In retrospect, I’ve traveled alone many times, often leaving as if I was not bound to anything.
Traveling, for me, is not a simple departure from my house,
but a process to face my new self and take a short rest from my busy, daily life.
I then gave birth to a child and spent the next six months at home.
My trips ended in the park in front of my house, and I found myself yearning for a chance to go on another.
There I was, struggling with my frustration and desire for travel, when my mother said:

 Once I made the decision to leave, I found that I had no worries.
After all, with this small child grasping my hand,
I felt as if I was imbued with a courage that told me, “you’ve got this.”
Yes, even if I was not flying at that time, I resolved to go to the furthest,
most beautiful place for just the two of us.

# Finding attentive consideration at Gangbit Maeul Pension, Gokseong

I arrived at Gangbit Maeul Pension, Gokseong, Jeollanam-do, after a lengthy drive.
It is a Korea Quality (KQ) accommodation certified by the Korea Tourism Organization.
The unique atmosphere I found here was created by the contrast between the European facade and interior,
whose wooden construction brings to mind the traditional hanok of Korea.
Since my trip was at the peak of the high season,
I was concerned with the crowds that I may have to endure.
I was relieved, however, when the owner told me that reservations were only partly accepted
at the time because the complex was under partial renovation.
Even without the renovation, however, the 50 detached buildings are laid out in a spacious arrangement,
giving ample privacy and distance between guests.

Each pension is a two-story building with a single room on the first floor and two rooms on the second.
Each room has two single beds, an air conditioner, a refrigerator,
and restrooms, giving visitors with children excellent flexibility.
Since children tend to wake up and cry during the night,
this feature was particularly welcoming for group travelers.
The scenery outside the massive windows is expansive and idyllic,
while the clean bedding reflects the owner’s preferences for tidiness and detail.

Above all, the owner’s thoughtful consideration was the feature I was most satisfied with.
I arrived there on a hot summer day and was delighted to find
that the rooms were already cool and air-conditioned thanks to the owner.
The bottles of cold mineral water filling the fridge served as the best welcome gift for visitors.

I had a simple meal at the pension entrance,
and with the mother-and-daughter pair that I came with,
I went down to Jukgokcheon Stream under the Taepyeonggyo Bridge,
which is around five minutes away by car.
The two-year-old child stepped into the shallow stream,
while I walked along the rural roads with my baby.
I was able to enjoy the summer to the fullest, with the small stream, fields,
and wildflowers next to roads that I could not see in the city center.

After a day out in the field, I began to feel thirsty.
The Gangbit Maeul Pension has a café run by the owner and offers cool beverages anytime.
Since the owner likes kids, the space within the café is filled with instruments that children can play with.
We had quite a lot of fun with them.

The next morning, I awoke to the birdsongs of cuckoos.
I went on a leisurely walk around the pension clouded by the morning mist.
The area to the back of the pension has a mountain covered in pine trees,
while the area to the front has a stream.
The view was reminiscent of a small European town.
I took my tripod out and began taking photos with my baby,
and felt an emotion stirring within me as I thought about whether things
would have been as special if I were here alone.
That moment, I could say with certainty, was so much more special with my baby.

I joined my group in the room to make a simple breakfast.
The Gangbit Maeul Pension is divided into two parts: one with a kitchen, and one without.
The former has an induction stove, pots, and simple utensils for guests’ use.
Since I was traveling with a small child, it was not very feasible to go to a restaurant for every meal.
I was very thankful that I was able to cook here.
I also found that there was a laundromat and drying room,
which were perfect for our clothes after a dip in the stream.
Though they seem simple, these little things brought small joys on a trip with a baby,
which requires more luggage than you would bring to a trip on your own.
I thought to myself that I would stay for longer
and enjoy a more relaxing stay if ever I am to come here again.

Surprising spots for photography

1. A bus stop in front of the Gangbit Maeul Pension

Inquiries and Information: +82-61-362-3800

Webpage: http://www.valleyhome.co.kr

Address: 10, Gangbitmaeul-gil, Jukgok-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do

Parking: Available

Check-in: 15:00   Checkout: 11:00

Cooking in Room: Available (only for 66 m2 of the 1st-floor and 100 m2 of the detached type-1 units)

Facilities: Convenience store, coffee house (payment required),
ping-pong tables (requires notification in advance),
children’s inflated pool (free of charge for guests, only available during summer),
barbeque area (reservation required at least two days in advance, 16:00–21:00)

# Something for everyone at Seomjingang Train Village, Gokseong

Above all, during a hot summer day such as this,
children have a blast playing in the playground with a floor fountain.
Other amenities, such as rides, an animal farm, and rail bikes,
offer something for everyone, from families with small children to middle-aged
and senior travelers who like the old-fashioned atmosphere.

Surprising spots forphotography

Ferris wheel within the Seomjingang Train Village (left)

Eiffel Tower model within the Seomjingang Train Village (right)

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

 - Entrance Fee: KRW 5,000 for Adults  KRW 4,5000 for Children and Seniors

 - Opening Hours (by period): Every day, 09:30–18:00

 - How to Get There: Take a five-minute walk from Gokseong Station