Smile Resort

Smile Resort is a small property at the foot of Seoraksan, backing onto a stream. Read the reviews and the owner comes up before the facilities, and a striking number of them end by saying they miss that smile.

It's a different thing from the flashy resort that might come to mind, but it fits a trip where you want a quiet night near the mountain and your hiking boots on early in the morning.

What guests like

• The Owner's Hospitality

  Reviews overwhelmingly single out the kindness of the owner and his family, and several mention being told directly about hiking courses and places worth seeing.

• Close to the Seoraksan Entrance

  Reviews say the entrance to Seoraksan National Park is close enough to walk to, and the bus stop is a 5-minute walk away.

• Valley Stream Beside the Property

  Open the door and a clear valley stream runs right there; reviews mention resting to the sound of the water alongside ones saying it would be great for kids to splash around in.

• Simple Breakfast

  Breakfast is set out with bread, eggs, cereal, and coffee, and reviews say the kids loved it.

• Good value

  The same line — satisfying for the price — repeats identically across both Korean and international reviews.

• Deck Barbecue

  You can barbecue on the deck, which reviews say makes it a good place to spend an evening with family or a group.

Good to know

• Showing its age

  Several reviews note the building is old, so if you're expecting the polish of a new property you may be disappointed.

• Shops nearby

  Reviews note there aren't many restaurants or convenience stores nearby, and that downtown Sokcho and the beach take a drive of ten minutes or so.

Recommended for

• Base for Hiking Seoraksan
• Family Stay Beside a Valley Stream
• A Quiet Night in Sokcho

Explore the property

Low-slung at the foot of the mountain, the building looks modest at first glance. It shows its age, but reviews mention it has been run by three generations, and some say that oldness felt warm rather than worn.

The lobby is closer to a place where you end up chatting with the owner. One review recalls being handed ssuktteok (mugwort rice cake) while waiting on a load of laundry, another discussing hiking routes.

Reviews often call the rooms basic but comfortable, and comments on cleanliness are generally good. Some even say you can feel the owner's care in the bedding, so it looks like plenty for a night's sleep after a hike.

Breakfast is a simple spread — bread and coffee, cereal, fruit, and toast. One review was moved by how carefully it was prepared, so it's a breakfast that stays with you for the thought rather than the volume.

Luggage storage, free self parking, and a terrace make it easy to plan a hiking schedule. Reviews mention borrowing trekking poles and paying a small fee to run a load of laundry, so a stay of several days works fine too.

Both the window view and the backyard open onto the mountain and a stream. One review — that listening to the sound of the valley stream felt like your mind resting — sums up the mood of this place best.

Key information

Location & nearby

Reviews say the entrance to Seoraksan National Park is close enough to reach in a little over an hour on foot, and the stop for the No. 7 and No. 7-1 buses is a 5-minute walk. It makes a good starting point for a Sokcho itinerary that moves between mountain and sea.

In exchange, there aren't many shops around, and reviews note it takes a drive of ten minutes or so to reach downtown Sokcho or the beach. Picking up something for dinner in advance makes for a far more relaxed day.

Policies and notices

These details were provided by the property on MyRealTrip. Prices and policies may change; check the latest terms before booking.

• 송 송*진 · 1년 전

  가성비 좋아요 아침도 빵과 달걀 커피 시리얼맘껏 먹을수 있어서 애들이 좋아하고 엄청시설좋진 않지만 편안하게 잠을 잘수 있었어요

  🛏 패밀리 스튜디오

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