Elafonisi Gyeongju
Many people often cite Busan as the area to visit in South Korea for an unforgettable seaside vacation experience due to its many beaches and coastal areas. But the popular city isn’t the only place in Korea that’s a beach destination.
Sitting along the Sea of Japan is Gyeongju, another coastal city worth a visit. In particular, there’s a resort called Elafonisi Gyeongju which provides front-row access to one of the most stunning sea views, second only to being out at sea itself, where you can have the seaside vacation of a lifetime.
Mesmerising & unobstructed ocean views
Image credit: Elafonisi
Since Elafonisi has an unobstructed view of the sea and horizon, its amenities are carefully designed to provide optimal access to breathtaking visuals of the deep blue waters of the ocean and the skies beyond.
Sheltered & open outdoor infinity pools
Image adapted from: 심주부
Elafonisi has 2 infinity pools, one at the ground floor and the other at the rooftop. The ground floor pool is only open in the summer, while the rooftop pool is heated and has a dome shelter to protect swimmers from natural elements, so it’s open all year round.
Image credit: @hyomin7_
Bubble parties are held at the sheltered pool at 5pm and 5.40pm on Fridays and weekends. Bubble guns fire foam towards the pool for about 20 minutes to make your swimming and splashing sessions just a tad more interesting.
Image adapted from: 져니
There’s also a swing set photo zone set up nearby the pool for guests to take some unique pictures.
Compared to the rooftop sheltered pool, the ground floor pool caters to guests who want to lounge or sunbath. With reclining chairs lined up around the pool and some half-submerged in the water, you can kick back and enjoy the sun and breeze in any way you prefer.
Image credit: 도란도란
The infinity pools also seamlessly blend with the ocean views to make you feel like you’re swimming in the sea.
Image credit: @k22995731
The lounge chairs are sheltered with tropical-themed umbrellas so you get just the right amount of sun.
Room that comes with a variety of amenities
Image adapted from: @ko_u_jin and 베이비티
Hotel rooms at Elafonisi Gyeongju have floor-to-ceiling glass walls and windows facing the sea, so you can enjoy the view all day and night. Every room also has a swing chair for you to kick back and relax too.
Image credit: 도란도란
There are 3 types of hotel rooms and 2 types of pool villas, each with their own set of amenities along with unobstructed sea views.
Image credit: 베이비티
The Deluxe room holds up to 4 people and comes with a bed – 2 if you opt for the Deluxe Twin – a bartop pantry, and windowside swing chair. Starting at KRW129,000 (~USD94) per night for weekdays, it’s ideal for couples or small families.
Image credit: 감소한여인
The pantry is equipped with simple kitchen amenities like an induction cooker, refrigerator, and sink.
Image credit: 박짱
Deluxe rooms called Deluxe Spa rooms come with in-room bathtubs too. Aside from weekends, Deluxe Spa rooms cost the same as Deluxe rooms, so if you’re visiting on weekdays, you know which one to book for that little bit of extra indulgence on your vacation.
You can also order a breakfast set for 2 people for an extra KRW35,000 (~USD26) with a Deluxe or Deluxe Spa stay.
Image adapted from: 도란도란
Suites come with a living room, bedroom, and a fully decked-out kitchen space.
Image credit: Elafonisi
These luxurious lodgings also have a movie room with a projector and recliners to provide you with the best movie night experience.
Image adapted from: 류주
Starting at KRW300,000 (~USD219) per night, the Suite holds up to 6 people, making it a great choice for larger families or groups of friends.
Image credit: Elafonisi
If you prefer a more chalet-like experience, opt for the Pool or Spa Villas starting at KRW330,000 (~USD240) and KRW190,000 (~USD139) respectively.
These come with similar amenities to the Suite, such as the movie room and full kitchen facilities, but it has a much more open layout and access to a private pool/jacuzzi that can be heated to 30°C for KRW70,000 (~USD51) in the winter.
Image credit: Elafonisi
Add on access to the indoor BBQ grill for KRW20,000 (~USD14.50) to enjoy your own KBBQ feast while you’re here. You can either get the BBQ package from Elaofonisi for KRW80,000 (~USD58) per portion, that comes with samgyeopsal and prawns, or buy and bring your own ingredients.
Getting to Elafonisi Gyeongju
If a seaside vacation is what you need to rest and recharge, consider a stay at Elafonisi Gyeongju.
How to get there:
- From Gyeongju Post Office bus stop, take Bus 150 for 37 stops.
- Alight at Yongdang Dojanggok stop.
- Change to Bus 130 and ride for 5 stops to Hoegok-ri.
- Walk back the way the bus came from for around 5 minutes and you’ll arrive at Elafonsi Gyeongju.
Otherwise, a taxi ride from Gyeongju station would cost around KRW41,000 (~USD30).
Address: 1596, Donghaeanro, Gampo-eub, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongbuok
Contact: 054-741-5000 | Instagram
Check-in 3pm | Check-out 11pm
Note that smoking in the rooms or villas is strictly prohibited.
Early check-ins and late check-outs are both chargeable at an additional KRW50,000 (~USD36) each.
Prices may vary depending on the time of booking based on discounts from Elafonisi.
Also check out:
- Nakta: Tropical paradise cafe with outdoor terrace, valley & mountain view
- Mohen Coffee: Industrial-style cafe that resembles a construction site
- Malddong Donut: Dessert cafe perfect for lovers of pink & sweet treats
- Mahogany Coffee: The daisy paradise cafe
- Dalmatian: European-style cafe with dalmatian mascots
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