Last Updated on April 8, 2022
If you find yourself in the province of Gangwon to go hiking at Seoraksan National Park, surfing at Surfyy Beach, or just to explore the area, staying at Osaekyunga Pension is the perfect place to stay.
Where is Osaekyunga Pension and how do I get there?
Situated just south of Seoraksan National Park, Osaekyunga Pension is a hidden oasis in the province of Gangwon, South Korea. With its accessibility to the nearby towns of Yangyang and Sokcho, as well as other attractions, such as the sandy beaches, great surf, and incredible hikes, Osaekyunga Pension is a perfect place to stay!
To get there by car
Although accessible by public transportation, getting to Osaekyunga and the surrounding area by car is the easiest option.
On the Naver App (which I highly suggest using for your explorations around South Korea), use the address below or this link for driving directions to Osaekyunga Pension.
English Address:
23-26 Gwandaemun-gil Seo-myeon Yangyang-gun Gangwon-do
Korean Address:
강원 양양군 서면 관대문길 23-26
Note that the turn-off is not very obvious, so pay attention to your map as you get closer.
Military Travel Tip:
If you are coming from Gunsan (Kunsan Air Base), consider breaking up the trip by stopping at Osan Air Base or Camp Humphreys for lunch or to spend the night. The route will take you right past the bases, so it is a convenient place to take a break and visit some friends.
To get there by bus:
If coming from Seoul, you can take the Seoul Express Bus to Yangyang or the Dong Seoul Bus to Osaek followed by a short taxi ride to Osaekyunga Pension.
Show your taxi driver the address below:
강원 양양군 서면 관대문길 23-26
If you’re coming from further south, such as Busan or Jeju, it may be worth flying to Yangyang International Airport. The flight is short and cheap, though note that you will be relying on a taxi or bus to get around.
What is the Osaekyunga Pension?
First off, let me explain what a pension is if you are unaware. I’ll be honest, when I first heard we were staying at a pension, for some reason my mind assumed it would be a cheap, ratty, old boarding house with barred windows in a sketchy area.
I am very happy to report that a pension is very far off from that assumption.
A pension is basically a privately-owned “hotel”, if you will, that somewhat compares to an extended stay type of place in America. They offer large rooms to accommodate families and groups, typically with a couple of beds, a couch, space for extra air mattresses, and a kitchen with utensils and supplies.
At the Osaekyunga Pension in Yangyang, South Korea, there are 14 different rooms that will accommodate from 4 guests up to 12 guests. Obviously, the larger the room, the more expensive the room rate will be.
Rooms at the Osaekyunga Pension
As I mentioned above, there are 14 different rooms that can accommodate families and groups up to 12 guests in one room.
Military Spouse Tip
This place is perfect for a squadron trip or reunion. Between all of the rooms, Osaekyunga can accommodate up to 88 people! It’s also a great spot to take the husband and kids with plenty of outdoor space and a stream to splash around in.
Each room in the pension offers a kitchen with kitchen utensils and supplies, a covered porch with a table and grill, and picnic tables outside for anyone to use.
Note that with the grill, there is a usage fee you will have to pay. You can choose to use the grill on your porch or they will bring you a grill to use outside on the picnic tables.
What is there to do at Osaekyunga Pension?
Osaekyunga is a perfect place for any type of getaway you’re craving:
- A quiet, relaxing escape with your loved one.
- A laid-back family vacation with the kids.
- A fun-filled girls trip with your fellow military spouses (Osaek Carbonated Hot Springs are right down the road – a perfect addition to a girls trip).
- A lively group or squadron trip (unless you’re renting out the whole place, remember to be mindful of noise and respectful of others during your stay).
Regardless of what kind of trip you’re on, Osaekyunga has something for everyone.
What to expect:
- BBQ grills + grilling supplies
- A lovely stream to swim or wade in
- Plenty of outdoor space for large groups or kids to run around and play
- Lots of picnic tables for gatherings
- Large rooms to accommodate groups
- A glamping getaway vibe
- Gorgeous sunsets
- A perfect location with lots to do in the surrounding area
Things to do around Osaekyunga:
- Soak and relax at the Osaek Carbonated Hot Springs (First time at a Korean bathhouse? Check out these jjimjilbang tips!)
- Surf, sunbathe and hang out at Surfyy Beach
- Hike around Seoraksan National Park
- Visit the city of Sokcho
- Try some of the awesome restaurants in the area
- Check out some local breweries (Singlefin Aleworks is great and has delicious pizza!)
- Grab your caffeinated beverage of choice from one of the many cafes in the area
How to book a room at the Osaekyunga Pension
Booking can become a little bit difficult if you don’t speak Korean. Plan on finding a translator to book a room.
Military Spouse Tip:
See if your spouse can connect with a Korean at work/in the squadron to help. Many times, locals are happy to assist if they are able to translate. (P.S. It’s always nice to write them a thank you note or give them a little gift in exchange for their help.). If your spouse does not have access to a translator to help you book, another option is to go to the Information, Tickets, & Travel (ITT) Office for assistance.
Be prepared
Take a look at the various room options online, as well as their availability. It’s a good idea to also have a backup choice just in case the room you’d like to book is unavailable.
Let your translator know which room you would like over what dates.
Find a translator
Have the translator call 033-673-3337 or 010-3265-3841 to speak with someone at Osaekyunga Pension to book your stay.
There is a possibility they will need a credit card at the time of booking to reserve your stay. Our translator used their credit card to pay the booking fee and we just paid her back in Korean won.
Bring Korean won for arrival
The remainder of the cost was due upon arrival. We brought Korean won for this since we were unsure if our credit card would work.
When you arrive, if you have any issues with communication, you can either contact your translator or contact Korea’s travel hotline at 033-1330.
What to bring for your stay
- Bath towels (unless you are okay with the mini bath towels that Koreans use after the shower)
- Beach towels (for the river as well as the beach)
- Blankets and pillows (the bedding did not have much cushion to it. I ended up lying on a few blankets to avoid a stiff back in the morning. The covers provided are also not very thick, and it can get chilly at night, even in the summertime.)
- Air mattress (depending on how many people are in your group, you may want to bring along an air mattress or two. Typically, each room has two or three beds, a couch, and then a good amount of space on the floor to fit another mattress or two.)
- Groceries (there is a fridge, oven, stove, and grill available for you to use in your room)
- House shoes/slippers (in South Korea, it is respectful to take off your shoes before entering a home/room. They usually provide slippers or sandals, but if you’re a germ freak like me, it’s nice to just bring your own.)
Enjoy your stay at Osaekyunga Pension and in the area of Yangyang! Comment below to let me know about your experience.
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