perfect? Nope. Is it a little bit rough around the edges? Maybe. But is it a fantastic escape to a beautiful island with a kick-ass spa and enough creature comforts to make you feel pampered? ABSOLUTELY.
Here's my take: Book it. Don’t hesitate. Give yourself a break. You deserve it.
My Offer (Because, Why Not?):
Book your stay at 8gram Pension through my link (not that I have one, ahem) and I'll personally promise to avoid the Karaoke machine during my next visit. That's a win-win, right? You get paradise, and the world gets a break from my singing. Go on, treat yourself! Yeongheungdo and the 8gram Pension are calling!
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Escape to Paradise: Romantic Casa Lorenzina in Italy Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, slightly chaotic, and possibly kimchi-stained adventure that is my Yeongheungdo 8gram Pension trip. This ain't your perfectly-polished travel blog, folks. This is the REAL deal. Prepare for some meandering, some over-enthusiasm, and probably a healthy dose of existential pondering.
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Great Kimchi Incident (Oh, the Kimchi!)
- 10:00 AM: My flight finally lands at Incheon International Airport. I am hangry. Seriously, the airplane food was a crime against humanity. First things first: finding the AREX train to Seoul Station. This is where I encounter my first hurdle: trying to decipher the Korean alphabet while simultaneously dragging my monstrous suitcase. Let's be honest, I'm pretty sure I walked in circles for a solid 20 minutes before I found the right platform. Success! (I think.)
- 11:30 AM: Arrival at Seoul Station. A whirlwind of people. I'm pretty sure I bumped into at least three elderly grandmothers. Apologies, grandmas! And a quick (and potentially dangerous) metro hop to the bus terminal bound for Yeongheungdo. I make a mental note to brush up on my "please" and "thank you" in Korean. My survival depends on it.
- 1:00 PM: Bus ride to Yeongheungdo. The landscape starts to change. The bustling city turns into green farmlands, and I can almost taste the salt air. I'm giddy with excitement! Is that a beach I see? Oh, yes, it is!
- 2:30 PM: Check-in at 8gram Pension. Okay, this place is adorable. Like, Instagram-worthy adorable. I'm pretty sure my room is bigger than my entire apartment. The air is crisp, the view is stunning, and I can already envision myself sipping soju on the balcony, watching the sunset. Bliss.
- 3:30 PM: The Great Kimchi Incident! Listen, I LOVE kimchi. I'm obsessed. So, I bought a giant container of homemade, authentic kimchi from a little shop near the bus stop. It smelled amazing, like tangy, fermented sunshine. Fast forward to dinner: I gleefully opened the container, took a giant, enthusiastic bite…and nearly choked. The kimchi, while delicious, was also… potent. Like, "tears streaming down my face, nose running, and gasping for air" potent. I spent the next 30 minutes alternating between coughing and laughing, trying to gauge how much kimchi I can actually manage. I'm still smiling now.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Sunset stroll on the beach. It was pure magic, I can tell you that. The sky was all fire and gold, the waves were a gentle murmur.
- 7:00 PM: BBQ time! The pension provides grills and everything. I attempted to grill some marinated pork belly (obviously) and, well, let's just say the smoke alarm got a workout. But hey, the pork belly was still delicious, even with a slight char. Eating a hearty Korean meal outside is absolute heaven. This is it, this is the good life.
- 9:00 PM: Soju and stargazing on the balcony. The sky was a velvet curtain sprinkled with diamonds. I might have drunkenly decided I was an astrophysicist. Don't judge me.
Day 2: Coastal Exploration & Beachy Bliss (and That Fish!)
- 9:00 AM: Woke up to a glorious morning in Yeongheungdo. And the sky! You cannot get enough of the sky here.
- 10:00 AM: Rent a bike. Because, duh. My sense of direction is notoriously bad. I cycled along the coastal road, getting distracted by every single breathtaking view. There was a pier, a lighthouse, a family fishing… it was idyllic!
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local seafood restaurant. This is where things take a turn. I ordered something that looked like a whole steamed fish. It stared back at me with a dead-eyed gaze. I felt awful. I didn't want to eat the face. Then I remembered, "When in Rome…" I tentatively poked at the fish. It was… surprisingly delicious. Slightly unnerving, but delicious. I probably ate way more than I should have.
- 1:30 PM: Beach bum time! I spent the afternoon sprawled on the sand, listening to the waves and reading a book. It was perfect. I might have even fallen asleep and gotten slightly sunburned. Oops.
- 5:00 PM: Return to pension, and a much-needed shower. Seriously, the salt air does wonders, but also the beach grit.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a nearby restaurant, trying a new spicy seafood noodle stew dish. I definitely needed another kimchi incident to spice things up!
- 8:00 PM: I'm sure I'm going to have to head to the beach one last time, and watch the stars and the moon, just because.
Day 3: Departure, Reflections, and The "What-Ifs"
- 9:00 AM: A final, leisurely breakfast on the balcony. I was pretty sure I was dreaming. Okay, not really, I was simply in heaven.
- 10:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Managed to find a few questionable trinkets. My motto: embrace the kitsch!
- 11:00 AM: Check out of 8gram Pension. Saying goodbye felt weird, like leaving a friend. This place is pretty amazing.
- 12:00 PM: Bus trip back to Incheon Airport. I had all the feels!
- 2:00 PM: Departure. On the plane, I was reflecting on my trip. I saw the landscapes and the city lights and the moon. I was in awe of the sky. It was beautiful. In the plane, all I could wonder about was the "what-ifs". What if I stayed longer? What if I'd learned more Korean? What if I'd tried that weird sea cucumber? I should have. I should have done so much more. Ahhh, the sweet agony of wanderlust and travel!
