bengdi 1967
why

Firm Belief Regarding the Value of a Good House

With shopping being possible at anytime, anywhere, I feel as if production and consumption have become simplified. Because of this, certain words now produce a deep meaning and emotion within me. Words such as analog, the spirit of the craftsmen, etc. now fill me with joy. Brands and products that stick to a more traditional and firm belief, sometimes at the cost of being inefficient and coarse in their offerings, attracts interest from me. It might be because the stories of how they have been made, the processes through which they came into existence are supremely attractive.

The first impression I got when I was made aware of Bengdi 1967, which I’m going to introduce to you now, was similar. The process of building the house and the end result are both very interesting. This is because the house was built by a young couple that have no connection to architecture, despite my first impression that it was built by experts. Indeed, it took them a full year for them to do everything from purchasing the land, to designing, and executing on the final result.

Of course, the reason I speak so highly of their abilities is not just because they are not experts in the fields of design or architecture, but also because I was deeply impressed by their abilities and witnessing the philosophy and values they pursue. With the couple’s impeccable taste for nature, happiness, and simplicity, their thoughts were brought into existence and the house consistent with those details and philosophy was built, which delivers their passion and values.

The house built in 1967 Pyeongdae-ri was given the name Bengdi 1967, without splendid or exaggerated modifiers, as if it has been there for a long time (Bengdi is the old name of Pyeongdae-ri, which only adds to the theme). There are the words, “The house I want to live in is connected to the life I want to live.” Today, I’m going to introduce in-depth the dream and the ideal these two people dreamed, and the process in which they expressed it
people

Work We Really Like and Can Do Well

Before coming to Jeju, the couple, Lee Jae-gon and Park Mi-yeon, worked as an editor and a photographer of a house journal in Seoul, respectively. For the two, Jeju was the place to visit once or twice a year and make memories of their own, and also the island to rest forgetting their various worries as well as the place to make a journey, leaving the repetitive everyday life of the city.

During their many trips, they thought how Jeju would be a place for living, not just a temporary journey. “Looking back, the conversation with the ones we met on one of our trips made our thoughts clear. Though I can’t remember the details of the conversation clearly, I thought at that time that our lives so far might not be the lives we actually wanted.” Although it was an important decision to start a completely different life, they didn’t hesitate putting it into action. Maybe it was because the direction of the life they dreamed was clear that gave them confidence.

“We thought that, in Jeju, we would do what we really like and can do eagerly.” After renting a place to stay in Jeju city, they started to look for a parcel of land to build a house containing their dream and ideal in it, visiting everywhere in Jeju. The place they chose visiting places throughout Jeju was a carrot farm facing a small hill in the town named Pyeongdae-ri where there is the sea and preserved old stone houses of Jeju.

They continued their plan to put their ideals and dreams in a small house. They proceeded to complete the stages one by one from erection to interior works, styling, design, as well as planning. “The budget was insufficient from the planning stage, we thought that we had to do as much as possible ourselves. We even thought that, for the things that could be learned, we would learn it and do it. The result of their struggle and first trial at being home builders was their rental property, Bengdi 1967, which was completed showing surprisingly elaborate planning and completeness.
bengdi 1967
location

Meet Peaceful Pyeongdae-ri

After deciding to go to Jeju and settle there, the couple did things prudently in looking for the place that will be their base of living, taking enough time for every step. Being in the situation where they boldly gave up their stable life in the city they had lived, and not even having any connection in Jeju, there was not a moment to relax. However, even in their anxiety, they continued to proceed for their dream silently, with their thoughts on their goal and working at their pace. Doing so, they found Peongdae-ri

Pyeongdae-ri, Gujwa-eup is the place where a small seashore with transparent sea water and old houses are attractive. There are small but unique stores like Tom Tom Curry, All is well, Pyeongdae Snack, Poongrim Tee House, all arranged densely. Although tightly packed, the atmosphere there is still calm and peaceful, not to mention all the wonderful natural scenery. There exists here a peculiar atmosphere. They said, among the numerous towns they visited, it was the place that fit the tastes of both, though they didn’t say it to each other verbally at the time when they visited.

