Gajodo Fullhouse Pension

I couldn’t get the whirlpool to work at all, even though the place was advertised as a “Full House Pension.” It’s hard to understand charging under that name when the whirlpool is broken. The chickens crowed constantly, so I couldn’t rest, and there were cats everywhere. I really wouldn’t recommend staying here.

The owner was so thoughtful and kind that I could look past the room’s age and the smell in the bathroom. I stayed one night in Room 303. The pool water is cold since it comes from groundwater, though basic tubes and life jackets are available. There’s also a cafe across from the pension with a lovely atmosphere and good food. The facilities do show their age.

We found a great deal on sea cucumbers right off a boat at the nearby dock, 20,000 won for what I think was about 50. My mother-in-law said she’d never bought anything so cheaply, and they were her favorite. There’s also Seongpo Fish Market just before Gajodo Bridge, where you can get sashimi and other seafood at reasonable prices. The pension was affordable for a family with lots of kids, and the facilities were good. I think the spa rooms are the best value, though the standard rooms are around the pool and the spa is farther away. Each room has its own terrace, which worked well for barbecues. There were lots of cats around the island, including the owner’s cats. They’re used to people and don’t run away, but if you don’t like cats, having them nearby all the time might be uncomfortable. I didn’t manage to take a photo of the pension, but I’d definitely like to come back. ^^

The ocean view is lovely, and the staff are friendly. The owner is especially generous, even though they don’t live on-site and staff handle most things. There are about four or five buildings, from older ones to newer ones. The newer buildings have spas and pools and are clean; the older rooms aren’t fancy from the outside, but they’re tidy and well cared for. The shared outdoor pool sits between the buildings, so it gets a lot of shade and is a nice spot to relax. Supplies nearby are limited. I’d do the grocery shopping before arriving. The nearest CU is about 3 kilometers away, and a large supermarket takes a longer drive. There’s a group of three or four big supermarkets under the old Geoje Bridge that I recommend.