Escape to Paradise: Jeju's Hidden Gem, The Some Pension!
Escape to Paradise: Jeju's Hidden Gem - The Some Pension! (A Messy, Honest Review)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I just clawed my way back from The Some Pension in Jeju, and I'm still peeling off the layers of relaxation, delicious food, and… well, a few minor annoyances (because let's be real, perfection is boring). This is gonna be less "polished travel brochure" and more "drunken travel blog entry at 3 AM," okay?
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- Title: The Some Pension Jeju Review: Paradise Found (Mostly!) - Accessibility, Amenities & Honest Truths
- Keywords: Jeju, The Some Pension, South Korea, Hotel Review, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, Family Friendly, Luxury, Vacation, Honest Review, Jeju Island, Travel Guide, Accessible Travel, Some Pension, Jeju accommodation.
- Description: A brutally honest review of The Some Pension in Jeju, South Korea. Discover the good, the bad, and the slightly messy aspects of this "hidden gem," including accessibility, amenities (spa, pool, restaurants), and my own personal, often hilarious, experiences. Find out if it’s truly worth the hype!
Okay, NOW we can get messy.
The Arrival & First Impressions - Or, My Brain Exploded (in a Good Way)
First things first: getting to The Some Pension is a breeze. They offer Airport transfer, which is a godsend after a long flight (thank you, actual angels!). And when you pull up, yeah, the view. Ugh. Seriously. It’s the kind of view that makes you wanna just… sigh dramatically. The exterior design is clean, modern, and… it actually fits the landscape. Bonus points for the tasteful touches, not just the usual cookie-cutter hotel design. They even have CCTV outside property which makes you feel a little safer, you know.
Accessibility - Because, Let's Be Inclusive (and Slightly Grumpy)
Okay, accessibility. This is HUGE for me, and I was pleasantly surprised. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, and from what I saw, they're thoughtful. Elevator access is crucial, of course (thank god!), and I believe they have wheelchair accessible rooms. (I didn't personally need them, but I checked with the staff). They were super helpful and accommodating with everything. A+ for that!
Rooms - Where Bliss Meets… a Few Minor Gripes
My room? Oh, my room. The Air conditioning was a life-saver, especially after a day exploring Jeju's volcanic wonders. They have Non-smoking rooms, which is always a win, and… the view from the window? Forget about it. Just breathtaking. They really do nail the "private oasis" vibe. The Bathroom was spacious, with a separate shower/bathtub (luxury!), and the bathrobes felt like a warm hug. So yes, the Air Conditioning was a dream, thank god for that!
The little details? They matter. Daily housekeeping kept everything sparkling. The complimentary tea and coffee (with a coffee/tea maker in the room) was essential. And those blackout curtains were perfect for sleeping off all the on-demand movies I indulged in.
But (there’s always a “but,” isn't there?), and this is where the messiness creeps in: The internet. I mean, they proudly boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, and Wi-Fi [free] throughout the property, and they also have Internet access – wireless in the room, and Internet access – LAN – and… it was still a bit patchy sometimes. Which, honestly, is a minor first-world problem, but when you’re trying to upload your Insta story of that amazing sunset… it’s a tragedy. (First-world problems, I know. I’m working on it!)
Food, Glorious Food! - And My Waistband's Regret
Let’s talk about food. This is where The Some Pension really shines. Restaurants, plural! A buffet in restaurant, yes please. Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast, And a Western breakfast! I had a bit of everything. The desserts in restaurant? Oh, god. I may have blacked out and woken up covered in chocolate sauce. (Kidding… mostly). They offer a vegetarian restaurant too, which is great. And the overall experience with the Asian cuisine in restaurant was lovely. They have Coffee/tea in restaurant and a Coffee shop too.
I'm a sucker for room service [24-hour]. And the bottle of water (always a lifesaver). they gave me the Breakfast in room and the Breakfast takeaway service. A la carte in restaurant with some brilliant dishes. I found a salad in restaurant, and soup in restaurant. They also have a Poolside bar. and a Snack bar. Oh, and the happy hour was a must-do! Because. Well. Vacation.
