Bucket list homes to experience the next time you’re travelling to South Korea.
I have a soft spot for accommodations that go beyond the typical hotel stay. From an overnight alpaca lodge in New South Wales to a traditional boathouse in Chiang Mai, I often find myself drawn to unique stays where we get to immerse ourselves in new cultures, and my recent trip to South Korea was no exception.
If you’re looking to go beyond the ordinary on your next trip to South Korea, check out these seven unique accommodations in South Korea.
1) Around Follie — a modernised outdoor living experience (Jeju)
Photo credit: Texture on Texture
If you love the outdoor camping experience but also love the comforts of a modern home, this is the best of both worlds. Located in Jeju, Around Follie has seven lodges to choose from, each with different themes such as caravans and kitchen trailers. There are even rental camping services.
The interior of each loft is cosy and homely, and each accommodation option comes with its own outdoor terrace fully equipped with outdoor furniture. If you’re thinking of having a BBQ, grills are also up for rent!
Photo credit: Texture on Texture
The central field houses various outdoor activities from art to music events, and even flea markets! Watching the sunset here amongst the mountainous region of Jeju was one of our favourite experiences ⛰
Fun fact: The radial towers were inspired by traditional “Bangsatap” towers that were known to ward off evil spirits!
Cost: From ~S$218
Number of people per room: 2-6
Address: 433, Seoseongil-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea
2) Cloud9 — a modern minimalist home (Gyeongju)
Photo credit: Kihun Park
Tucked away in Gyeongju — a two-hour drive away from Seoul, Cloud9 takes on a clean and minimalistic aesthetic.
Photo credit: Kihun Park
As the day comes to an end, you can also head out to the camping zone in the yard for a barbeque or soak in the indoor jacuzzi while enjoying the sunset.
Cost: From ~S$503
Number of people per room: 2-4
Address: 57-53, Dongsan 7-gil, Cheonbuk-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
3) Stay Boruem — a modernised Hanok from 1945 (Gyeongju)
Photo credit: YEON JUNE FILM
Stay Boruem is a Hanok located in Gyeongju, a city of rich cultural heritage. Capturing the essence of countryside nostalgia, the modernised Hanok embodies the peaceful atmosphere of the city.
Photo credit: YEON JUNE FILM
The space houses an indoor jacuzzi, a rest pergola as well as a garden oasis to unwind.
Just a 20-minute walk from the stay are cultural relics — Wolijeonggyo Bridge and Gyochon Village where you can learn about the country’s history.
Cost: From ~S$415/room
Number of people per room: 2-3
Address: 2-24, Gukdangdong-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
4) Blindwhale — a modern stone house with stunning sea views (Jeju)
Photo credit: Lee Byung-geun
Standing for over 100 years, Blindwhale accommodation takes on a modern interpretation of this traditional Jeju stone house.
Aside from retaining its original shape — low floor height, and uneven stonewall — all old materials are given a second life as tables and beds. With an outdoor tub concept, you can soak in an open bath that overlooks the sea and horizon!
Photo credit: Lee Byung-geun
While you’re there, admire the architecture of the stone house, as its rounded roof looks like a whale. Did you know? Villagers also believe that those who reside in the house will be blessed with good luck as whales symbolise a positive energy flow in the mind!
Much of Jeju’s history and heritage have been preserved in the space, and visitors can expect an authentic Jeju experience.
Cost: From ~S$437/room
Number of people per room: 4
Address: 19-12, Jocheon 7-gil, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea
5) Stay Hanryang — a traditional Hanok with a modern twist (Chuncheon)
Photo credit: Kihun Park
Rich in culture and sights, Chuncheon is a perfect getaway, just 1.5hr from Seoul. To top off the travel experience there, Stay Hanryang takes on a modern approach to the traditional Hanok for visitors looking to find an authentic #Kstay experience.
While retaining the old style of architecture, the modern hanok also creates a contemporary living space — with advanced technology and amenities such as an ethanol stove for cooking.
Photo credit: Kihun Park
Enjoy a half-bath at an indoor pool that comes with soft lighting, large rocks, and small stepping stones which complete the peaceful ambience.
Cost: From ~S$394/room
Number of people per room: 4
Address: 42-1, Jungang-ro 67beon-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
6) WAON — a warm stone house (Jeju)
Photo credit: Lee Byung-geun
An oasis tucked away in Hamdeok Jeju, WAON is a stone house that follows the theme of healing and therapy. From a warm indoor spa to a herb garden with healing plants, this place is filled with amenities if you’re looking for tranquillity.
Photo credit: Lee Byung-geun
With the overarching theme of warmth, WAON is divided into three spaces. The Greeting House retains the old stone appearance to welcome guests, the Comfort House includes a living and kitchen space for relaxation, and the Therapy House features a large hot bath and a dry sauna.
Embodying local traditions and design, the stone house uses earthy tones for its walls and furniture, contributing to the overall ambience of healing.
Cost: From ~S$547/room
Number of people per room: 4
Address: 8-15, Hamdeok 5-gil, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea
7) NUWA — a contemporary Hanok to immerse in the arts (Seocheon)
Photo credit: Texture on Texture
NUWA is a quaint hideaway from the bustling city life of Seoul. A micro guesthouse perfect for a solo retreat, it is a place of calm isolation and immersion into the arts scene in Seocheon.
Help yourselves to complimentary tea from the Sarubian tea shop and coffee from Bean Brothers during your stay.
Photo credit: Texture on Texture
NUWA also provides a private bathtub surrounded by low plants and natural elements. Comfortable gowns are also available to ensure your body and mind stay relaxed throughout the stay.
Cost: From ~S$218
Number of people per room: 1-2
Address: 3-1, Pirundae-ro 5na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Unique Accommodations in South Korea
Accommodation can make or break the trip. It not only affects your cultural experience, but it is ultimately your home base at the end of the day.
From contemporary Hanoks to outdoor living reimagined, Stayfolio features a range of alternative stays that are both authentic and aesthetic to choose from. Blending the urban and suburban lodgings, the intricate details and captivating themes of each stay provides visitors with a unique #Kstay experience.
The next time you visit South Korea, check out one of these unique accommodations or look through Stayfolio’s curated stays!
*Pro-tip: Sign up for the VIP membership for dibs on exclusive hidden stays. There are currently six authentic stays only available for VIP members and frequent users.
Facebook image credit: Texture on Texture, Lee Byung-geun, Kihun Park
What other unique accommodations have you experienced in South Korea? Let us know in the comments!
This post was brought to you by Stayfolio.
