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Yeongwol Donggang Cistar Workation Review: Rooms, Breakfast & More
🌲 Yeongwol, Gangwon-do Topsten Resort Donggang Cistar Workation & Accommodation Review
Yeongwol in Gangwon-do is a region famous for its pristine natural environment. It’s easily accessible from Seoul in just over two hours, and the scenery along the Donggang River attracts a steady stream of tourists every year.
Topsten Resort Donggang Cistar is known as a family vacation spot, and it’s also becoming popular among digital nomads and freelancers due to its well-equipped workation spaces.
I visited in December 2024 for both a vacation and a workation, so I took a close look at both the accommodation and the two different work spaces.
🏨 The Accommodation: Topsten Resort Donggang Cistar
✅ Accommodation Details
- Name: Topsten Resort Donggang Cistar
- Location: 160 Sajimak-gil, Yeongwol-eup, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do (26223)
- Price: Check the official website for actual prices. I used a workation discount and paid about ₩100,000 for two nights with one extra person. The base rate was for two people.
- Facilities: Terrace, kitchen (including cooking facilities), family room, restaurant, free Wi-Fi, free parking
- Amenities: 3 restaurants, garden, terrace, BBQ available, ATM, convenience store, souvenir shop, golf course, table tennis, swimming, fishing, etc.
- Special Features: There is a space that allows pets! Note that an additional fee may apply for pets.
- Phone: +82-33-905-2000
- Other: Check-in from 3:00 PM / Check-out until 11:00 AM
🛏️ Room Review
The room was clean and cozy. The bed was large and the mattress was firm, which was perfect for relaxing after a long day of travel. The bedding was clean, and the quiet environment made it easy to get a good night’s sleep.
The living room had a spacious sofa, a table, and a large TV, which was great for families. It was a comfortable place to relax and watch a movie after finishing work for the day.
The kitchen space was another plus. It came with a refrigerator, a microwave, a rice cooker, and basic kitchenware, so I could easily cook simple meals. This is an essential feature for long-term stays or families with children, so I was very satisfied.
The bathroom was well-maintained and hygienic, with shampoo and body wash provided. The shower stall was spotless, with no water stains or mold. The toilet, shower, and sink areas were separated, making the bathroom very efficient to use.
The terrace was the highlight of the room. Opening the door in the morning revealed fresh air and an unobstructed view of the mountains. Sipping coffee in the warm sunlight, I felt a sense of peace that is impossible to find in the city. Taking a break on the terrace while working was a great way to recharge.
🍳 Breakfast & Restaurant
The breakfast was a la carte, not a buffet. It seemed that this was the case on weekdays, and they only offered a buffet on weekends.
A staff member served a warm Korean meal with soup and side dishes. The clean and well-put-together meal was very satisfying. The kimchi, vegetables, and rolled omelet were all neatly arranged, and the soup was rich in flavor.
The restaurant itself was spacious and comfortable. The tables were generously spaced, allowing for a quiet meal, and the window seats were bathed in sunlight, making for a relaxing start to the day. The breakfast was a great way to start the day feeling full and ready.
💻 Workation Space Comparison
The biggest appeal of Donggang Cistar was that it had two dedicated workation spaces.
1️⃣ The first space was a pet-friendly workspace.
Each desk had a divider for better focus, and there were even special cushions for pets. It was an optimal environment for those traveling with pets. The fact that it was open 24/7 was also a big plus. You could go in and use it freely even late at night, and with a CU convenience store right next door, it was easy to grab snacks or drinks.
2️⃣ The second space was a bright, general workspace.
With a wooden interior and large windows, it was a great place to focus quietly. Pet entry was restricted, which maintained a calm atmosphere. There was also a playground right outside for kids, making it suitable for families.
Both spaces were well-equipped with power outlets, desk lamps, and Wi-Fi. Personally, the ideal routine was to work in the bright general workspace during the day and then finish up in the pet-friendly space in the evening. This variety of options truly highlighted its strength as a workation destination.
📝 Final Thoughts & Booking Tips
Topsten Resort Donggang Cistar in Yeongwol, Gangwon-do, was an accommodation that satisfied both my needs for relaxation and work. The room was spacious and comfortable, and the kitchen facilities made it suitable for long-term stays. The breakfast was clean and hearty, and the availability of two workation spaces was a definite differentiator from other resorts.
- ✅ Pros: Clean rooms, kitchen facilities, quiet environment, pet-friendly workation option, diverse choices
- ❌ Cons: Advance booking is essential as it fills up quickly during peak season
You can use Agoda or Booking.com for your reservation to take advantage of long-term stay discounts and free cancellation options. If you’re going for a workation, be sure to look for workation discounts.
In Conclusion
If you’re looking for a place to combine work and relaxation in nature, I highly recommend Topsten Resort Donggang Cistar in Yeongwol, Gangwon-do. It’s a space that can satisfy everyone, whether you’re traveling with family, a partner, or even your pet. My experience reaffirmed how rewarding this new form of travel can be.
This is definitely a place I’d want to visit again, so if you’re planning a trip to Yeongwol, I hope you’ll consider it!