Gapyeong Goodday Resort: Your Dream Korean Getaway Awaits!
Gapyeong Goodday Resort: My Dream Korean Getaway… Except for the Slightly Dodgy Parking Situation! (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! I’ve just returned from a whirlwind escape to Gapyeong Goodday Resort, and let me tell you, my brain's still buzzing with a mix of stunning scenery, questionable parking maneuvers, and enough kimchi to power a small city. This isn't your average, dry, predictable review. Consider this a stream-of-consciousness dive into my personal Goodday experience – the good, the slightly bizarre, and the things that made me shout internally (mostly with joy, occasionally with mild panic).
Metadata (because, SEO, right?): Gapyeong Goodday Resort, Korean Getaway, South Korea, Travel Review, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Pool, Gapyeong Hotels, Family-Friendly, Food Review, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Safety, Things to do, Couples Retreat, Outdoor Pool, Restaurant, Resort Review.
First Impressions (and Parking Nightmares):
The drive to Gapyeong was… well, let's just say my GPS and I had a spirited relationship. The resort itself, tucked amongst rolling hills, looked promising from the get-go. Think modern, clean lines, a hint of luxury peeking through. The air practically hummed with a promise of relaxation. Then… the parking. Oh, the parking. It’s Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge], but navigating it felt like attempting a tightrope walk while juggling flaming torches. I swear, I saw a small car vanish into a space that was clearly designed for, like, a Smart car. Not ideal for someone, like me, who considers parallel parking an art form. But hey, at least it was Car power charging station available. (Though I didn’t use it, fearing further parking-related existential crises.)
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag:
This is important, so I’ll be honest. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, and there are Elevator for sure. The walkways seemed relatively easy, and it was nice to see that the resort was trying. However, I didn’t personally experience it, so I can’t vouch for its absolute seamlessness. It’s worth checking directly with them for specific needs.
The Room: My Little Sanctuary (with Excellent Blackout Curtains!)
Once I wrestled my luggage (and my sanity) inside, the room was a breath of fresh air. Air conditioning blasted icy comfort. Air conditioning in public area was also amazing, so I don't have any negative impression for the heat or weather. I had a Non-smoking room, hallelujah! The Blackout curtains? Genius. Slept like a baby, which is impressive considering the aforementioned parking anxieties. The Bed was Extra long, that's great for larger people! The Desk was perfect for my laptop, which of course means I had to check my emails. Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free] was lightning-fast (thank you, Goodday, for understanding the modern necessity of a speedy connection). Free bottled water and a Coffee/tea maker were thoughtful touches. The Private bathroom was well-equipped. The Mirror was fantastic for checking my tired face! The best part? I had a Window that opens and, from the High floor that i had, there was an amazing view! Bathroom phone? Okay, maybe a bit unnecessary, but I didn't complain. I didn't need to use the Bathtub, but it looked great.
Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Minor Hiccups):
Okay, let’s talk food. This is where Goodday really shines. There are so many Restaurants and Restaurants to choose from. Asian cuisine in restaurant hits the spot, and is the star of the show. Asian breakfast were amazing, with the best flavors! International cuisine in restaurant was good, but not the best. After lunch, I saw the Poolside bar and immediately ran to it, since it looked cool. Coffee/tea in restaurant was a total lifesaver! Seriously, if you’re a coffee addict like me, you'll be perpetually wired in the best possible way.
I loved the Buffet in restaurant for breakfast. The Breakfast [buffet] was fantastic and one of the best experience in my entire trip. Breakfast [buffhet] had everything, and then some. I love the taste of the soup in the Soup in restaurant. I even saw the Vegetarian restaurant which made me think that this resort knows everyone's needs. The A la carte in restaurant experience was great too. Desserts in restaurant… well, let’s just say I may have overindulged. I'm so thankful for Bottle of water that the restaurant provides. Snack bar had a lot of good options, and I wasn't hungry.
The minor hiccups? Well, there were a few times where the service felt a teensy bit slow. (But hey, I was on vacation, and the views made up for it!)
