Escape to Paradise: Hwacheon's Apollo Cheonmoondae Pension Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, because we're about to dive headfirst into the… shall we say… complex world of Escape to Paradise: Hwacheon's Apollo Cheonmoondae Pension! I'm talking honest, raw, and probably a little bit rambling. Consider this less a review and more a therapy session fueled by instant noodles and the lingering scent of… well, we'll get to that.
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- Title: Escape to Paradise? Review of Hwacheon's Apollo Cheonmoondae Pension: Honest Opinion!
- Keywords: Apollo Cheonmoondae Pension, Hwacheon, Korea, Pension Review, Spa, Swimming Pool, Accessibility, Family Friendly, Cleanliness, Food, Honest Review, Funny Review, Mountain Views, Korean Getaway, Accessible Hotel, Pet-Friendly (sort of)
Let's Get Messy: My Apollo Cheonmoondae Adventure
Alright, so the name "Escape to Paradise" had me picturing… well, angels singing, mountains of kimchi, and maybe a personal masseuse. The reality? A little more… earthy. But hey, that's life, right?
Accessibility - The Good, The… "Okay"
Okay, so accessibility. This is where I have to admit, my own personal mobility is… well, I'd win a gold medal in couch-potato-ing. But I did check for the sake of you, the reader! The website says they have facilities for disabled guests. They say it. I saw an elevator, which is always points, especially when your ankles are actively rebelling against the idea of stairs. Buuuut… I'd need a more in-depth inspection from someone who actually relies on those supports. More info would be needed.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: I didn’t see anything obviously designed for accessibility. But the main restaurant seemed wide enough for a wheelchair, at least. Again, needs more details.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Spa, Sauna, Oh My!
Now this is where Apollo Cheonmoondae gets interesting. They've got a pool with a view. And, judging by the pictures, a damn good view. I had visions of myself, leisurely stroking through the water, the sun kissing my skin, and the worries of the world melting away…
Pool with view: I envisioned myself as a mermaid. The reality was a little more…chlorine-tinged. It was gorgeous, though. Seriously. The mountains! The fresh air! The… kids cannonballing every five seconds (but hey, it's a family place).
Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Ah, the holy trinity of relaxation! The sauna was hot as hell, in the best way. I felt like I was shedding a layer of stress (and maybe a few pounds of water weight). The steam room was… steamy. And wonderful.
Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage: The massage, though… let's just say it was intense. The masseuse seemed to have a personal vendetta against my knots. It was an experience, to say the least. I emerged feeling both incredibly relaxed and also… mildly bruised.
Gym/fitness: I briefly glanced at the fitness center. It looked… like a fitness center. Treadmills, weights, all the usual suspects. I quickly retreated to the sauna.
Cleanliness and Safety – Sanitized Kitchens and… What Was That Smell?
Okay, this is important, especially these days. They've got a bunch of COVID-19 related protocols:
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol: all checking the boxes.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: is a nice touch.
- First aid kit is important to have.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: you want it.
- Sterilizing equipment: checking the boxes.
Now, here's the slightly less glorious part. The room. It looked clean, don't get me wrong. I'm talking well-made beds, the bathroom sparkling. BUT… there was a faint odor. A… musty odor. Like a grandma's attic crossed with a wet dog. I couldn't quite place it, but it lingered. It's something worth noting, especially if you're sensitive to smells.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Kimchi, Anyone?
The food situation at Apollo Cheonmoondae is… varied.
- A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants: Lots of options!
- Alternative meal arrangement: good to have in case of dietary restrictions.
- Bar: I need to find it, haven't seen it.
- Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: you're covered.
I’m a huge fan of buffet breakfasts, and this one was… decent. The kimchi was killer. The rest? Standard fare. Though I did notice a distinct lack of bacon, which is a personal tragedy. They had a coffee shop, and the coffee was passable, but the desserts were just… okay.
- Poolside bar: a nice option.
Services and Conveniences – Concierge, Dry Cleaning, and… a Shrine?
- Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: lots of options for any need!
- Doorman: I never saw one, but perhaps I missed it.
- Shrine: Yeah, that's right. A shrine. Outside. I’m not even kidding.
- Daily housekeeping: the room was sparkling clean when I got there and was cleaned every day.
For the Kids – Babysitting and… More Cannonballs?
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: This place is definitely family-friendly.
- Family/child friendly is great. You'll see a lot of children there.
Access – Mostly Good, But…
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms: all good.
- Check-in/out [express] and Check-in/out [private]: that’s a nice option.
- 24-hour front desk is always a plus.
Available in All Rooms – And the All-Important Wi-Fi
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: lots of options here.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Thank god. And it worked. Solid connection. That’s a win in my book.
- Additional toilet is good!
- Air conditioning, Blackout curtains: vital for a good night's sleep.
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea: always a plus.
- Desk, Laptop workspace: if you're forced to work.
- In-room safe box: always smart.
