Happy House Santorini, located in Gyeonggi-do
South Korea’s game is strong when it comes to themed attractions – there’s no lack of themed cafes and parks that you can visit. However, some places stand out from the rest. Case in point: Happy House Santorini.
Happy House Santorini is a pension – a type of laid back lodging – located in Gyeonggi-do. It resembles Santorini, the Greek island famous for its beautiful scenery and white-and-blue buildings. The pension is modelled after the houses in Firá, the capital of Santorini, so staying here will make you feel as if you’re in Greece instead of South Korea.
Happy House Santorini modelled after Greek island
Image credit: @yezzzzzzan9._.9
The pension’s castle-like exterior has the signature blue-and-white colour scheme characteristic of the houses on Santorini.
Image credit: @kimsm_92
The pension is also facing the sea, which further lends to the impression that visitors are on Santorini, even though it isn’t situated on the slope of a mountain.
Rooms at Happy House Santorini
Image credit: Happy House Santorini
All rooms here have a rustic feel, and most have 2 storeys.
There are 3 different categories of rooms, each named after places in Santorini: Oia Room, Imero Room and Fira Room.
Image adapted from: Happy House Santorini
The interior design of the rooms closely emulate those on Santorini, complete with arched open doorways and sloping ceilings.
Image credit: Happy House Santorini
Because of the rustic design, the rooms feel cosy and homely.
Image credit: @gain_gram95
If you’re lucky enough, you’ll get a room with a bathtub that faces the window. Should Lady Luck favour you, we recommend having a relaxing soak while taking in the scenery outside your window.
As not all rooms have bathtubs that face the window, you’ll need to check out all the rooms on their website and make sure you book the correct one.
Image credit: Happy House Santorini
On balmy evenings, head to the balcony where you can view the sea and the pension grounds.
Image credit: Happy House Santorini
Rooms are priced differently depending on the day of the week and room type. There are 3 types: Public Room, Private Room, and Suite Room.Â
From Mondays to Thursdays, room bookings are priced between KRW140,000 (~USD125.10) to KRW160,000 (~USD143) per night.Â
On Fridays, room bookings are priced between KRW140,000 (~USD125.10) to KRW180,000 (~USD160.85) per night.
On weekends, room bookings are priced between KRW220,000 (~USD196.60) – KRW280,000 (~USD250.20) per night.
Prices do not differ much between the Oia, Imero, and Fira room categories. You can take a look at the full pricing list here.
Image credit: Happy House Santorini
Do note that most of the rooms are pretty small, so only a maximum of 4 people can stay in 1 room. Some rooms are even smaller and are meant for 2 people, so remember to book the right one. The maximum number of occupants for each room is listed on their booking site.Â
 If you are planning to stay here with a group of more than 4 people, you will need to book separate rooms.
Facilities at the pension
Image credit: @jjinddaking
The pension doesn’t have private pools in their rooms like some Santorini houses, but it has a public pool that’s big enough for fancy floats.Â
Image credit: hagnasmik
Aside from the swimming pool, there is also a pool table where you can spend a lazy evening playing with your friends.Â
Image credit: @kimyour._
Keep an eye out for the blue swing, which is an ideal photo spot – wear a white outfit to match the blue-and-white theme for maximum aesthetic points.
There are barbeque pits on the pension grounds as well. You can purchase ingredients at the nearby mart and have a BBQ lunch or dinner.Â
Unlike hotels, the pension doesn’t have a restaurant where you can have meals. You will need to visit the nearby marts or eateries to get food.
Visiting Happy House Santorini
Image credit: Happy House Santorini
Despite being unique, Happy House Santorini is a low-key lodging that’s not that well-known to tourists yet.
The pension is in a secluded area on the outskirts of Gyeonggi-do, so if you want to cut down on travelling time, we recommended taking a taxi. Otherwise, you can also rent a car and drive there.
Staying at the pension will be worth it as it really gives you an out-of-town experience and provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.Â
Getting there:
- Alight at Suwon Station, Seoul Subway, Line 1.
- From Exit 6, walk straight to the Suwon Station bus stop.
- Board bus no. 1004.
- Alight at the Sangsaji Entrance bus stop. This bus ride will take approximately 1.5 hours.
- Turn left and walk straight for approximately 40m. You should see a path to your right.
- Turn right and walk straight down the path, until you see another path to your right.
- Turn right and walk straight. You will see Happy House Santorini at the end of the road.
Address: 80-30 Salgoji-gil, Seosin-myeon, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do
Opening hours: 24h, Daily
Contact: 010-3660-6943 | Website
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Cover image adapted from: @j_chanie, @kimyour._ and @kimsm_92