Spa Time! (Where I Basically Melted into a Pillow of Bliss)
This is where Goodday truly delivered on its promise of relaxation. The Spa was the best place I've ever been in. The Pool with view was stunning. The Sauna was divine. The Spa/sauna combination was pure magic. Pure, unadulterated magic. I had a Body scrub & Body wrap, which felt like an hour of self-care heaven. The Massage? Let’s just say I’m pretty sure I drooled. The whole experience was so relaxing. The Steamroom was also something else, truly. I spent a good chunk of my afternoon between those various places, and I can't recommend it enough!
Things to Do (Beyond Blissing Out – If You Can Bear to Leave the Spa):
Beyond the spa-tacular experience, there's plenty to keep you entertained. The Swimming pool (both indoor and Swimming pool [outdoor]), looked inviting, though I was so engrossed in my spa journey. They had a Fitness center, but who needs to work out when you’re practically levitating from pure relaxation, right? Okay, maybe I should have tried Gym/fitness, but I didn't. There are some other options of entertainment, such as Babysitting service and For the kids and Kids facilities which make the vacation family-friendly.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, 2024):
I'm happy to report that Goodday clearly takes safety seriously. I noticed Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and all the staff wore masks. I believe they use Anti-viral cleaning products, since everything just felt clean. The staff were also extremely careful and well-trained in the established safety protocols. They had Daily disinfection in common areas and used Professional-grade sanitizing services. The Rooms sanitized between stays, and I felt very comfortable.
Services and Conveniences (The Nitty-Gritty):
The resort offered a whole host of conveniences. The Front desk [24-hour] was always manned, which is reassuring. The Concierge was helpful, the Daily housekeeping service was top-notch, and the Doorman knew how to greet you with a smile! There was a Convenience store on site. I was so glad that they have Breakfast takeaway service, because I could grab my breakfast and run to my destination. I loved the Dry cleaning and was thankful that they have Ironing service. The Luggage storage service was also good.
Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private] are also provided.
Getting Around:
They offer Airport transfer, which, based on my parking experience, I highly recommend! You can also use Taxi service.
The Verdict:
Gapyeong Goodday Resort? Overall, a resounding yes. The minor parking woes and slightly slow restaurant services are easily overshadowed by the stunning location, the incredible spa experience, and the overall feeling of peace and tranquility. The food is phenomenal, the rooms are comfortable, and the staff is friendly and helpful.
Would I go back? Absolutely! But next time, I'm taking the airport transfer, and maybe, maybe, I'll try to resist the siren song of the dessert bar. (Probably not, though.)
Kolobrzeg Paradise: Your Dream Apartment Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my messy, glorious attempt at conquering Gapyeong, South Korea, and more specifically, chilling at the Goodday Resort. Prepare for emotional whiplash, a healthy dose of "Did I really do that?", and an itinerary that’s probably more suggestion than actual plan. Let's go!
Subject: Gapyeong Goodday Resort - A Disaster (and Triumph?) Waiting to Happen
Day 1: Arrival, Mild Panic, and the Quest for Tteokbokki
- 9:00 AM (Korea Time): Landed at Incheon International Airport. Already sweating. The sheer volume of people is overwhelming. Reminded myself, "Breathe, you're in Korea!" (Said breathlessly while accidentally bumping into someone's luggage).
- 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Customs, Immigration… basically, a blur of blinking and pointing. Found my pre-booked airport transfer (phew!), a lovely woman who tried to explain something to me in Korean, which I understood approximately zero percent of. Smile and nod, the international language of "I haven't got a clue."
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The LONG drive to Gapyeong. Landscapes are breathtaking, but the car sickness threatens. Managed to hold it together. Thank you, pre-emptive medication.
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at Goodday Resort. Website photos… misleading. It's… rustic. By "rustic," I mean "could easily feature in a low-budget zombie movie." But the view? Gorgeous. Mountain views, the river… okay, I’m starting to vibe with it. Checked in, the staff seemed mildly amused by my general bewilderment.