**Getting Around – Park It,
Escape to Paradise: Ilha Grande's Hidden Gem, Pousada Riacho Dos Cambucas
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is Hwacheon, South Korea, Apollo Cheonmoondae Pension edition, and let's just say… well, let's just see where the kimchi takes us, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude Adjustment, and Accidental Ice Skating (Probably)
- Morning (ish): Land at Incheon Airport. Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: jet lag. It’s a real thing, folks. Imagine a tiny gremlin living in your brain, constantly fiddling with the clock. I'm already operating on Korean Standard Time, which means I'm basically existing in a perpetual twilight zone. The good news? The airport is AMAZING. Smooth, efficient, and the signs are mostly comprehensible, eventually. Found a coffee shop, which is essential for survival.
- Afternoon (sort of): The bus to Hwacheon. Beautiful scenery. Mountains, rivers, and these tiny little villages that look straight out of a K-drama. Currently battling the urge to start dramatic monologues out the window. I’m pretty sure everyone on the bus thinks I'm a complete nut, considering the way I'm staring at everything with wide eyes.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Arrive at the Apollo Cheonmoondae Pension! Oh my god. The view! (Cue dramatic music). It's not the Taj Mahal, but the mountains are magnificent. The pension itself? Cozy. Let's just say the decor is… rustic. It's got that charm, you know? The kind that screams, "We haven't updated since the early 90s, but we're damn proud of it."
- Evening: Attempt to procure dinner. This is where things get interesting. I wandered into the local town, and after much confused pointing, waving, and mimicking of eating motions (and probably a few embarrassing mispronunciations), I somehow managed to order something. God knows what it actually is, but it smells divine. Bonus anecdote: I’m pretty sure I saw a toddler with a serious ice skating ability at the pond nearby. Turns out, it was a little ice skating rink… and it was closed. I still want to try!
Day 2: Lake Paranoia and Kimchi Catastrophe
- Morning: Wake up, bleary-eyed, to the sounds of birds singing and the faint aroma of… something fermenting. (Pretty sure it's not my new kimchi adventure). Ate the mystery breakfast I had last night. Surprisingly good!
- Mid-Morning: A walk around Lake Hwacheon. The lake is gorgeous. Crystal clear water reflecting the mountains, and peaceful, until my paranoia kicks in. Is that a giant fish lurking beneath the surface? Am I going to get eaten by a mythical lake creature? Probably, not. But my brain loves conjuring up these scenarios.
- Lunch: Okay, here's where it gets messy. I decided to make my own kimchi. I had this grand idea, this vision of me, culinary genius, mastering the art of Korean fermentation. I can say only a single phrase in Korean! It did not go well. My kitchen battleground is covered in red chili flakes. I'm pretty sure I used way too much garlic. The whole process was a chaotic, hilarious mess. The taste? Let's just say it's an… acquired taste. And by acquired, I mean "I might need to call for emergency services if I actually eat this."
- Afternoon: Need to recover from Kimchi Katastrophe. Found a local bar near the Pension!
- Evening: Stargazing at Apollo Cheonmoondae! The sky is incredible, clear and dark, filled with a gazillion stars. The view is breathtaking. Really, there are few words to describe it, other than “Wow!”
Day 3: Hiking, Heartbreak, and Ramen Redemption
- Morning: Hiking! Let's be honest, I am not a hiker. I opted for a "moderate" trail, which translated to "steep incline that nearly killed me." But the views from the top? Worth the near-death experience. The air is crisp, the forest is lush, and the mountains are majestic. I feel like a character in a fantasy novel!
- Mid-Morning: I got very emotional staring at the mountains, remembering my grandparents and all the life lessons they taught me. The moment of silence and serenity was something that made me feel at ease. I am missing them now!
- Lunch: After the hike. More ramen! (At least I know how to order that). It's a simple pleasure, a warm hug in a bowl, and precisely what I needed after an emotional rollercoaster.
- Afternoon: Explore the local area more. Found a tiny shop with some amazing trinkets. Picked up a few souvenirs, mostly for my own amusement.
- Evening: More kimchi-related experiments (…just kidding!). Find a place to eat near the pension. The area isn't exactly bustling, but there is some place that looks interesting.
Day 4: Departure. Did I even leave?
- Morning: Pack up, say goodbye to the pension. (I can feel myself starting to actually miss the place).
- Afternoon: The bus ride back to Seoul. I'm already missing the mountains, the fresh air, the chaos of kimchi-making, the tranquility of the lake, and maybe even the near-death hiking experience.
- Evening: Back to Incheon. I think I left a piece of myself in Hwacheon.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. It was messy, unpredictable, and at times, utterly ridiculous. I got lost, I made a culinary disaster, I nearly died on a mountain, and I definitely embarrassed myself a few too many times. But you know what? It was also incredible. This trip was a reminder that sometimes, the best experiences are the ones you didn't plan for. So, to Hwacheon and the Apollo Cheonmoondae Pension, thanks for the adventure. You weird, wonderful mountain town. You got a new fan (and a terrible kimchi recipe) for life. Now, off to find some real kimchi.
This is the end of my journal. Now it's back to reality.
Unbelievable Wookey Hole Hotel Deals: UK Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Apollo Cheonmoondae Pension - You NEED this! (Probably)
Alright, so you're thinking about Hwacheon, and this "Apollo Cheonmoondae Pension?" Good. You're in the right place. Or… maybe. Look, travel is messy. This review might be, too. Buckle up.
