A Beautiful Hanok Stay Experience in Namwon

One of the experiences I was looking forward to while visiting South Korea was a Hanok Stay. All over the country, you will find pockets of these traditional houses dating back to the 14th century and the Joseon Dynasty. Some of these houses are still fully residential; many have been transformed into shops and tea houses, and some others have been refurbished as guesthouses for visitors to enjoy a unique accommodation experience.

What is a Hanok?

A hanok refers to a traditional Korean house, usually built keeping the regional environmental elements, such as the direction of water bodies and mountains, in mind. They have a unique heating system called “ondol”, which translates to “warm stone”, and is an underfloor heating mechanism.

Best Hanok Stay in South Korea

While planning this trip, I found a few lovely hanok stay options in Jeonju and Seoul but it was the Namwonyechon (or Yechon) Hanok Hotel, a modern variation of these traditional houses, in Namwon that caught my eye.

Though not a 14th-century property, the Yechon Hanok Hotel maintains some of the fundamental architectural elements of a traditional hanok and after spending a night there, I can say that I couldn’t have asked for a better experience! I loved this place!

Hanok Stay Experience Luxury Hanok

Compared to other hanok stays I found, the room at the Yechon Hotel was much larger, spacious and better equipped. Of course, these all reflect in the price. But at $117 a night for a double room, including a full hearty Korean breakfast for two and free entry into some attractions in Namwon, I thought that this was great value for money.

Hanok Stay Experience: Namwonyechon by Kensington

Some rooms at the Namwonyechon hotel have actual beds but a distinctive feature of a traditional hanok is sleeping on a futon on the heated floor.

The futon felt like a thick blanket, which meant that I could feel the wooden floor when I lay on it. I am guessing this might be uncomfortable for some but as for me, I enjoyed being able to feel the warmth from the heated floor and I slept peacefully all through the night.

Hanok Stay Experience – Korean Breakfast at Yechon Hanok Hotel

Breakfast the next morning was equally as delightful. Upon the recommendation of friendly hotel staff, I got the Beef Seaweed Soup and side dishes. It was delectable!

hanok stay experience in Namwon South Korea

With only a few hours left to spend in Namwon, I opted to visit the Gwanghalluwon Garden, located just behind the Yechon Hanok Hotel. The entry price is about $2. However, guests from the hotel can go in for free.

Visiting the Gwanghalluwon Garden, Namwon

This garden is famous for being at the centre of old Korea’s greatest love story and what Namwon is widely known for – Chunhyangjeon. It was here that the two protagonists first met after Mongryong fell in love with Chunhyang at first sight.

Yechon Hanok Hotel Namwon
A Statue of Mongryong and Chunhyang in Namwon, Korea’s City of Love

The garden and pavilion have also been the filming location of several historical Korean dramas and it’s not hard to see why as they are picturesque.

After spending about an hour in the garden and surrounding areas, I returned to the hotel to pack up my bags and leave for the bus station to catch a bus to Busan.

The combination of visiting this garden and staying at the Namwonyechon Hanok Hotel was the perfect ending to my Hanok Stay experience in South Korea.

Namwonyechon Hanok Hotel Stay Travel Blogger Review

How to Get to Namwon Yechon Hanok Hotel | From Jeonju or Seoul

Getting to Namwon from any of the big cities is fairly easy, especially if you travel via the KTX. Travellers leaving from Seoul can board the KTX from Seoul Station or Yongsan Station. The journey lasts a little over three hours. From Jeonju, the journey is much shorter with the KTX running from Jeonju Station to Namwon Station in about 27 minutes.

I made this trip from Boseong, travelling first on the Mugunghwa train to Suncheon Station, before getting on the connecting KTX train to Namwon. The journey lasted a little over three hours as well.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Seoul Hanbok on Black Girl

South Korea Travel Resources

Getting a visa to South Korea

Solo Tripping in South Korea – The Beginning

A simple travel checklist for first-time visitors

Buy a SIM card online and pick it up at the airport or get an eSIM here.

Rent your Hanbok online

Hanok Stay Experience in Namwon

Beautiful Gwanghalluwon Garden

I would recommend a stop in the city if you can afford the time, as well as a hanok stay at the Namwonyechon hotel.

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Aesthetically pleasing spaces in Kenya 🍂🦒
Aesthetically pleasing spaces in Kenya 🍂🦒
16 hours ago
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1/9
Kenya had dropped the paid ETA requirement for most Africans, including Nigerians. 💃🏾🎉

And in celebration of that, I'm sharing some of my favourite places to include in your Kenyan holiday itinerary!

Will you be visiting or have you been to any of these places?
Kenya had dropped the paid ETA requirement for most Africans, including Nigerians. 💃🏾🎉 And in celebration of that, I'm sharing some of my favourite places to include in your Kenyan holiday itinerary! Will you be visiting or have you been to any of these places?
1 day ago
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This lodge in Taita-Taveta was such a great last-minute find for me!
___________________

I needed a quick break from Nairobi and thought to visit Diani and Tsavo. While finding accommodation in Diani was fairly easy, I struggled to find a place that fit my schedule, budget, and preference in the Voi/Tsavo area.

When I stumbled upon The Hildana Lodge, I couldn't be happier. Luckily, they had availability for the exact dates I wanted, a resident's rate, and no single supplement!