- 1:30 PM: Found my room and felt an immediate wave of relief. It's clean. Clean is good.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The hunt for tteokbokki began. I was DESPERATE. Searched the immediate area. Nothing. Panic level rising. Found a "convenience store" (read: a slightly dusty shack), bought some instant ramen and sulked. The ramen was… fine.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Decided to chill. Walk around the resort, take some photos of the mountain. I almost went into a full zen mode for like 3 minutes, and then a gaggle of loud tourists ruined it (j/k, I'm just exaggerating. Maybe…) The air is fresh, the sun is setting. Maybe this won't be a disaster after all.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Found a restaurant. Ordering was a challenge. Pointed, gestured, and possibly imitated a chicken. Eventually, food arrived. It was DELICIOUS. Seriously, the best pork belly I've ever eaten. Redemption!
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime: Stumbled back to the room, exhausted, full, and feeling surprisingly okay with my life choices.
Day 2: The Jade Garden, Damned Kayaking, and Existential Anguish
- 8:00 AM: Woke up feeling slightly…unravelled. Need coffee. Desperately.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Jade Garden. OMG. It was… beautiful. Like, straight-up movie-worthy. The gardens are meticulously kept, the paths winding, the flowers blooming. Took a million photos. Felt a fleeting moment of peace and serenity. Then a horde of selfie-stick wielding tourists arrived. Reality check: Beautiful is beautiful, but crowds kill all joy.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Found a small restaurant near the Jade Garden. Ordering was less stressful this time. Gained some confidence. Ate bibimbap. Delicious.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Kayaking. This was where things took a turn. I thought, "How hard could it be?" Famous. Last. Words. I'm pretty sure I spent half the time spinning in circles, getting hopelessly stuck in reeds, and generally looking like a drowning walrus. The water, however… gorgeous. The scenery from the water was breathtaking.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Showered and contemplated the meaning of life in the face of my kayaking ineptitude. Existential crisis averted (for now). Had a beer on the balcony. More mountain views = improved mood.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at the resort's restaurant. The food was… okay. Lacked the magic of last night’s pork belly.
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime: Stared at the stars. Wow. Just wow. Felt…small. In a good way.
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Taste of Adventure
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Standard hotel breakfast. Filled my plate.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Packing. Awkwardly shoved everything back into my suitcase.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Checked out. Said goodbye to the glorious view.
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Travel back to Incheon airport. Feeling a strange mix of relief and sadness.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Shopping at the airport. Bought way too many face masks.
- 5:00 PM: Boarded the plane. Reflecting on the experience. Gapyeong: Rustic, challenging, beautiful, hilarious. Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I attempt to kayak again? Probably not. This trip was exactly what I needed.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
- Gapyeong is a gem. Don’t expect luxury, embrace the charm.
- Learn some basic Korean phrases. It'll save your sanity (and your stomach).
- Pack comfortable shoes. Walking is a given.
- Don’t be afraid to embarrass yourself. It's part of the adventure.
- Be open to the unexpected. That's where the real magic happens.
- And finally, for the love of all that is holy, learn how to kayak before you go.*
So, there you have it – my gloriously imperfect Gapyeong adventure. Hope you got a laugh (or possibly a cringe, no judgement). Until next time, Korea!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel Legenda, Rostov-on-Don!
Gapyeong Goodday Resort: Let's Get Real (and Messy!) About Your Korean Escapade!
Okay, Seriously... Is Gapyeong Goodday Resort REALLY as idyllic as the Instagram pics make it look?
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they comfy? Because I require comfort. *Spoiled pause*
Food! FOOD! Tell me about the food near the resort. Is it all kimchi and mystery meats? (I love kimchi, but variety is the spice of life!)
Is it easy to get around if you don't speak Korean? (Because my Korean is… nonexistent.)
What's there to DO around the resort? Besides, you know, just breathing fresh air and *relaxing* (blah). Give me some adventure!
Anything I *absolutely HAVE* to bring with me? Besides the usual stuff like clothes and… toothpaste?
Okay, let's get to the nitty-gritty. What's the *worst* part about Gapyeong Goodday Resort? Don't sugarcoat it!