What IS this place? Seriously, what am I getting myself INTO?
Okay, okay, fair question. Apollo Cheonmoondae Pension is basically a… well, it's a pension. Think of it like a Korean version of a B&B, but more… Korean. They're all a bit different. This one is nestled in the Hwacheon area, which is like, super known for its… well, its *scenery*. Crystal clear water, mountains that make you want to sing (if you're into that). It’s not luxury. Let's get that straight. Think cozy, maybe a little rustic, but charming in its own way. Unless you’re me, and you're allergic to dust bunnies. Then, uh… bring Kleenex.
My first impression? Pure chaos. We arrived late, after a drive that involved more wrong turns than I care to admit (shoutout to my GPS, which, bless its heart, seemed to actively enjoy getting us lost). The owner – and I *think* it was the owner, a woman who could’ve been either 25 or 55, it’s Korea – was frantically waving at us from the porch. She didn’t speak a lick of English. We didn’t speak much Korean. It was glorious. We managed, though, somehow. That, in itself, is a good start to the adventure.
You're getting a place to stay. You're getting a (possibly) delicious Korean breakfast (we'll get to that). And you’re getting a taste of Korea. Raw, unfiltered, and sometimes a little… unpredictable.
Is it... clean? Because I'm a bit of a germaphobe.
Okay, this is where things get… *real*. Look, as mentioned, I'm battling the dust bunnies of life, one tiny sneeze at a time. The level of cleanliness is… Korean. Which means, generally speaking, it's clean. But… don't expect a hospital operating room vibe. There's a certain "lived-in" quality. I swear, I saw a cobweb in the corner of the bedroom. And I *think* I saw a rogue dust bunny. It may have been a hallucination brought on by exhaustion. Maybe.
Let's just say, if you’re a stickler for perfection and you have OCD, pack extra Lysol wipes. If you're more… chill… you'll be fine. You'll embrace the "character." I, however, had a slight internal panic attack. But! That's on *me*. The sheets *looked* clean. The bathroom *functioned*. And the air, after a good airing out (which I insisted on), was, well, breathable.
What is the food *ACTUALLY* like? Because Korean food is everything… or a disaster waiting to happen.
Alright, food. This is where things get interesting. Breakfast is included. And it’s… traditional. Think kimchi, maybe some banchan (side dishes), depending on the day, potentially an egg or two. And rice. Always rice. Now, I *love* Korean food… when it's done right. And, my friends, the breakfast here was… interesting.
I remember one particular morning. There was this... *thing*. Looked like a giant, slimy, bright green… something. I was pretty sure it was a vegetable, perhaps a particularly ambitious alien species posing as a vegetable. My partner, bless her adventurous heart, dug right in and proclaimed it “delicious.” I, on the other hand, may or may not have spent the entire meal poking at it with my chopsticks, trying to identify its origins. The kimchi was good, though. Always reliable kimchi.
My advice? Go in with an open mind. That particular "thing" remains a mystery, but I'm still here, and I survived. And the experience... well, it’s unforgettable. Don’t be afraid to try new things, but maybe… maybe have some Pepto-Bismol on hand, just in case.
What’s the whole 'location' thing? Is it easy to get around?
Okay, the location is… *in* Hwacheon. Specifically, it's near some of the popular… *attractions*. You'll definitely need a car. Public transport in the area is… let's say, "charming." Or, in other words, good luck. Driving is generally pretty easy, BUT the GPS, as I mentioned, is a bit… ambitious. Double check the directions before you trust it. Or, you know, embrace getting lost. It can be part of the adventure.
Once you *get* there, the Pension itself is in a peaceful area. You'll be surrounded by nature. Mountains. Water. Possibly some bugs. Prepare accordingly with bug spray (it's mandatory). The views are stunning if you can peel yourself away from your phone (guilty as charged). It's a great base for exploring the Hwacheon area, which is a hidden gem, in my opinion, if you're into nature, and the outdoors.
Is there anything to DO There? Besides, you know, breathe and sleep?
Oh, absolutely! Hwacheon itself is buzzing with stuff to do, especially depending on the season. There's the Ice Fishing Festival in the winter (brrr!), a tomato festival (who knew?), and the gorgeous Bomi Island, which is like a scenic paradise for walking, cycling, and just being. The area is known for its beautiful rivers and hiking trails.
I did one hike – only one, after my dust bunny incident I opted for less physical activity – and the scenery was breathtaking, even if I did have to stop every ten minutes to catch my breath. (Altitude? Maybe. Lack of fitness? Definitely.). There's also river activities (kayaking, anyone?), depending on the season. And, importantly, there are usually a ton of restaurants nearby where I spend most of my time. The Korean food is, in general, excellent.
Let’s be real: Would you go back?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, despite the dust bunnies (which, I'm fairly certain, are now secretly plotting my demise), the questionable mystery vegetable, and the GPS that seems to enjoy sending me into the wilderness, yes. I think I *would*.Hospitality Trails
