Jeju Guesthouse

I’m a solo female traveller. I arrived 10 minutes late, and the owner kicked me out at midnight, cancelled my reservation, and threatened to call the police. I was left with nowhere to stay in the middle of the night. It was terrifying and put me in a very dangerous position. He said I hadn’t replied to his email, but I’d been on a flight from London that day and hadn’t seen it. A nasty, cruel man.

The room was small, but clean and cozy, and the bed left me rested for another day out exploring Jeju. I also found the shared spaces welcoming, with guests chatting over tea and swapping stories and recommendations. I didn’t expect that sense of community, and it was lovely. The location is peaceful, though getting to busier areas can mean a walk or a bus ride. The shared bathroom could get busy at peak times too. Those were minor issues for me compared with how warmly I was welcomed. The staff offered local tips from the start and made me feel like an old friend visiting. The whole place had a homely feel rather than anything grand or luxurious. There was a lot of care in the little decor touches and in the simple, tasty breakfast each morning. It felt more like staying in someone’s cherished home than a commercial place. Jeju Guesthouse gave me quiet time to reflect, laughter with new friends, and a real feeling of Korean hospitality. I left with warm memories of both the island and this home-away-from-home kind of stay.

I don’t know why my earlier review was removed, but I think people should know about this experience. The owner’s discriminatory behaviour made me feel very unwelcome. I’ve also seen reports from other travellers who say they were removed without a clear reason, which seems more connected to prejudice than guest conduct. If you have dark skin or come from a developing country, I’d strongly advise avoiding this guesthouse. In my experience, people who don’t appear white or East Asian may be treated differently. I travel often, and I’d suggest looking elsewhere if respect and fair treatment matter to you.

Really good for the price, and close to the airport with a bus stop nearby. Breakfast was decent: toast, peanut butter, jam, butter and juice, plus you can fry your own eggs. The owner or worker was very nice and did what he could to accommodate me.