But one particular experience deserves its own paragraph, maybe its own emotional reaction…
The Ramen Revelation: Or How I Lost My Mind (in a Good Way)
There's one dish, ramen from the restaurant that deserves a special shout-out. It wasn't just good; it was a religious experience. The broth was rich, the noodles were perfectly cooked, and the toppings… oh, the toppings. I swear, I could taste the ocean, the sun, and a hint of pure, unadulterated joy. I devoured it. I then proceeded to re-order it. Then, a third time. I may have shed a single, happy tear. This ramen. This ramen changed me. And I probably dreamt of ramen every night, which, I'm fine with.
Spa & Relaxation - Where I Became a Blob of Bliss (Mostly!)
Okay, the spa. This is what you come to Jeju for. The Some Pension delivers! They have a Spa, Sauna, and even a Steamroom. They also gave me a Body scrub and a Body wrap what else could anyone ask for? I went to the Pool with view and it was so tranquil. The Foot bath was the perfect way to end the day. The Fitness center looked amazing, but… well, ramen, remember? I skipped the gym. (No regrets.) They really do encourage ways to relax.
And one more thing: the massage. Seriously, get one. Just do it. It's that simple.
Cleanliness, Safety & the Not-So-Stealthy Sanitization Squad
Let’s be clear. This year, safety is on everyone's mind. The Some Pension takes this seriously. They have Anti-viral cleaning products and they were very good with all the Daily disinfection in common areas. They also have Sterilizing equipment, and their staff is properly trained in safety protocol, and they have a Doctor/nurse on call. They also have a First aid kit on hand. Plus, they provided Hand sanitizer everywhere, and they gave me some Individually-wrapped food options, and kept the Physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
It’s reassuring to see the measures. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available, which shows respect for your choices. They even used Professional-grade sanitizing services, and Rooms sanitized between stays. And they also are very good with the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. And, of course, there are the Safe dining setup.
Services & Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter (and Where My Brain Starts to Glitch)
They have a Concierge, and Cash withdrawal. They offer Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, and a Doorman. Ironing service? Check. Laundry service? Check. Luggage storage? Check. I’m starting to sound like a broken record. But here comes the mess.
They also have a Gift/souvenir shop. (I may have bought a questionable amount of Jeju-themed trinkets. Don’t judge me.) I'm sure the Meetings, and the Business facilities are great, but honestly, I wasn't in the mood for business. They also have some facilities for disabled guests, which is great.
And the other thing: The Wi-Fi for special events. (Did anyone have a special event? I was too busy eating ramen to find out!). They have a Convenience store on property, which is a godsend when you run out of chips at 2 AM. And the safety deposit boxes in the room is a good touch too!
For the Kids - (I don't have kids, but I eavesdropped!)
They have Babysitting service, and they are very Family/child friendly. They even have a Kids meal! I overheard some families; they seemed happy. I even think they have a nice Pool with view.
Getting Around - (Or, How I Mastered the Taxi App)
The Airport transfer was a huge plus. They also have
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is the raw, uncut, possibly slightly hysterical account of my attempt to conquer Jeju Island, headquartered at The Some Pension. Prepare for chaos, questionable decisions, and the unvarnished truth about my questionable travel skills.
Jeju Island: Operation "Don't Get Lost, Don't Get Eaten by a Volcanic Rock" - The Some Pension Basecamp
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Jeju Confusion
- Morning (8:00 AM): Land in Jeju. I mean, finally. After what felt like approximately 87 hours in the air, and a near-meltdown involving a crying baby and my crippling fear of airplane food, we’re here! The airport is… clean. Surprisingly clean. My first thought? "Well, at least the toilets are probably sanitary."
- Morning (9:30 AM): Taxi to The Some Pension. Finding it was a whole other saga. GPS? Nah. Just vaguely waving my arms and repeating the address in broken Korean and hoping for the best. The taxi driver, bless his heart, just kept smiling and nodding. I’m fairly certain he had no idea what I was saying.
- Morning (10:30 AM): Check-in at The Some Pension. Place is cute! Tiny, with a view of… well, something. I think it’s the ocean. Maybe. The language barrier is real. The owner is lovely, she smiled and gave me a key and that's all I need.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Lunch – or, rather, the desperate search for lunch. Ended up at a random restaurant near the pension. Ordered something that looked vaguely like noodles. Tasted like… well, it was probably noodles. Edible, which is a win. Tried to decipher the menu. Let's just say, Google Translate and charades were my best friends.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Attempted to explore the area. Got immediately lost. The roads are confusing! Everywhere is green, which is nice, but also made everything look the same. Decided to turn back and regroup. The best thing about getting lost: I found a tiny, adorable coffee shop. Score.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Back at the pension. Passed out on the bed. Jet lag is a monster.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner. This time, I was prepared. Had a pre-made list of Korean phrases and practiced them in the mirror. Failed miserably. Ended up pointing at things on the menu and nodding enthusiastically. They seemed happy. I'm happy.
