Unbelievable South Korea Getaway: Tomonoya Hotel & Ryokan, Boryeong-si!
Unbelievable South Korea Getaway: Tomonoya Hotel & Ryokan, Boryeong-si! - A Review That's Honestly, a Mess (But in a Good Way)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from the Tomonoya Hotel & Ryokan in Boryeong-si, South Korea, and honestly? My brain is still trying to sort through the sheer volume of… well, everything. This isn't going to be your perfectly polished, cookie-cutter review. This is going to be a chaotic, slightly sleep-deprived, utterly honest account of a trip that was… something.
Metadata, Because SEO is Apparently a Thing:
- Title: Tomonoya Hotel & Ryokan Review: Boryeong-si, South Korea - The Good, The Quirky, and The Kimchi. (And the Laundry!)
- Keywords: Tomonoya Hotel, Boryeong-si, South Korea, Ryokan, Hotel Review, Spa, Swimming Pool, Beach, Accessible, Food, Asian Cuisine, Cleanliness, Safety, Family Friendly, Couple's Getaway, Wellness, Relaxation, Onsen, South Korean Experience, Travel, Review.
- Category: Travel, Hotels, Asian Resorts
First Impressions: Finding the Damn Thing (And the Elevator!)
Alright, first things first: getting to the Tomonoya was an adventure in itself. GPS signals in Boryeong-si are… a little… optimistic. I swear, at one point, it told me to drive through a rice paddy. Eventually, though, after a healthy dose of "lost in translation" with my taxi driver, we arrived. The exterior, while grand, didn't scream "accessible." I was a little concerned, to be honest. But then, boom, elevator! Because let's be real, after a 12-hour flight and navigating the labyrinthine Korean subway system with my luggage, I was not up for stairs.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Okay
- Wheelchair Accessible: Now, this is where things get slightly messy. The hotel claims to be wheelchair accessible, and yes, there's an elevator. But the pathways around the pool area? Well, let's just say my companion with mobility issues had a few… shall we say… challenging moments. Some areas were definitely not ideal. So, accessibility gets a solid "Meh." Could be better, but it's trying.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: This is a plus! I saw signage, but didn't fully try, so it's a "Believe!"
- Elevator: Thank GOD for the elevator! See above. Seriously, lifesaver.
Rooms: Like a Dream… with a Few Minor Hiccups.
The room itself? Pretty darn wonderful.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
The bed? Seriously, I could have stayed there for a week. The sound of nothing was the best. The Wi-Fi was strong and they did it right, with free Wi-Fi in all rooms. The included LAN was a little old-school, but I'm a millennial, so I still know how to use one. I needed to iron a shirt - the ironing facilities were welcome. The amenities were great. The included toileteries were pretty useful too.
Now, for the hiccups. The view, gorgeous, but the blackout curtains, too strong! I had to wake up and do the wake-up service. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. The Internet access – LAN was not as strong as the 🛜 Internet access – wireless - a little clunky.
Eating and Drinking: A Buffet of (Mostly) Deliciousness
The food. Oh, the food! This is where Tomonoya truly shines. I’m not exaggerating when I say I gained a few pounds. But, WORTH IT. Let's break it down:
- * Asian cuisine in restaurant: A must-do, even if sometimes you don't know what you're eating.
- * Breakfast [buffet]: Ah, the breakfast buffet. It was a spectacle. They actually had things I could eat! The Korean breakfast options were incredible. The kimchi? The kimchi was a revelation. I'm not a huge fan, but they had some milder versions that I actually, genuinely, enjoyed. Every morning, I was like, "I will eat sensibly today." And every morning, I failed spectacularly. The buffet was an experience.
- * Lunch:
- * Dinner:
- * * Restaurants: "There are a few. It's a little confusing which ones are which and if you need to make reservations."
- * Poolside bar: If only it wasn't raining, I wanted to try this.
- * Room service [24-hour]: Yes, I abused this. Spicy ramen at 2 am hits different.
- * Coffee shop: Coffee was standard.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day to the Extreme!
Relaxation is the name of the game here. They know what they're doing.
- * Spa: You. Must. Go. The spa itself is an oasis, a place you can easily forget you're in the middle of a bustling hotel.
