For my year-end vacation, I decided to take a trip to Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do. Among the highlights of my getaway was staying at Hongsi Art House, a stunning standalone hanok. This unique space harmoniously blends the elegance of traditional Korean architecture with modern interior design. If you’re searching for the perfect hanok stay, I can’t recommend this place enough!
🏠 Hongsi Art House in Gongju
Address: 183 Bonghwa-ro, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea
Check-in: 3:00 PM | Check-out: 11:00 AM
Reservation: Airbnb
The day of my arrival couldn’t have been more perfect. With clear blue skies above, the hanok seemed to radiate even more charm and beauty. As I walked through the entrance, the timeless vibe of the house instantly raised my expectations. Could this place get any better? Spoiler alert: It totally did.
Hongsi Art House operates on a contactless check-in system, so I received a detailed text message with door codes and instructions on the morning of my stay. (Quick tip: If you don’t see the message, it might’ve landed in your spam folder!) To enter, I unlocked two doors: the main gate and the house itself. Once inside, I was greeted by a stylish nameplate that felt like a sneak peek of the tasteful design awaiting me.
As soon as I entered the house, I noticed a sink and bathroom conveniently located near the entrance. The separation of the sink from the bathroom made it not only practical but also super handy for washing up right after coming back from outside. Another thoughtful touch was the hairdryer neatly placed under the sink—no need to pack your own! To top it off, earplugs were provided to ensure a peaceful night’s sleep without any noise disruptions. It’s these small yet considerate details that truly stood out during my stay.
The bathroom and sink area were sleek and functional, with everything sparkling clean and thoughtfully laid out. I loved how practical the space was—it even had an automatic toilet that flushed on its own! Essentials like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash were all provided, so I only needed to bring my toothbrush, toothpaste, and cleanser.
The first thing that caught my eye was the blend of modern convenience with the traditional hanok atmosphere.
The interior of the house was nothing short of stunning. Large windows filled the space with natural light, making it feel bright and airy, while curtains offered privacy when needed. I also appreciated the cozy touches, like the soft double bed where I slept like a baby.
The kitchen, though minimalistic, was incredibly stylish. While there’s no cooking equipment, the house is close to plenty of restaurants and convenience stores, and a microwave is available for heating up quick snacks. Everything, from the wine glasses to the plates, was provided, making it super convenient.
One of my favorite moments was waking up to the gentle sunlight streaming into the hanok. Sitting with a cup of tea in the morning felt so serene and luxurious. The welcome gift of chestnut jelly (a Gongju specialty) and floral tea added an extra touch of warmth. While it’s meant to be a welcome drink, I saved mine for the next morning and enjoyed it as a sweet farewell.
But the real highlight of the stay was the jacuzzi. I’d been looking forward to it the most, and it did not disappoint. Though it took a while to fill—around two hours—it was well worth the wait. The jacuzzi was bigger than it looked in photos, easily fitting two people for a relaxing soak. I spent the evening chatting with my travel buddy, sipping on a cold beer, and letting all my stress melt away. Pure bliss.
Before I knew it, my 24 hours at Hongsi Art House were over. As I checked out the next morning, I couldn’t help but admire the house one last time. Every detail of the stay had been perfect, and I left with so many wonderful memories. If you’re ever planning a trip to Gongju, be sure to book a night here. I promise you’ll love it just as much as I did!
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