In fact the only hotel in town. If you want to stay in Gwangyang this hotel is really the only option for the non Korean speaking traveler. Location is what Philemo offers most. Twenty minutes to Yeosu airport (RSU), very short drive to POSCO and the new container terminal. This is my third visit over the past few years and I know I’ll be back.

Room was basic but comfortable, large wardrobe with shelving and another with limited hanging space, half of which is taken up by the two comfy bathrobes. Bed was firm and comfortable, four pillows ranging from soft to medium. Could not figure out the heat, used the window to regulate the temperature. Did manage to master the light controls, just kept pushing buttons. Water pressure was good, temperature steady but there was a lack of hot water in the early mornings which was strange because I never saw another guest until my last morning. Bathroom lighting was good enough for shaving. Toilet was the fancy heated seat, water spraying hygienic variety. Electrical outlets are type F so you really need that specific adapter. No universal outlets in the room. Internet by lan cable. I had to drag the desk from the wall and re-plug the cable because it had come loose. Not very clean behind or under the furniture. No WiFi that I could find. Restaurant, coffee shop, bar are one in the same; limited options but the food was fine. There is a phone number listed for room service on the night stand card but as I learned there is no room service. One English language TV channel, CNN.
Outside the hotel entrance turn left and the bus station is next door, two nearby convenience stores; one at the bus station and one directly across from the bus station. Turn right, cross the overhead bridge and there is a nice sized supermarket with a good bakery.

The airport was 15 minutes from the hotel. Suncheon is twenty to sixty minutes away depending on traffic. Busan can be as close as 90 minutes or as far as three hours.

HOTEL PHILEMO
Gwangyang, Korea
19-22APR2012, ROOM 504