Green Homestay - Foreigner Only

Just talk to the hosts. My most memorable experience in Korea. It's a proper homestay. This felt way too genuine for whatever booking.com website usually has. The hosts treated me great. They showed me around the local culture and town, took me on small hiking trips and printed me thoughtful recommendations for my onward travel in Korea. The room has a window to a mountainous view (through a glass balcony) with blinds, large comfortable bed, a closet and enough space for luggage. The room does not neighbor the hosts' private rooms. I came here after seeing the bad score from weird negative reviews at the time. Contrary to another review, the room has both lockable, slidable blurred glass layers as well as blinds operable from the inside only by the guest. They did not enter my room without asking. The shower was completely fine, with warm water and a tub, just without a shower curtain so you have to be careful with splashing the water and use the squeegee after. The window opens to their glass balcony which has a laundry machine that they use sometimes. No one can see in your room if you close the blinds. I got just as much privacy as I asked for, as well as any utilities I might've needed. Just ask. The couple do have their own schedules and work, and they, too, live there and have their own rooms. I did not find them loud or intrusive whatsoever, even as a Nordic person. The living room is spacious and has a beautiful view, but is of course used by the couple whose home you're staying at. I never felt pressured to do or say anything and they accommodated all of my requests with much kindness. They had great interest in me as a person and my culture, and I enjoyed talking and eating with them greatly. They speak English well enough, but if you want to have a deeper conversation, a translation app is an easy help. I learned a lot of Korean.

Come with an open mind and a lot of curiosity and patience and you'll have a great time. Remember that you are a guest and need to accommodate them just as they do you. I don't recommend you come here if you want to be alone the whole time, find big cultural differences uncomfortable or don't want to interact with the hosts. I gave them a recommendation to have a written sheet guide for how to use the things around the house for those not used to the usual Korean utilities. Expect differences in politeness, values, religion and language. Different habits like eating, sleeping, cleaning, recycling, all of these you need to be able to adapt to those you live with, just like in any home, and the hosts will help you with it. They wake up early, so if you need to sleep in past 8 or 9 and need more quiet, tell them the previous night. Even then, consider it a favor to you, as this is their home. Communication fixes most problems you can encounter.