Hotel Review: Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo, South Korea
Walking along Gyeongpo Beach at sunset, it’s hard to miss the striking silhouette of Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo.
A massive rooftop structure shaped like a boat stretches across the top of the building, giving the hotel the illusion that it’s floating above the skyline. The design immediately reminds visitors of the famous Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
Located in Gangneung on South Korea’s east coast, the hotel sits between the lively shoreline of Gyeongpo Beach and the peaceful pine forests surrounding Gyeongpo Lake.
Between beach nightlife, lakeside walking trails, and sweeping rooftop views, Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo offers one of the most unique stays along Korea’s east coast.
Quick Take: Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo
Location: Between Gyeongpo Beach and Gyeongpo Lake in Gangneung
Best Feature: Rooftop pool with panoramic lake and ocean views
Room Type: Deluxe Twin (double bed + twin bed) with pine forest view
Pool Access: Discounted guest rate (25,000–45,000 KRW depending on season)
Breakfast: Buffet available for 35,000 KRW
Best For: Travelers who want beach access, nature walks, and scenic views
If you're planning a stay in Gangneung, I found some of the best rates for Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo on Trip.com.
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Location: Between the Lake and the Beach
Art sculptures lit up at night in the Pine Forest by Skybay Hotel
One of the biggest highlights of staying at Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo is its location.
Looking down the beach, you can see Skybay Hotel looming in the distance.
On one side of the hotel sits Gyeongpo Beach, one of the most popular beaches on Korea’s east coast. The beachfront area is lined with cafés, seafood restaurants, and bars that create a lively nightlife atmosphere, especially during the summer.
The pine forest at night. The pine forest sits between the beach sand and Skybay Hotel.
Walking along the wooden boardwalk trail in the quiet pine forest, you’ll also notice large sculptures and public art installations scattered along the shoreline.
On the opposite side of the hotel lies Gyeongpo Lake, which offers a completely different atmosphere. It’s a peaceful place for a morning walk or bike ride before heading back toward the beach.
If you're looking for a hotel within walking distance of Gyeongpo Beach, Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo is one of the most convenient places to stay in Gangneung.
The beach is only a short walk from the hotel and is surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and seasonal nightlife. During the summer months, the area becomes one of the most popular coastal destinations on Korea’s east coast.
The Room: Deluxe Twin Room
Deluxe Twin room with double bed and twin bed at Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo.
We stayed in a Deluxe Twin Room with a double bed and a twin bed overlooking the pine forest near Gyeongpo Lake.
The room felt comfortable and modern, with large windows that brought in plenty of natural light.
However, one drawback was limited luggage and hanging storage space, which could be challenging for longer stays.
Spacious bathroom with walk-in shower in the Deluxe Twin room.
The bathroom was large and featured a spacious walk-in shower, adding to the comfortable feel of the room.
The Rooftop Pool
The rooftop infinity pool at Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo offers views of both the beach and the lake.
The rooftop pool is easily the most recognizable feature of Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo.
Sitting atop the building’s boat-shaped rooftop structure, the pool provides panoramic views of both Gyeongpo Beach and Gyeongpo Lake.
Stunning rooftop view where the pool flows into the ocean.
Pool access is not included in the room rate, but hotel guests can enter at a discounted price between 25,000 and 45,000 KRW depending on the season.
The pool is open year-round, which is rare for rooftop pools in Korea.
Breakfast Buffet
Breakfast buffet at Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo.
The breakfast buffet costs 35,000 KRW for hotel guests.
The selection includes Korean dishes, Western breakfast options, pastries, fruit, and several egg preparations.
While the variety is good, it’s not something I would personally pay for if it wasn’t already included in my stay—especially since there are so many great cafés near the beach.
Planning a Trip to Gangneung?
If you're visiting Gangneung on South Korea’s east coast, staying near Gyeongpo Beach makes it easy to explore the area’s cafés, walking trails, and coastal scenery.
You might also enjoy these guides:
• 5 Things to Do in Gangneung
• 2024 Korea Dulle Trail Expedition
These posts cover some of the best outdoor experiences and scenic coastal routes in the region.
With its striking rooftop design and location between Gyeongpo Beach and Gyeongpo Lake, Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo offers one of the most unique stays on Korea’s east coast. Between the beach, pine forest trails, and rooftop views, it’s a great base for exploring everything Gangneung has to offer.
