Inspired by the quintessential American drive-in, Chill Drive-in is a themed accommodation in the coastal town of Yangyang offering an escape to the West Coast!
You might have seen our coverage of Usmeer – another Stayfolio stay – located in the same region of Gangwon-do.
Off The Highway
True to its theme, Chill Drive-in is located off Route 7, a highway connecting Goseong to Busan. Its striking exterior and large taco truck at the entrance are hard to miss!
You can easily get here via taxi or ride-hail on KakaoTaxi.
The American-inspired design elements are prominent – from the giant retro street sign on the rooftop to the small palm trees at the doorway.
The stay is joined with two concepts: Chill Drive-in Lounge, which houses a small cafe, and Secret Surf Shop Club, a surf apparel store!
Simple But Comfortable Stay
The guest room area is marked by bright yellow fencing. It hosts 5 rooms, fitting either 2 or 3 guests per room.
We liked how the corridors leading to the rooms were decorated. There was soft music playing and a pleasant incense fragrance, creating a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere from the moment we entered.
The room itself is simple but cosy, reminiscent of a beach house. It was decorated with a rattan mat and quirky furniture, providing a touch of colour to liven up the space.
Our room came with one king and one super single-sized bed. Amenities included a wall-mounted TV, mini fridge, and hairdryer – no frills but everything we needed!
The bathroom is big and fitted with a bathtub, including soap, shampoo, and conditioner. The sink is located outside but we didn’t find this an issue.
Old School American-Themed Photospots
Right next door is Chill Drive-in Lounge, a two-storey space designed to encapsulate the essence of the American West Coast.
It felt like we walked into a diner and rest stop. The black and white floor tiles, rows of trinkets, and vintage street signs added to the atmosphere.
There was even a motorbike at the entryway!
There was something interesting to look at in every corner, which made it a fun space to explore.
The first floor hosts the cafe, where you can get desserts like a Butter Bar and soft-serve ice cream. There’s also coffee and ades available.
FYI – this was the best butter bar we’ve EVER eaten! It’s a must-get if you visit.
Surfer Supply & Vintage Apparel Store
The founder of Chill Drive-in Eun-sung Kim is a big fan of surfing, so she dedicated a space to selling surf-related merchandise: Secret Surf Shop Club (SSSC).
Here you can get surfboards, surf wax, and various surfer-themed souvenirs you can bring home!
There’s also a section offering apparel, including vintage American T-shirts and some items from local Korean brands like caps and shorts.
We found the selection varied and unique with attractive prices (about $28 for a T-shirt).
Outdoor Photozone
The second floor is equally on theme, with foldable transparent chairs and surfer-themed fixtures.
But the highlight is the outdoor space! It’s designed for photos with different themed corners.
There’s a bright purple tennis court with provided rackets and balls, and a swimming pool-themed photo zone.
The fencing is also decorated with colourful signs and white benches perfect for your shots.
If those don’t pique your fancy, you can just take photos with the unobstructed view of the sunset. We got plenty of Instagram-worthy pictures here!
Unique Stay In Yangyang
Chill Drive-in was an interesting and comfortable stay! We were impressed by the detail to replicate the essence of an American drive-in and genuinely felt like we were on a road trip through the States.
The stay is located within driving distance of popular beaches like Surfyy Beach which is perfect for a surf or beach day!
Chill Drive-in (7드라이브인)
강원 양양군 손양면 동해대로 1750 104호
1750, Donghae-daero, Sonyang-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
For Reservations, click here.
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps
*This article was done in collaboration with STAYFOLIO Global
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