Accommodations are no longer merely places to sleep during one’s travels. They become a part of the trip and a major element in experiencing and remembering it. Instead of the cookie-cutter hotels you'll find everywhere, the Fine Stay Curation platform STAYFOLIO recommends unique accommodations that capture the spirit and culture of Korea. Each of these places offers a unique way to experience Korea's history, art, and nature. Whether it be a tranquil day in a traditional hanok, a relaxing stay in a modern hotel, or a lazy morning in a caravan surrounded by nature, each has its own unique charm that will make your trip even more special.

1. Nuwa

As one walks along the alleyways of Seochon, a neighborhood at the heart of Seoul where the past and the present coexist, one comes to find the elegant and dainty hanok accommodation Nuwa. A contemporary interpretation of the traditional hanok aesthetics, Nuwa is a charming space that is both accessible from the city center and a contemplative refuge away from the noise of the city.

Nuwa's room can accommodate up to two guests. The room may be small, but it has everything that one may want for one’s hanok stay, from a garden with maple trees to a low table for a tea ceremony, a daybed for reading, and a bathtub for half-bath. The circular window, standing as an example of Eastern aesthetics, highlights Nuwa’s interior design. Let the sunlight filter through the window and over your tea table as you enjoy a moment free from concern. Nuwa is located only 10 minutes by foot from Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of Korea’s most iconic tourist sites, so you can visit the historic palace at your own pace. Another nearby site that nourishes one’s artistic sensibilities is GROUNDSEESAW Seochon, an exhibition space enjoying immense popularity in social media.

2. Hanok Essay Seochon

Hanok Essay Seochon is a modern renovation of an 80-year-old hanok in the city center. The word "essay" in the name of the space signifies that it is a place where one can relax without being constrained by conventional ideas, just like free-form writing. There may not be any shows or special activities to take part in here, but Hanok Essay Seochon helps the guests focus on the act of “doing nothing,” so they can truly rest and gain new energy.

The building, shaped like the Korean consonant “ㄱ” around a courtyard, contains a bedroom, lounge, and bathroom. The bedroom and the lounge face the courtyard with floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in the scenery of the outside space. One interesting feature of Hanok Essay Seochon’s interior design is the placement of the bathtub next to the bed, which allows one to lie down in the bathtub and see the elegant courtyard and hanok walls beyond, a picture of tranquility that seems to bring time itself to stop. The lounge has a stove that uses eco-friendly fuel, so one can space out while staring at the fire in all four seasons. Daeo Bookstore, the place where singer-songwriter IU photographed the cover of her album “A Flower Bookmark,” and Tongin Market, famous for its stir-fried tteokbokki, can be found only 3 minutes away by foot.

3. Namu Hotel

Located in the heart of Seoul near the Hangang River, Namu Hotel lives up to its namesake – “namu” meaning “tree” in Korean – by filtering out the noise of the city and bringing guests that much closer to nature. Its exterior showcases elegance and moderation, while the rooms capture elements of nature in a comfortable and restful package. Most rooms come with balconies for you to enjoy the wind, the sunshine, and the blue sky. Another interesting feature of Namu Hotel is the fact that each room is uniquely designed as if it were a single house, rather than a standardized room.

While you're here, take a break from your busy schedule, sit on the balcony and enjoy nature. Once you have had enough rest, head to Gwangnaru Hangang Park and enjoy the beautiful sunset at the Hangang River. If you want to visit a trendier place, head to Seongsu-dong to see the hip pop-up stores.

4. PODO HOTEL

Blending in with Jeju's beautiful nature, PODO HOTEL is renowned for being the work of Japan-born Korean architect “Itami Jun” (Korean name: Yoo Dong-ryong). Aiming for architecture that doesn't disrupt the natural terrain, he designed the hotel as a horizontal, single-story building inspired by Jeju's parasitic cones and residential houses. The hotel is called PODO (“grape” in Korean) because it looks like a cluster of grapes from the air.

The rooms are divided into traditional Korean-style rooms and classical Western-style rooms, but all share the same beautiful view of Jeju’s nature. The Korean-style rooms have cypress bathtubs, while Western-style rooms have marble ones. All rooms are available with high-quality hot spring water. Free architectural guiding programs for guests and trekking trails around the hotel to explore Jeju's natural beauty are also not to be missed at PODO HOTEL.

A three-minute drive away is Bangju Church, another work by Jun Itami that is modeled after Noah's Ark, and the Bonte Museum, designed by famous Japanese architect, Tadao Ando. Visit both together to complete an immersive architectural journey.

5. AroundFollie

Have you ever indulged in the pleasant fantasy of camping in Jeju’s mid-range, between Hallasan Mountain and the emerald sea? At AroundFollie, an outdoor stay built on 13,223 square meters of land next to Nasirioreum Parasitic Cone, this imagination comes to life. From rental camping, where you can rent all your gear, to cozy lodges shaped like a bangsatap (cylindrical stone tower) with full amenities, and restaurants and pubs serving up smoky BBQ, there's something for everyone to enjoy here.

Especially, an open-air bath overlooking the meadows with horses trotting by is a highlight of the lodge's pool villa with a private pool. There is also a communal pool that is free for all guests to use in all seasons except winter. The area is also home to the Thai restaurant Tamura where IU dined, and the Jeju black pork restaurant Donsadon, a popular hangout among celebrities like BigBang’s G-Dragon and Taeyang, so don’t hesitate to drop by.

| “Staying itself is another means of traveling” - STAYFOLIO

STAYFOLIO is a Fine Stay Curation platform that goes beyond simple reservations to showcasing spaces worth staying in. It seeks out properties with designs featuring local aesthetics, unique concepts, and warm hospitality to present them to travelers through carefully curated, soulful photographs. This makes it very popular among those with high standards for where they stay and looking for a unique experience.

Use the STAYFOLIO app or the website to choose and reserve your accommodation with the help of information and pictures provided in the website. They also present users with high-quality contents related to their accommodations, ensuring satisfaction with the accommodations. So, if you are bored of the same old experiences in the same old room of the same old hotels, choose STAYFOLIO for a quality stay that will complete your travel.

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* This column was last updated in June 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to confirm details before visiting.