Hoengseong Spa Pension Lovestar in Forest offers a peaceful forest retreat with a private BBQ terrace, whirlpool spa, outdoor pool, and fresh mountain air, just 5 minutes from Welli Hilli Park.
Hoengseong Spa Pension Lovestar in Forest – A Quiet Forest Retreat for True Rest
Some trips are about sightseeing, and some are simply about slowing down.
This stay in Hoengseong Spa Pension, Lovestar in Forest was firmly the latter.
Tucked deep in the forest, surrounded by tall trees and clean mountain air, this spa pension offered exactly what we needed: quiet time, good food, warm water, and complete mental reset. With a private BBQ terrace, an in-room whirlpool spa, and even an outdoor swimming pool for warmer seasons, it was a place designed for rest rather than activity.
Hoengseong itself had always been a place I simply passed through, except for the occasional hanwoo meal. But spending a night here, breathing in crisp forest air and watching the sky change color through the trees, completely changed my impression of the area.
Overview of Hoengseong Spa Pension, Lovestar in Forest
Location & Accessibility
Address:
35-19, Gowon-ro 425beon-gil, Dunnae-myeon, Hoengseong-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Looking at the map, one thing becomes clear immediately: there’s almost nothing around. And that’s exactly the charm. No busy roads, no commercial noise—just forest, sky, and silence.
Despite the remote feel, the pension is surprisingly accessible. From Seoul, it took about 1 hour and 50 minutes by car on a weekday, roughly the same distance as Hongcheon. The moment we left the city, the sky seemed to clear, and by the time we reached Hoengseong, the air felt noticeably fresher and colder in the best possible way.
The final five minutes require extra attention—follow the navigation carefully and look for the signs, or you may end up looping the same rural road once more, like we did.
Pickup Service
Hoengseong Spa Pension, Lovestar in Forest also offers pickup service from two nearby locations:
- Welli Hilli Park
- Dunnae Hanaro Mart
Pickup must be arranged in advance when making a reservation.
more info : Official Site
First Impressions & Outdoor Facilities of Hoengseong Spa Pension, Lovestar in Forest
Upon arrival, the owner greeted us warmly, making us feel more like guests at a countryside relative’s home than visitors at a commercial accommodation. Parking was spacious, and even electric vehicle charging was available.
Hoengseong Spa Pension, Lovestar in Forest consists of 12 individual wooden cottages, scattered along the hillside. Options range from cozy 2-person duplex rooms to large houses accommodating up to 10 guests. Infants and children are included in the standard occupancy, and exceeding the maximum capacity is not allowed.
For pet owners, some cottages allow small dogs under 5kg, with an additional fee per dog.
Outdoor Swimming Pool
On the way up to the cottages, the first major facility you encounter is the outdoor swimming pool. Surrounded entirely by trees, it feels private and refreshing. The pool operates seasonally, typically from early May until Chuseok, depending on weather conditions.
Lounge & Shared Facilities
At the center of the pension grounds is a small self-service lounge and café area. Guests can enjoy welcome tea, borrow board games, use shared seasonings, and even rent badminton equipment or pool floats when available.
The Lovestar Room – Interior Overview of Hoengseong Spa Pension, Lovestar in Forest
We stayed in Lovestar, a duplex-style cottage designed for two guests and located at the very top of the property. The climb was definitely the most physically demanding part of the stay—but the reward was a stunning forest view and complete privacy.
Layout
- Entrance with bathroom
- Open living area with kitchen
- Spiral staircase leading to the loft-style bedroom
- Private terrace with BBQ setup
The living room was compact yet comfortable, with a sofa and small dining table. Floor heating and an additional heater ensured warmth, though it took some time for the heat to fully settle due to the duplex structure.
Bedroom (Loft)
The spiral staircase may feel steep, but it’s sturdy and well-built. The loft ceiling is surprisingly high, and a window frames the trees beautifully—waking up to that view alone was worth the climb.
Bathroom & Spa
The bathroom featured a well-maintained whirlpool spa tub, complete with bubble solution provided. Amenities included shampoo, conditioner, soap, towels (three per person), hair dryer, and even shower filters. Personal toothbrushes and cleansers should be brought separately.
A thoughtful touch was the inclusion of a soft lounge robe—perfect for post-spa relaxation.
Private BBQ Experience of Hoengseong Spa Pension, Lovestar in Forest
The private terrace was easily one of the highlights of the stay. Guests simply call the owner about 30 minutes before their desired BBQ time, and the charcoal grill is prepared for them.
- BBQ Fee:
- KRW 20,000 for 2–3 guests
- Additional KRW 10,000 per extra guest
Using Gangwon hardwood charcoal and a Weber-style grill, the fire stayed strong even in cold weather. We cooked seafood, sausage, mushrooms, and grilled fish, enjoying the quiet forest night with just the sound of crackling charcoal.
Though winter air cooled food faster, the warmth from the grill made the experience comfortable and cozy.
Whirlpool Spa Time at Hoengseong Spa Pension, Lovestar in Forest
After dinner, the final and most anticipated activity was the whirlpool spa. Hot water, bubbles, and complete silence—it was the perfect way to unwind after driving and cooking.
The tub filled quickly, bubbles were strong, and soaking late into the night led to one of the deepest sleeps we’d had in weeks.
Morning & Check-Out
Morning arrived quietly, wrapped in warmth. Despite winter temperatures, the heating worked so well that blankets were barely needed. Cleaning up, separating trash, and checking out was simple—just a quick call to the owner.
There are multiple recycling stations along the paths, making disposal easy depending on your route down.
Final Thoughts about Hoengseong Spa Pension, Lovestar in Forest
Hoengseong Spa Pension Lovestar in Forest is not about luxury in the traditional sense. It’s about space, air, quiet, and time. The kind of place where your mind slows down without effort.
Whether you’re visiting as a couple, planning a quiet retreat, or looking for a peaceful base near Welli Hilli Park, this pension delivers genuine rest. It’s a place you leave feeling lighter, calmer, and already planning a return.
If you’re looking for a true forest healing stay in Gangwon-do, this Hoengseong spa pension deserves a spot on your list.
Related post about Pension in Gangwondo : Hongcheon River View Pension – A Quiet Healing Stay Near Vivaldi Park, Morning Terrace Pension
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