El Camino: A Beachside Pet-Friendly Pension in Gangneung

TL;DR

A private getaway by a quiet beach where you and your dog can relax together

Pet-Friendly Stays Across Korea

02. El Camino: A Beachside Pet-Friendly Pension in Gangneung

Writer: Baek Seung-i

Editor: ONDA Manager Ko Ji-hye

I've always had this dream. Spending a month by the sea with my dog. If you're a pet parent, you'll understand the daily hunt for open, empty spaces where your dog can roam freely. Parks and fields are nice, but beaches — where nature feels unfiltered — are perfect for dogs too.

Every summer, I plan a beach trip with my dog. Crowded spots are a no-go, so I look for quiet coastal stays instead. That's how Marori and I ended up at El Camino Pension, tucked away in a peaceful seaside village by Sacheon Beach in Gangneung.

A Yard Where Your Dog Can Run Free

El Camino feels like the countryside house you used to visit during holidays as a kid. My favorite space? The sunlit living room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the yard — the perfect spot to watch your dog play outside. The yard is fenced all around, so you can relax knowing your dog is safe. Plus, the building is single-story with no stairs, so dogs can come and go as they please.

DIY Furniture & Accessories Made for Dogs

The most memorable thing about this place? The custom DIY furniture and accessories for dogs. In the yard, you'll find homemade play equipment that seems to say, "Running around is fun, but wouldn't you rather try this contraption I built?" Marori was instantly curious.

Inside, the owner's handiwork is everywhere — from food bowls to dog beds. Most stays only think about human beds, but El Camino goes the extra mile with beds for your dog too. And unlike many "pet-friendly" places that cater mainly to small dogs, this spot feels designed for medium and large breeds as well. Marori was comfortable the entire stay.

Cozy, Thoughtful Interior Design

Warm incandescent bulbs and patterned cushions give the space a Scandinavian vibe. The bedroom has crisp white walls and ceiling, with an inspiring phrase painted on the wall: "Today will never come again — be happy without regret." Every time I read it during the stay, I couldn't help but smile.

The Beach Is Right There

Cross the street from the pension and you're at the beach — Sunpo Beach, part of the Sacheon shoreline. It's quieter than Gangneung's more famous beaches, which makes it perfect for dogs to run wild. Seeing Marori so excited lifted my mood instantly. This was one of the main reasons I chose this place: beach walks whenever you want. A lot of places claim to be "by the beach," but El Camino really is steps away from the water.

Leaving El Camino

"El Camino" means "the road" in Spanish. It's fitting — this place was one stop on our journey together, and it's a stop I'll remember for a long time. Pets age faster than we do, so I want to share as many moments as possible with Marori. This Gangneung trip — in a quiet seaside village, in a private pension — gave us one more memory to hold onto.