Jeonju Gohyeondang Pension

We slept well on the thin but comfortable mattresses. The room itself is compact, though there was enough floor space to open our large suitcases. Its bathroom had all the essentials and felt more modern than I expected in Hanok Village. Breakfast came at no charge and was delicious. They brought us some fruit afterward too, which was especially appreciated since fruit is so expensive in Korea. The person running the hotel didn't speak English, but we managed to communicate with a translator. Everything worked smoothly. Highly recommended.

The hanok is lovely, in an ideal spot, and I slept pretty well during my two nights there. Breakfast was really good, too. Noise is the main issue. Soundproofing is poor, which is common in a hanok, so whether you get any peace depends a lot on the other guests being considerate, and that isn't always the case. One other thing: reviews calling the owner “super cute” and “warm” were a big reason I booked. She wasn't unpleasant, but she seemed fairly indifferent, like many Koreans. I should say I spoke with her only in Korean out of respect, though my Korean is basic and not very good.

Getting around was a plus: the place is in Hanok Village, with Omokdae and Jaman Mural Village easy to reach for morning walks. I also appreciated the good supply of towels and water, and breakfast was delicious. The room was clean overall. But the sound carried so badly that I could clearly hear everything next door. The room was tiny, nothing like the impression the photos gave me, and the bathroom was a letdown. There was barely room to put clothes while showering, and the door had severe mold. I tried to accept it because the price was low, but the stay was still disappointing. If noise bothers you a lot, I'd avoid this place.

Sleeping beneath the hanji-lined ceiling and door was captivating, and made the room feel special. For a more enjoyable visit to Hanok Village, spending a night in a traditional Korean house is a nice idea. The downside is that the soundproofing isn't very good, which comes with the type of building. I missed the breakfast the friendly owner provided, which was a shame.