Yeongheungdo, you were a wild ride. You were kimchi-fueled, beach-filled, and utterly unforgettable. Would I go back? Absolutely! I'm already planning it. And next time, I'm conquering that sea cucumber, dammit!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Yeosu Keumo Island Getaway Awaits!
So, what *is* 8gram Pension supposed to be, anyway? Sounds slightly… vague.
Alright, alright, picture this: You, desperately needing a break from... well, *everything*. Yeongheungdo Island. Then, this place, the 8gram Pension, pops up. The website, bless its heart, promised *paradise*. Okay, maybe "paradise" is a bit strong, more like, a cozy little cottage with a killer view (depending on which room you snag). It's a pension, so think more like a guesthouse or a self-catered apartment, not the Ritz. Emphasis on the 'self-catered' bit, because my trip to the local market was a comedy of errors involving a lot of pointing and the universal language of "Ah, delicious!" We ate ramen for the better part of the trip. Actually, *delicious* is maybe also a strong word...it was sustenance. But that view? Divine. Worth the ramen. Sometimes.
Is it *really* an "escape"? Like, can I actually ditch the world and hide there?
Absolutely! ... mostly. Look, there's Wi-Fi (thank goodness, I'm addicted to cat videos), but the signal can be… temperamental. Think of it as a digital detox, whether you like it or not! And the sheer distance of the island from the crazy bustle of Seoul? Chef's kiss! *That* is the escape. You can actually *breathe*. My phone buzzed maybe… twice a day? (bragging). It was bliss. Honestly, the hardest part was forcing myself to put down the phone, but, hey, there was a beach, so...tradeoff.
Is the view really as good as the pictures? Because, let's be honest, travel photos are often liars.
Okay, *fine*, the pictures are… flattering. But the view? Yeah, it's pretty damn good. I saw a sunset that made me actually tear up a little. No, really. Sunsets get to me, okay? The water, the sky… just… wow. Choose your room wisely. One of the rooms apparently has a slightly obstructed view. I didn't have that one, thank god. Seriously, it's a big deal.
What's the food situation like? I'm picturing instant noodles for a week.
You're… not wrong. The pension itself doesn't serve food, so you're on your own. There's a tiny market on the island (I'm talking, "blink and you'll miss it" tiny), but it’s got the essentials - ramen, snacks, maybe some questionable produce. You *could* try to cook something fancy, but honestly, the best part of eating at the 8gram Pension is the freedom from the elaborate foodie rituals. I ended up eating more ramen than I'd care to admit - the "Kimchi-flavored fireworks" was a memorable one - along with some pre-made *kimbap* from the market, and sometimes a sad salad. But, who cares! Eating instant noodles watching the sunset? Absolute perfection. Just… maybe pack some extra snacks. You’ll thank me later. Bring some wine, too. VERY important.
Okay, real talk: Any horror stories? Anything that wasn't so "paradise-y"?
Oh, honey, where do I begin? Firstly, the language barrier can be a *bear*. My Korean is approximately… zero. So ordering that aforementioned ramen at the market was an adventure. Secondly, the bed wasn’t the *most* comfortable. But hey, you're not going to the Ritz. Thirdly, you're going to have to share the communal spaces with other guests so, you know, social awkwardness? But the worst part? The mosquitoes. Oh, the *mosquitoes*. I'm pretty sure they held a convention in my room every night. I emerged looking like I’d lost a fight with a swarm of angry bees. Invest in some bug spray, people! Seriously. Bug spray, and maybe a hazmat suit.
How do you get to Yeongheungdo Island from Seoul? It sounds like a trek.
It’s… not *too* treacherous. You take the subway from Seoul to Incheon, then a bus (or a taxi, if you’re feeling fancy and rich) to the island. Then, you'll need to take a taxi to 8gram Pension. The journey itself is part of the escape! It's a chance to unwind before you reach the actual escape. Embrace the journey! The bus ride is pretty scenic, and you'll pass by some interesting looking farmlands. Just don't forget to bring snacks because you will be hungry by the time you get there. And don’t forget your T-money card for the subway and bus - a rookie mistake I made, and learned from quick. My first attempt involved a lot of panicked gesturing and a very patient security guard.
What can you *do* on Yeongheungdo Island besides stare at the ocean and eat instant noodles?
Well, staring at the ocean *is* a perfectly acceptable activity. But, yes, there are other things! There's a beautiful beach (but be aware of the tides!), hiking trails, and a few charming little cafes. You can rent bikes and cycle around – a *great* way to explore the island and burn off all that ramen consumption! You can visit the fishing port and watch the fishermen. You can just… *be*. Honestly, I spent a solid afternoon just wandering around, getting gloriously lost (which isn't actually hard on a small island). It was liberating. And you could people-watch, which is my go-to hobby. It was a perfect way to recharge and forget all the stress in my life. Honestly, sometimes I felt like I could have stayed there forever.
Is 8gram a good place to bring a partner? Or is it more a solo trip kind of vibe?
Honestly? Both! Romance is in the air, I swear. It's very small, very cozy. There is so much time together. It is a place to fall in love, and remember why you love each other. On the other hand, if I were to spend some time alone at this place I would not mind it. The peace and quiet you get, the chance to think, and to look inside with your heart. I think it is more of solo trip kind of vibe because sometimes you can use a solitary vacation. The peace and quiet, let you think about your problems. A perfect place if you want to get out of the craziness of the world. But either way, this spot is pure goldStay By City
