Gangneung Guesthouse Jungang, an accommodation as friendly as your sister’s home

When I opened the door and entered the guesthouse, a woman greeted you with a bright smile. As she greeted me so naturally, I thought she was an employee, but it turns out that she was also a guest. She happened to stay at the guesthouse during her trip to Gangneung a few years ago and became friends with the owner. Now, every time she visits Gangneung, she stays at the guesthouse and helps the owner. However, she is not the only guest who voluntarily helps the owner. This tells you a lot about the close relationships between the owner and her guests. Gangneung Guesthouse Jungang aims to be an accommodation that is as friendly and cozy as your sister’s home, where everyone can feel at ease.

Room types range from 10-person dormitory rooms to single rooms with a double bed. Dormitory rooms are divided into male-only and female-only rooms. All rooms are equipped with a toilet for the convenience of the guests and the bedding is always kept clean. Its cleanliness is why Gangneung Guesthouse Jungang receives many raving guest reviews.

The secret to the popularity of Gangneung Guesthouse Jungang can be found in the owner’s friendliness towards her guests. Her friendliness is displayed obviously to guests during the parties that are held every night in the gathering place on the first floor. These parties are somewhat different from usual noisy, crowded parties where people drink alcohol. It is, rather, a gathering for talking and sharing warm meals. At a party participation fee of KRW 15,000, you can have a hearty meal with kimchi stew, stir-fried pork, and rolled omelet that the owner made. However, the number of partygoers is limited to 20 guests. This is because it becomes difficult for other guests to use the common space if there are more than 20. Another reason is that she wants to remember all of the guests who attend the party. “I don’t think they are just guests. I want to thank all of those who visit my guesthouse by remembering their names and faces.” In her warm words, you can find the reasons why Gangneung Guesthouse Jungang attracts guests of various age groups-from those in their 20s to those in their 60s, why they often revisit the guesthouse, and why many of them voluntarily become “honorary” staff members and help the owner every time they stay in the guesthouse.

Gangneung Guesthouse Jungang pays special attention to safety. After the curfew set at 12:00 p.m., the entrance is locked up and all lights are turned off for the safety of the guests. The party also ends before 12:00 p.m. The owner says she hopes that Gangneung Guesthouse Jungang will be a safe and friendly accommodation like the home of one’s own sister. In fact, it is not only an accommodation but also her home where she lives herself. In her house filled with warmth, guests can take a load off before returning home.

The Royal Suite is the perfect choice for a family of four or more. It is the largest room in VV Hotel and can accommodate up to 5 guests. It is possible to cook in the room and, unlike other rooms, it has a living room, a space that is great for family gatherings.