Taean pension with a sunset ocean-view BBQ after rain: The Classic Spa

What is The Classic Spa Pension in Taean like?

The Classic Spa Pension (태안더클래식스파펜션) is a mudflat-experience pension in front of Cheongpodae Beach in Taean. I was planning a Taean trip to finally get some healing time, so I booked The Classic Spa Pension and went!

Parking and beach access

The parking lot in front of The Classic Spa Pension had plenty of room, and next to it there was an extra space for relaxing. I'm not sure what it's for, though!

It was so pretty the moment I got out of the car that I couldn't help going to see the sea. I mean, I could see the sea right as I stepped out! It's really just a 1-minute walk from the pension, so the access is amazing.

When I went in through the entrance, the owner greeted me warmly and showed me to my room. I paid extra for the BBQ.

What is Orchestra Room 302 like inside?

Orchestra Room 302 is a spa room with a floor-to-ceiling ocean view on the 3rd floor of The Classic Spa Pension. Since it's on the 3rd floor, there's even a chair to rest on halfway up!

In Orchestra Room 302, where we stayed, the air conditioner had already been turned on when we walked in, so it was wonderfully cool and comfortable. The blue sea right through the big window works as a backdrop, so it turns into a photo zone! The first thing that caught my eye was the spa with the floor-to-ceiling ocean view.

There's a photo spot with a chair by the window, so definitely take photos right after you walk in, before the sun goes down!!

The bed and small terrace

All the bedding had been replaced, so it felt hygienic, and it was well washed, with no smell at all and nice and fluffy.

Next to the bed there's a small terrace, a great spot to step out, smell the sea air and just zone out at the ocean. Slippers are provided, and I thought it would look lovely with a tripod set up! I had to go to the BBQ, so I couldn't take photos there. T_T In the morning the view is a vivid blue, and in the evening it's a soft pastel tone!

Kitchen and cookware

Orchestra Room 302 has a very high ceiling and an open feel, so it was super bright during the day, and the kitchen was well stocked with pots, knives, plates, cups, tongs, scissors, bowls, scrubbers and more.

Bathroom amenities

The bathroom was clean, the hot water ran well, and shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, toothpaste and towels were provided, so I could pack lighter!

The vanity area

The vanity area has a European feel, so it was pretty for mirror shots too. On the vanity sat a hair dryer, tissues and a remote control.

What are the BBQ fees and rules at The Classic Spa Pension?

For BBQ at The Classic Spa Pension, you can choose between the 1st-floor sea-view BBQ area and the 3rd-floor outdoor lawn BBQ area (fire pit included). Charcoal + grill is ₩20,000 for 2 people, with ₩5,000 added per extra person. If you stay multiple nights, you get one free BBQ grill fee per 2 nights!

• Personal charcoal, grills and portable burners are not allowed
• For everyone's quiet relaxation, all speakers, including phones, are banned in the BBQ area
• The BBQ location may change in bad weather
• By default you use either the 3rd-floor outdoor lawn BBQ area or the 1st-floor BBQ area

Moving to the 1st-floor sunset BBQ area after the rain

It was raining when we went, so at first I signed up for the 3rd-floor BBQ, T_T. The 3rd floor felt like a private rooftop meal, but once the rain stopped, the sunset view turned out so pretty..?

So as soon as we arrived I asked the owner whether I could switch to the 1st-floor BBQ area, and he said there happened to be one slot open, so I switched quickly and used the BBQ area at the last slot, 8 pm. Oceanview BBQ with the sound of waves, the sunset and the night sea.. I was worried about bugs, but I didn't get bitten by a single mosquito and didn't have to think about bugs at all! (Thin long pants and a thin windbreaker recommended)

The meat we grilled at the BBQ

The grill in the 1st-floor BBQ area had strong heat, so the meat was golden outside and the juices stayed locked in, making every bite really chewy and savory. I don't usually eat much meat, so I prepared a moderate amount, but maybe thanks to the atmosphere, it was so tasty that we ran short.

Where is the nearest convenience store for groceries?

A 3-minute walk along the parking lot line from The Classic Spa Pension, there was a big E-Mart convenience store. It had everything from mudflat gear to fireworks, rash guards and BBQ supplies, so even if you only bring the meat, you can get everything else here..?

After the BBQ, we cooked Han River ramyeon (instant noodles cooked in a machine) at the E-Mart convenience store, brought it back and ate it in the room as round two. If you want to shop bigger, Taean Local Food or Cheongpodae Hanaro Mart is a 5-minute drive away!

When and how can you use the ocean-view spa?

The Classic Spa Pension provides a free bubble bath product for the oceanview spa rooms from 6 pm to 11 pm! (free once per night) I started the spa around 10:30 pm after the BBQ, and just filling the water took about 30–40 minutes.

How does the free Cheongpodae mudflat experience work?

The Classic Spa Pension lends out a hoe, boots and a basket for clam digging and night-time shore foraging for free, so you can use them easily and just rinse them clean and put them back. Before heading out, checking the "Taean tide table" is a must.

The night before, I checked the tide table too, and so many people were heading out until 11 pm with lights on their heads to forage?! Our tide was at 8 am, so we dragged ourselves out with sleepy eyes, but the sea is right in front, so getting there was really easy.

Price, check-out and nearby places to visit

The Classic Spa Pension is a good-value pension at a reasonable ₩100,000-range price on off-season weekdays, so it feels easy to come without worrying about the cost. At check-out, collect your trash in a plastic bag and put it in the box in the 1st-floor lobby for recycling.

The Taean Tulip Festival (7 minutes), Chungsan Arboretum, Farm Camille, a light festival and more are all within a 10-minute drive, so it's great for planning your route too! I heard the owner also runs a newly built hotel, "Stay Doyu", and I was satisfied enough with this stay that I definitely want to visit Stay Doyu next time.

Visitor information

• Location: 57-60 Cheongpodae-gil, Namyeon-myeon, Taean-gun, Chungnam (The Classic Spa Pension)
• Room: Orchestra Room 302
• Parking: free in the lot in front of the pension (the parking bar password is texted on the day)
• Check-in 3 pm / check-out 11 am (no early check-in; please keep to the times)