I stayed here for 2 nights but could have easily stayed longer! This place is magical, and I can't wait to return! ✨️
This lodge in Taita-Taveta was such a great last-minute find for me! ___________________ I needed a quick break from Nairobi and thought to visit Diani and Tsavo. While finding accommodation in Diani was fairly easy, I struggled to find a place that fit my schedule, budget, and preference in the Voi/Tsavo area. When I stumbled upon The Hildana Lodge, I couldn't be happier. Luckily, they had availability for the exact dates I wanted, a resident's rate, and no single supplement! I stayed here for 2 nights but could have easily stayed longer! This place is magical, and I can't wait to return! ✨️
2 days ago
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As someone who enjoys travelling and pursuing a fulfilling career, I don't believe that you have to give up one for the other. ✈️🍂✨️

You can maintain a healthy travel life without forfeiting a career you love, and here's one of the best ways to do so ⤵️

Taking advantage of public holidays, combined with your vacation days. For example, there's a public holiday coming up next month.

It'll be a 2-day holiday, and if you take only 2 days off work, you'll get 6 vacation days! - perfect for this "Beach and Bush" holiday in Kenya! 🐚🐘🌊

Work-life balance is key, so find ways to do the things that are important to you now that you can!💙
As someone who enjoys travelling and pursuing a fulfilling career, I don't believe that you have to give up one for the other. ✈️🍂✨️ You can maintain a healthy travel life without forfeiting a career you love, and here's one of the best ways to do so ⤵️ Taking advantage of public holidays, combined with your vacation days. For example, there's a public holiday coming up next month. It'll be a 2-day holiday, and if you take only 2 days off work, you'll get 6 vacation days! - perfect for this "Beach and Bush" holiday in Kenya! 🐚🐘🌊 Work-life balance is key, so find ways to do the things that are important to you now that you can!💙
4 days ago
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Weekends in Kenya that look like this! 🐘💙🦒

How wonderful!
Weekends in Kenya that look like this! 🐘💙🦒 How wonderful!
4 days ago
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Here's what you can expect when you ride the premium class train from Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa 🚅

It's a slow but scenic ride to the coast, but I love it and rather prefer it to flying. ✨️

PS: If you want great views of Tsavo National Park as you pass through (Nairobi > Mombasa), sit on the left side of the train (i.e., even numbered seats)

But be aware that some seats have partial window views. Seats 26, 21, 25, 15, and 6 are great!(Nairobi > Mombasa)

Seat on the opposite side on the Mombasa > Nairobi train. I couldn't keep track of all the good seats on this train 🥹.

The train also has a first and economy class coach, which are significantly cheaper than premium class. And once you're back in Nairobi, all "premium services end" 🤭😋

Have you gone on this train before? What was your experience like? 💬

Are team train 🚆 or flight ✈️?
Here's what you can expect when you ride the premium class train from Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa 🚅 It's a slow but scenic ride to the coast, but I love it and rather prefer it to flying. ✨️ PS: If you want great views of Tsavo National Park as you pass through (Nairobi > Mombasa), sit on the left side of the train (i.e., even numbered seats) But be aware that some seats have partial window views. Seats 26, 21, 25, 15, and 6 are great!(Nairobi > Mombasa) Seat on the opposite side on the Mombasa > Nairobi train. I couldn't keep track of all the good seats on this train 🥹. The train also has a first and economy class coach, which are significantly cheaper than premium class. And once you're back in Nairobi, all "premium services end" 🤭😋 Have you gone on this train before? What was your experience like? 💬 Are team train 🚆 or flight ✈️?
5 days ago
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The most relaxing staycation ever! Coastal vibes in Diani Beach and a wonderful safari in Taita-Taveta county! 🐚🐘

This trip was so easy to plan and embark upon from Nairobi. I travelled by rail from Nairobi to Mombasa and then to Diani. 🌊

On my return leg, I stopped in Voi and transferred to a super gorgeous lodge, where I spent the weekend enjoying massages, spotting elephants 🐘 and giraffes 🦒, and just having a swell and relaxing time!

Sharing details on my blog and IG stories!✨️
The most relaxing staycation ever! Coastal vibes in Diani Beach and a wonderful safari in Taita-Taveta county! 🐚🐘 This trip was so easy to plan and embark upon from Nairobi. I travelled by rail from Nairobi to Mombasa and then to Diani. 🌊 On my return leg, I stopped in Voi and transferred to a super gorgeous lodge, where I spent the weekend enjoying massages, spotting elephants 🐘 and giraffes 🦒, and just having a swell and relaxing time! Sharing details on my blog and IG stories!✨️
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
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The Best of Both Worlds! 🥰

Just took the SGR again, and I got to try out the Premium Class coach - I loved the experience!

I'll be sharing all about this experience in my next blog post on www.travelwithapen.com -  what to expect from this train ride, the best seats for unobstructed views and elephant sightings in Tsavo National Park, and notable changes in the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa and Diani!

#diani #dianibeachkenya #sgr #railtravel #tsavo #tembeakenya
The Best of Both Worlds! 🥰 Just took the SGR again, and I got to try out the Premium Class coach - I loved the experience! I'll be sharing all about this experience in my next blog post on www.travelwithapen.com - what to expect from this train ride, the best seats for unobstructed views and elephant sightings in Tsavo National Park, and notable changes in the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa and Diani! #diani #dianibeachkenya #sgr #railtravel #tsavo #tembeakenya
2 weeks ago
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Bougainvillea in full bloom in Nairobi 🌸, always a highlight of our strolls!
Bougainvillea in full bloom in Nairobi 🌸, always a highlight of our strolls!
2 weeks ago
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