- * Sauna: So. Good. Cleansed the soul.
- * Steamroom: See above, but even steamier.
- * Massage: The massage was… intense. In a good way? Yes. My knots were annihilated. I think they may have used a bamboo stick at one point. No regrets.
- * Pool with view: Gorgeous, but crowded.
- * Swimming pool [outdoor]: I didn't get to try it as the weather wasn't great, but it looked lovely.
- * Gym/fitness: I saw a gym too.
- * Body scrub: A little rough, but well worth it.
- * Foot bath: This was a new one for me. I loved it, it helped with tired feet!
I spent a whole afternoon flitting between the sauna, the steam room, the pool (briefly, because it was a bit chilly), and getting massages. Honestly, it was bliss. I highly recommend building in a dedicated spa day. You won't regret it.
Cleanliness & Safety: Pretty Damn Impressive, Honestly.
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, and I have to say: I felt safe. Like, really safe.
- * Anti-viral cleaning products and Professional-grade sanitizing services: I could practically smell the cleanliness.
- * Hygiene certification: Great!
- * Daily disinfection in common areas: They were constantly cleaning.
- * Staff trained in safety protocol: All of them were wearing masks.
I felt really safe. The rooms felt clean. A+, in my book.
For the Kids & Families: A Family-Friendly Vibe
- * Family/child friendly: There were plenty of families, and the hotel seemed well-equipped.
- * Babysitting service: Convenient.
- * Kids meal: It may have been a good option.
Services & Conveniences: A Little Bit of Everything
- * Concierge: Very helpful and spoke English well.
- * Cash withdrawal: Very convenient.
- * Convenience store: Excellent for grabbing late-night snacks and those little emergency travel items.
- * Laundry service: Lifesaver.
- * Dry cleaning: I didn't need it, but good to know!
- * Elevator: Essential.
- * Cashless payment service: Easy.
- * Daily housekeeping: My room was always perfect.
Things I Didn't Get To… But Definitely Want To:
- The Shrine.
- Meeting/banquet facilities.
- Everything else!!
The Quirks & Imperfections: Because Let's Be Real
Look, it wasn’t perfect. There were a few things that weren’t perfectly smooth on the outside. Nothing huge, just little
AJWA Dates: Cappadocia's Hidden Secret (Urgup, Turkey)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile travel itinerary. This is my potential trip to Tomonoya Hotel and Ryokan in Daecheon, South Korea, and trust me, things are going to get REAL. Prepare for a rollercoaster of kimchi breath and existential dread.
Day 1: Seoul to Daecheon - The Great Train Adventure (Or, How I Almost Missed Everything Before It Started)
- Morning (Let's call it "Morning-ish" because, realistically, I'm a late sleeper): Woke up in Seoul, which is already a victory considering my typical track record of somehow ending up in the wrong country. Grabbed a lukewarm coffee and a pastry that tasted suspiciously like cardboard (typical Korean breakfast) - fuel is fuel, I tell myself. Panic set in when I realized my attempt to understand train tickets online was a complete and utter failure. I envisioned myself stranded in a train station, weeping on the ground surrounded by confused grannies and a mountain of luggage. Luckily, a super-helpful Korean woman (bless her soul) sorted me out. Saved my sanity.
- Mid-day (The "Holy Crap, I'm on a Train!" Phase): On the train! The KTX's are actually pretty spiffy. Clean, fast, and the seats recline. I settled in, feeling a mix of excitement and sheer terror because I was finally on the way. I'm always terrified when taking a journey especially train, I'm the paranoid that something would happen. Suddenly, I was staring blankly out the window, wondering if I should bring a bunch of snacks, and then an hour later was eating a bag of chips and getting a good laugh at the scenery.
- Afternoon ("Arrival and Immediate Mishaps"): Arrived in Daecheon. Now, I have to get to the Tomonoya. This is where things took a turn for the "interesting." I tried my best at navigating the bus system (which is WAY beyond my limited Korean). Let's just say I ended up on a scenic tour of the countryside, which was lovely in its own masochistic way because I thought I was going to get killed. Found the hotel Eventually. Check the room. Everything feels like a dream.
