Here are two great Chungnam staycation places for a family trip (Photography by Kim Jae Gyeong)

What is your biggest concern when looking for a place to go on a family trip? Wouldn’t it be beautiful landscape, private lodging, and various activities? Chungnam, where Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai Steel and Hyundai Seosan Farm are located in, ticks all these boxes. There are a thick forest, a beautiful lake, private pensions, and activities including mud flat experience, etc. But above all what’s most important is a private lodging for just your family. Here are places that would introduce a life with nature to the kids who are used to the city and a green relaxation for the adults who are tired from the busy daily lives.

Zero Place, a space just for our family

You can capture and enjoy the nature on your couch and on your bed (Photography by Kim Jae Gyeong)

Zero Place was renovated into a design pension with Northern European interior from a 25-year-old restaurant. Name of the place shows what this place is all about, going back to the basics, zero. So, it’s filled with elements that reflect giving up the unnecessariness and bringing the positive vibe of life.

The first thing that impresses the guests is a huge garden and just five rooms. It’s perfect for the guests to enjoy private time on their own. All rooms are equipped with a huge glass window and a terrace which comes with fantastic view; looking around the beautiful surroundings will relieve your stress and recharge you with energy. The Family Room even has a bathtub big enough for the parents to enjoy with the kids ？ you will have a blast staying here.

The 1st floor cafe exhibits books and design stationary that will stimulate your five senses (Photography by Kim Jae Gyeong)

And there is a cafe on the 1st floor. This place is just for the guests, and it exhibits various design books, magazines, and design stationary. You can admire works of creators of numerous fields; rediscover the sentiments you had forgotten while living your busy life; and recharge yourself with fun energy. During the day, the cafe serves tea and food, and at night wine and craft beer; it’s truly a cultural space that satisfies both your eyes and your appetite.

+20 Room is equipped with a separate kitchen and a dining table, you can have a private family mealtime (Photography by Kim Jae Gyeong)

The natural surroundings around the place is unbelievable ？ there are several great places for a family day out. Haemieupseong is a place where a Chosun dynasty village is perfectly preserved ？ you can enjoy the spectacular sights and experience traditional games such as Tuho, etc., which also works as a great kids’ photo spot. If you are into art, go visit the Goam Lee Eung-No House Museum where you will find pieces of Lee Eung-No whose works crossed the eastern and western art borders.

Address: 367-19, Illakgol-gil, Haemi-myeon, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea
Inquiries: 0504-0904-2004
▶ Zero Place website: (www.zeroplace.co.kr)

So So Pension, a place in Taean that gives you small but sufficient happiness

There is an outdoor pool for the whole family to enjoy (Photography by So So Pension)

Have you heard of the term slow city? It refers to a place where you can get away from the fast-paced society and where balance between nature and humans exists. So So Pension is a great example of such slow city. Pine trees are abundant between buildings, making you feel as if you are relaxing amidst the greens. The pine forest was preserved perfectly, and buildings were designed to form harmony with the nature. It’s located on a side of the Cheongpodae beach, which allows you to have the perfect ocean view as well.

A room decorated in a minimal, modern concept (Photography by So So Pension)

All 8 rooms are separately located to provide sufficient privacy to the guests. It’s also a great pleasure to take a look around the interior items in the rooms; many have been brought over directly from Europe to create a modern look. Handmade pine tree furniture and nature friendly paint were used for the guests’ comfortable relaxation which is prioritized above all.

You can admire the nature, take a spa, and relax (Photography by So So Pension)

Here you can enjoy small but definitely impressive memories, as they rent out a mini wedding dress, a band, hair accessories, and flower rings. How about making an effort for a special day such as an anniversary or a family event? You can rent them for free, but they are provided on a first-come-first-served basis, so don’t forget to make a reservation.

Small interior items contribute to the cozy bedroom vibe (Photography by So So Pension).

Taean would not be complete without the mud flat experience. A 2-minute walk from the So So Pension will lead you to the Cheongpodae beach. Go on the Taean-gun official homepage; find out about the tide time; and have fun with your family picking up sea creatures such as clams and whelks. It will be a great hands-on chance for the kids to learn about the nature while also having much fun with the mud. The So So Pension will lend out hoes and buckets, so all you need to prepare is flashlights.

Address: 1296-36, Anmyeon-daero, Anmyeon-eup, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea
Inquiries: 010-2473-3442
▶ So So Pension website (www.sosohouse.co.kr)