We loved our stay at Smiley Resort! We did a girls road trip through South Korea and wanted to see Seoraksan. This place was in a great location for seeing the mountain. It was possible to walk to the national park from the hotel, but the bus stop is right down the street. The owners were so incredibly friendly and welcoming! Immediately we felt at home! I want to come back to Seoraksan to explore more of the hiking trails and would love to come back to Smiley Resort! We wish we could’ve stayed here longer! Everyone was so kind and sweet!
Very friendly and helpful owners. A good base if your aim is to stay within 20min bus ride to the park entrance and you are on a tight budget.
Basic motel in an area which was once the main gateway for the park. Now it has mostly empty and abandoned motels and hotels in something that resembles a post apocalypse time. Seems safe but only two tiny supermarkets with very basic things to buy. There a so called “shopping centre area” where the bus stop is located but, just like the abandoned hotels, it looked past its golden age.
The hotel/hostel provides towels which are smaller than a hand towel (no bath towels) - no change of towels, cleaning of the room or even garbage collection while we were there.
Staying in the city centre, although more expensive and further from the National park entrance seemed like a better, and less depressing option. But again if you aim to start hiking early perhaps stay one night closer to the park entrance.
The couple that manages the hotel is lovely!