- Evening ("The Ryokan Experience Begins (And My Stomach Begins Rumbling)"): Found the Ryokan. The hotel's decor and atmosphere is stunning. The traditional Korean design makes me feel like I've stepped back in time. Ate dinner at the Ryokan. The food was incredible. The portions were perfect, but my stomach was still asking for more. I had to go to a convenience store at 1 am to get some snacks.
Day 2: Daecheon Exploration - Beaches, Mud, and Maybe a Little Bit of Enlightenment
- Morning ("Beach Bliss (and Sunburn Terror)"): Drove and went to various beaches!! The ocean views and salty air are great! After a while, the sun burned my skin. I spent the morning lounging on a beach chair, but I was quickly getting sunburned. I could not withstand the sunlight and I can't relax. I guess it wasn't a perfect experience.
- Afternoon ("Mud-tastic Adventures - and Possibly Losing a Shoe"): Headed to the Boryeong Mud Festival site, even though I'm not there during the festival. I paid and went in (without the festival). The mud is cool, especially when you see other people get stuck and struggle. I got covered in mud, it was so enjoyable!
- Evening ("Dinner and Stargazing (If I Can Find My Way Back)"): Back at the hotel. Had dinner at the hotel again. Feeling grateful for the clean, heated blanket and my beautiful room with ocean views. I will be staying up to watch the stars.
Day 3: Sensory Experiences, Travel and Return - (The Day I Embrace My Inner Weirdo)
- Morning ("The Hot Springs and Sensory Overload"): Heading to the hot springs. Soaking in the warm water, letting all my worries melt away. The steam is so relaxing.
- Afternoon ("Shopping and Coffee"): Drove and shopped. Bought some souvenirs for friends and family. Enjoyed a cup of coffee.
- Evening ("Arrival and Reflection"): Arrived. Ate some dinner, watched some TV. Thinking about the whole trip, I realized, no matter how carefully you plan a trip, it will never go according to plans. I feel gratitude for the experience.
Things I'm Probably Forgetting (and That's Okay!):
- The Laundry Situation: Praying I don't end up wearing the same wrinkled t-shirt for a week.
- The Language Barrier: My Korean vocabulary consists of "hello," "thank you," and "kimchi please." Wish me luck!
- The Emotional Baggage: Every trip is a chance to reflect, to grow, and to inevitably realize how deeply flawed I am. Looking forward to all of it.
Final Thoughts (Probably Rambling):
This trip isn't about checking off boxes on an itinerary. It's about the moments, the mishaps, the connections (or lack thereof), and the messy, beautiful reality of travel. I'm going to get lost. I'm going to embarrass myself. I'm going to eat too much kimchi (definitely). And I'm going to learn something, even if it's just that I should've packed more sunscreen. Cheers to the journey!
Grossarl's Hidden Gem: Hotel Gratz - Unforgettable Austrian Escape!
So, what *is* this Tomonoya place, anyway? Sounds fancy.
Okay, the official line is: a hotel and ryokan (traditional Japanese-style inn) in Boryeong-si, South Korea. Essentially, they've imported a slice of Japan right into the heart of the Korean mud festival madness. Think tatami mats, futon beds, private onsen (that's hot springs, people!), and robes so comfy you'll never want to wear real clothes again. My reality? A beautiful clash! It's like finding a secret garden in the middle of a neon-lit fish market. It's a refuge from the chaos, but you can still HEAR the chaos. And the mud. Oh, the mud...
Is it actually worth the hype? Is it, you know, *good*?
Alright, full disclosure: I went in with HUGE expectations, probably fueled by too many Instagram posts. And... it's complicated. The *place*? Stunning. The architecture? Incredible. The feeling of stepping into a different world? Unmatched. The *experience*? Uh… well, my first onsen experience went something like "OMG, I'm naked in front of strangers! Wait, is that a… mud-covered person? Oh, God, here comes the steam! Am I melting?" But after the initial freak-out, yeah, good. Seriously good. Relaxing? Utterly. The food? (More on THAT later…) So, yeah, for the right person and the right mindset, absolutely. If you're a control freak? Maybe not. You'll learn to surrender to the rhythm of the place, or you'll just… simmer in your own anxiety. I was a simmerer for, like, an hour.