- Evening (8:30 PM): Stargazing (attempted). The sky was beautiful but filled with mosquitos. Ended up running back indoors.
Day 2: The Seogwipo Adventure: A Day for the Senses (and Almost a Disaster)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Okay, today, we're doing things. Headed to the Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls. Pictures, people! Prepare yourselves for Instagram glory! (Okay, maybe not. My photography skills are… developing.) The waterfalls were gorgeous. Lush greenery, the sound of rushing water, the mist in the air… it was magical. Until a rogue mosquito decided my arm was a prime real estate.
- Morning (11:00 AM): The Jungmun Saekdal Beach. Sand between my toes! Waves crashing! Pretty much a perfect beach day…except I forgot sunscreen. That was a burning regret by lunchtime.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch! Found a seafood restaurant. Ordered something that looked like a mountain of seafood. It was! And it was delicious. Seriously, Jeju seafood is something else. Made a total mess, ate like a ravenous beast. Did I care? Nope.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Hiking! Attempted to conquer the Olle Trail (Trail 7, to be precise). I made it about 20 minutes before my legs screamed. Seriously, I'm pretty sure I'm more of a "lie-on-the-sand-and-eat-ice-cream" kind of adventurer!
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Found out there's a chocolate museum about 15 minutes from the Olle Trail. Changed my hiking plans. I'm here for chocolate. Did not regret it.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Back to The Some Pension. Scratched my mosquito bites, applied aloe vera, and collapsed. The day's activities took their toll on me.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner (takeout). Ordered the local black pork. Oh my god. Amazing. I need to eat it every day.
Day 3: Manjanggul Lava Tube & The Mysterious Eastern Side
- Morning (9:00 AM): Manjanggul Lava Tube. Okay, this was seriously cool! Deep, dark… and slightly spooky. Got lost for about 2 minutes. I didn't bring a torch: My bad. Worth it. Absolutely.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Lunch at a cafe near Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak). My expectations were fairly low, but the food was amazing. Every single one of my senses was happy.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak). The climb was brutal but the view was worth it. Got the most amazing pictures. Was also sweating like a pig.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Back to The Some Pension. Exhausted, but happy.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant recommended by the pension owner. It was good, but I couldn't understand half of the menu.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Decided I needed a nightcap, so I went back to the coffee shop. Had fun.
Day 4: The Citrus Tango & The Departure (or, "Will I Ever Leave?")
- Morning (9:00 AM): Today: citrus farms. My apartment smells like oranges. It was fun.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Lunch at the most recommended restaurant. Oh, it was delicious.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Back at The Some Pension. Packing is the worst part I'm sure.
- Evening (5:00 PM): Taxi to Jeju Airport. Goodbye, Jeju! I'll miss you so much. Even the mosquitos. Sort of.
- Evening (8:00 PM): I did it. I survived. Back home.
The Verdict:
Jeju Island is… an experience. It's beautiful, it's confusing, it's exhausting, and it's absolutely worth it. The Some Pension was a perfect base, a peaceful little haven away from the chaos. Would I go back? Absolutely. Though next time, I'm bringing a translator, a map, and a whole LOT of bug spray. And maybe a personal chef to handle the black pork situation.
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Escape to Paradise: Jeju's Hidden Gem - The Some Pension - The Unfiltered Rundown
So, is The Some Pension *really* a hidden gem or just…hype?
Okay, real talk: the “hidden gem” label *always* feels a little suspect, right? Like, everyone’s found it, and now it’s just…normal. But, honestly? The Some Pension in Jeju, it's kinda earned it. I mean, yeah, the pictures are gorgeous. But the reality? Even BETTER. Except…
Let's just say my initial search was a nightmare. I'd typed "Jeju pension, romantic getaway, ocean view, NOT a giant concrete monstrosity," and got about a million hits, mostly with photoshopped photos of couples who looked way too happy. Then I stumbled on The Some. And it felt different. Less… manufactured. And trust me, the photos don't quite capture the… peace. Or the *sheer* amount of fresh air.
