PEDRO'S HOUSE: GWANGJU HOSTEL

October 02, 2013

PEDRO'S HOUSE: GWANGJU HOSTEL

A bike in front of a sign for Pedro's Hostel in Gwangju, South Korea.

Pedro’s House is quietly tucked away in the city of Gwangju, (Jeollanam-do), South Korea, and just happens to be one of the best hostels I’ve ever had the pleasure to stay at. I felt comfortable right away as it’s quite small and offers everything an apartment would have.

An egg in a frying pan, coffee, and bread at Pedro's House in Gwangju, South Korea.

Complimentary breakfast and access to a kitchen at Pedro's House.

There’s a large refrigerator, and a full kitchen with a stovetop. Pedro even keeps his kitchen stocked with beer and wine for nighttime purchase, and includes a complimentary, continental breakfast with freshly brewed coffee and tea in the morning. Access to the kitchen for personal use at all times is one way Pedro helps travelers feel at home.

Pedro’s House is one of the only guesthouses, if not the only one, that caters to foreigners in the city of Gwangju. And Pedro loves to get to know guests through conversation in the comfort of the hostel’s living room, outside on the veranda, or even on the roof.

Pedro, a Korean man in front of a sign for Pedro's House in Gwangju, South Korea.

"Pedro", the owner and operator of Pedro's House in Gwangju, Korea.

Pedro is fluent in English, and is well traveled. In addition to warm hospitality, he arranges and provides personal tours, and is very willing to give information about must-see sights in the area. As a Gwangju native, he also has an inside scoop on best places to eat.

All that (plus Pedro) for 25,000 won per bed a night (shared room) can’t be beat. His place isn’t in an obvious location, but it’s not too far from the bus terminal. It’s safe. His family lives directly below, and if you’re a biker, he’ll let you store your bike in a very secure spot.

If you’ve never been to Gwangju, you should consider making it a weekend destination. It’s a city I didn’t know much about before visiting, but now that I’ve been, I can’t wait to go back. Not only is Gwangju the sixth largest metropolis area in Korea, it’s centrally located near some of the most beautiful places to experience on the peninsula.

Boseong with its famous green tea plantations is just a little over an hour bus ride away. The bamboo forests of Damyang, and Metasequoia Avenue are even closer. You’ve got the incredible bike trail along the Yeongsangang just down the road, and Mokpo with access to hundreds of islands is just a day’s bike ride or a short drive away.

Don’t worry. Pedro’s House has air conditioning as well as a hot shower. And free wireless Internet is available for laptop users, or a desktop computer for those carrying less baggage in the form of technology. Please note Pedro’s House isn’t the type of hostel you’d party hard at. Because it’s so small, guests are reminded to be considerate of others at all times.

Seo-gu Ssanchong-dong 960-6, Yongsan-gu, Gwangju, South Korea | +82 010-9592-9993

Check out Hostel World for more information, photos, and/or to make a reservation. Pedro’s House also has its own website, as well as a Facebook page for tour and travel information.