Let's talk about those onsen. Are they… awkward? Seriously.
Okay, the naked part? Yeah, it's still a thing. And yes, it *is* a bit weird at first. Imagine a bunch of perfectly ordinary human beings, all stripped down, and suddenly very, very aware of their own bodies. There's a nervous energy. Like, we’re all pretending we don’t see each other’s… well, everything. My advice? Embrace the awkwardness. Pretend you're a graceful geisha, or a stoic samurai, or, you know, just a person. The water is divine. The initial discomfort melts away faster than a snowman in a sauna. (I've said "sauna" too much) The water is divine, once you get past the initial "I'm naked!" freak-out. And hey, everyone's in the same boat (or, you know, the same steaming pool). Just remember to shower first, people! Don't be *that* person.
What about the food? Is it authentic? Delicious? Or mostly lukewarm seaweed?
Okay, this is where things get… interesting. *The food*. I walked in thinking "Japanese!", prepared for delicate sushi and miso so smooth it could make angels weep. What I got… was a journey. In a GOOD way but also in a kinda... "Huh?" way. The *presentation* was gorgeous. Seriously, tiny little plates, artfully arranged. The *taste*? Mixed. Some things were utterly divine. The fresh fish? Perfect. Other things? Questionable. There was this… *thing*. I'm still not sure what it was. Pickled something? Fermented… vegetable? It tasted like my grandmother's basement in July. I bravely ate it. I didn't die. But, I wasn’t keen on having it again. My emotions were on a rollercoaster. One minute, pure joy, the next, a silent, tear-filled negotiation with my inner child about "finishing my plate." Overall... it was an experience. It was *memorable*. It was… food.
What if I don't speak Korean or Japanese? Will I be completely lost?
Okay, YES, it's gonna be a challenge. Mostly, you're going to get along with a mix of charades, Google Translate, and a whole lot of polite smiling and bowing. The staff are generally friendly, but English fluency varies widely. It's part of the charm, and part of the challenge. I felt like a silent movie star, trying to communicate with nothing but facial expressions. Sometimes, that worked. Often, it didn't. Like the time I tried to order a coffee and ended up with… a green tea concoction that tasted suspiciously like grass clippings. But y’know what? It was an adventure. It forced me to slow down, to *observe*, to really *feel* the environment. And hey, a little lost-in-translation never hurt anyone. Okay, maybe it hurt *me* a little while I was frantically googling, "How do I say 'I accidentally ordered something that tastes like… weeds?'" But I survived!. Just bring a translator app and a sense of humor. Seriously, the humor will keep you sane.
Tell me about the Mud Festival, because, yeah, that's a *thing*, right?
Oh, the mud. The glorious, glorious mud. Okay, so the Tomonoya is convenient to the Boryeong Mud Festival.. I went! I embraced the mud. I became one with the mud. I think I *ate* some mud. (Don't judge me, it was an accident!) It's absolute chaos. Glorious, gleeful, mud-covered chaos. Picture a giant playground filled with adults acting like kids. Slip 'n' slides, mud wrestling, mud massages (yes, really!), and enough mud to fill a small ocean. Your clothes will be ruined, your hair will be a tangled mess, and you'll laugh until your face hurts. It is exhausting, exhilarating, and I 100% recommend it. Just, maybe, bring a hazmat suit and a VERY good shower schedule. And be prepared to find mud in places you NEVER imagined. I am still discovering mud in my suitcase. It's a gift that keeps on giving.
Is there anything *bad* about it? Be honest!
Okay, okay, the honesty hour. The biggest downside? The price. It's not a budget-friendly getaway. You're paying for the experience, the ambiance, and the fact that you feel like you've teleported to a different world. The service can be a little… uneven. Sometimes wonderfully attentive, sometimes a bit… absent. And the language barrier, as I said, can be a challenge depending on the staff. But honestly? The good outweighed the bad. The sheer uniqueness of the experience made it worth every penny (once I stopped hyperventilating about the cost). It's a place where you reconnect with yourself, escape the everyday grind, and embrace a little bit of beautiful, glorious, messy imperfection.