So, hype? Maybe. But justified hype, more than a little.
What's the "Some" all about? Like, what IS the vibe? Beachy? Romantic? Family-friendly? (Or something else entirely?)
The Vibe… Okay, here’s where it gets personal. My first thought? "Wow, this is…minimalist chic meets serene Japanese garden." (Yes, I’m pretentious, judge me!). Seriously though, it’s all clean lines, natural materials, and a *total* absence of screaming neon signs. It’s designed for chilling. Like, hardcore chilling.
I went with my partner, and it screamed romance: the private decks, the outdoor tubs, the ocean humming in the background. But… I also saw families there, and they seemed utterly content. It's adaptable. I think the real vibe is *un-doing*. Undoing the stress of city life. Undoing the…everything.
I mean, I actually *relaxed*. That’s saying something. (My therapist is still in shock.)
How do you *get* to this "hidden" paradise? Is it a nightmare to reach? Because public transport in some parts of Jeju is…well…challenging.
Okay, confession: I’m TERRIBLE with directions. Like, I once got lost in a grocery store. So, if *I* can navigate to The Some, you probably can.
Seriously though, renting a car is probably the easiest option. Jeju is relatively easy to drive around, and the pension has parking. If you *must* use public transport, it IS doable, but factor in a longer travel time and some potential frustration. It’s not *right* on top of any major bus routes, so some walking or taxi wrangling is probably involved. I'd recommend biting the bullet and renting a car. Unless you're braver than I am. Which, let's be honest, isn't a high bar.
Is it close to any restaurants or shops? Because I can't survive on air and ocean views alone (even though they are tempting).
This is where the “hidden” part kicks in. While not truly isolated, you're not stumbling into a bustling city center. There are a few restaurants within a short drive - you're not *completely* on your own. But, food is a very real issue. I'm talking, a slight panic attack when I realized I'd forgotten to buy snacks.
So plan ahead. Buy your groceries and drinks. Get a rough idea about the restaurant situation. Or be ready to embrace the pension's tranquility. Honestly, the quiet was pretty great. I just had a brief, intense craving for fries. A *deep* craving.
The rooms...what are they like? Are they clean? Are they well-equipped? (I've heard horror stories…)
Okay, the rooms? Beautiful. Genuinely. I remember walking in and just… taking a breath. Minimalist, sure, but warm and inviting. Think natural wood, soothing neutral tones, and huge windows framing that amazing ocean view. They are so well designed that it makes you feel like you are in a dream.
And *clean*? Spotless. Seriously. I'm a bit of a neat freak, and I wouldn't hesitate to eat off the floors. (Don't worry, I didn't… mostly). They're also well-equipped. Good wifi. A decent kitchen if you want to cook (I failed at that, but the *intent* was there). A comfortable bed. The basics, done *right*. Seriously, the bed… probably my soulmate.
That *outdoor* tub everyone raves about…is it really as good as the pictures? (Asking for a friend…who is me.)
*That* tub. Oh, the tub. Yes, the tub is as good as the pictures. Maybe better. Under the stars, with the ocean breeze and a glass of… something bubbly? Pure bliss.
Okay, let me tell you a story. Picture this: I'm in the tub, soaking, feeling *totally* Zen. The water is the perfect temperature, and the moon is doing *amazing* things. And then… a mosquito. A particularly persistent, bloodthirsty mosquito. I’m waving, slapping, getting increasingly frustrated. My partner is laughing, because they somehow escaped the onslaught. So, I take my defeat and run for it. I go inside and just can't believe it. I forgot to bring bug spray!. But the tub itself? Phenomenal. Do it. Bug spray, or no bug spray, Do. It.
Do they offer any extra services? Like, can you get a massage? Or… room service? (I'm lazy, sue me.)
Room service? Nope. Massages? Sadly, no. This isn’t a full-on resort. It's about the simple pleasures, which, to be honest, is a *huge* part of its charm.
There's a basic kitchen, and the front desk is generally helpful with recommendations. But don't expect a concierge service. This is a place to *be* rather than to be *served*. Plan ahead. Prepare for some self-sufficiency. It's another part of the charm, to be honest.
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