Phoenix Emerald Pension

There was no water for 16 of the 18 hours I stayed, so showering wasn't possible. The barbecue area had such thick smoke while grilling meat that I felt like I might collapse, and I strongly recommend avoiding it. The drive there is difficult, and the owner, especially the woman owner, seemed incredibly clueless. Don't choose somewhere just because it's cheap. Spend a bit more for a better place, and don't waste your money here.

We used Pyeongchang as a base for getting around, and that worked well. There were plenty of rooms and two bathrooms, though the bathrooms had only shampoo and conditioner, and those were in just one of them. There was plenty of bedding, and with air conditioning in both the living room and attic, I had a comfortable, restful stay.

It's very remote, with nothing to do after dark. Once it gets dark outside, it feels like you can only eat during the day. The room felt more like a villa than a pension, and there wasn't much furniture beyond a wardrobe. Still, the new window frames kept out drafts, there weren't too many bugs despite the mountain right behind it, and the pool water comes from the mountain, so it's naturally clean.

The setting is quiet, with fresh air, and it's nestled in the mountains within 10 minutes of Myeonon IC. The road to the pension entrance is narrow, which can be a bit inconvenient. The rooms worked well for big families, though going up and down the stairs could be difficult for anyone staying on the second or third floor. There's an outdoor barbecue area separate from the guest rooms. Children have a place to swim and play, but it's disappointing that this isn't a proper swimming pool.