Because they were interested in Jeju traditional houses and liked the harmony between traditional and modern ideas, they thought of remodeling at first. However, they couldn’t find an adequate house to meet their needs, and the things like expenses were also a factor. At that time, they found a carrot farm surrounded by a small hill. The bright green look of the carrot farm attracted the attention of the couple. “Do you know how much comfort we felt seeing the swaying green of the small carrot farm when coming here for the first time?”

Mrs. Park felt that it was a place bearing Jeju-like feelings even in a small view, from roads beside the stone walls and small houses, to people in town reacting in a friendly way. The carrot farm, being without a house for many years, had a house on the property a long time ago, they said. The two decided to build a house there again.
MAKING STORY

The beauty of Bengdi 1967 is in its extreme details. In the process of the design work, the shape the couple had been figuring in their thoughts, furniture, lightings, amenities in the bathroom, even the interior of the kitchen, beyond the completeness of the structure, were implemented as intended. However, until that perfect shape had been accomplished, the time of hardness continued indeed. They would have experts do the construction if they had enough budget, but the reality was not so. Building a house in Jeju costs 1.5 times as much compared with the case in main land, and coming to Jeju without any connections, it was difficult to find anyone reliable to work on their behalf.

After searching for a person who would make the frame of the house with light weight at a reasonable cost, they found one. Upon completion of the frame, they decided to do the work themselves from then, for more satisfactory completeness. It was house construction by owner in the most literal sense of the term. “It was comfortable in my mind because we could do the erection taking care of the details to the point where we think about the location of a switch down to 1 or 2cm in area. But we were afraid of the delay every time we met a problem when doing the initial erection. Sometimes we cried holding each other, but we continued to work, figuring in our minds the people smiling happily here. And after struggling 1 year or so, we finally completed the house.”#
It is never easy to build a house in Jeju. It’s because hiring people can get expensive quickly, and building on an island increases pushes that cost even higher. Particularly, it’s more difficult to reduce the cost when it’s a small house. After thinking a long time, they decided to complete building a house by themselves utilizing all their possible abilities, from planning to designing, erection, interior works, styling, and even management.

‘Bengdi’ is an old dialect used in Jeju meaning ‘a wide field stretched endlessly’. 1967 Pyeongdae-ri is the address of the land on which they built the house, and they named it Bengdi 1967 as a combination of these two concepts. Mr. Lee, who has been interested in architecture all his life, though not having any degree in the field, designed the house himself. He completed the design after 4 months of work, studying CAD and SketchUp himself, analyzing various spatial data, putting the elements of the small house together.#
SPACE

The Space of Sincerity Being Close to Nature

From the beginning, Bengdi 1967 was a space built figuring the house which the couple personally wanted to live in. So they call it a house rather than a hotel, a pension hotel, vacation rental, or any other term. The tastes of the two loving nature and small houses had been wholly melded in it, and what they eventually want to show is ‘the value a good house has.” “Of course, Bengdi 1967 might seem as just a commercial space, but we wanted to give people chances to experience the value of a good house, a good space here.”

The house so built with the philosophy and belief of the two thinking ‘I lend my home, not just a building’. They took care of the details with the only thought that the house they live should be a healthy house, insisting only natural products in selecting things like paint for finishing, materials, oils for skin, etc. Actually, when painting inside, they were satisfied only after painting ten times, they said. Hearing that, I was astonished to the point where they have my total respect.

Taking around a year, Bengdi 1967 has been built slowly and steadily. That’s the reason I want to use the expression that it has been built as if it were stitched together. Outside view gives the impression of not being interfered, but cozily surrounded by stone walls and trees. All the furniture inside, being made of lumber, introduced the warmness of nature into the house, and the kitchen and living room has been designed to be of open structure so that the one who is cooking and other family members can see each other.

Being capable of showing the scenery through the window inside, as if it is saying that you don’t have to go outside to feel nature, is also an attraction. Various atmospheres are made inside depending the light varying with time as the day goes on. Bengdi 1967, where you can experience a real rest, fully feeling the light and nature in a space where the careful choices of the two have been reflected in every detail. It is clear that every aspect of this place has been well thought out.
INTERVIEW

Interview with creator of bengdi 1967

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bengdi 1967
Were there any values you pursued building Bengdi 1967?
We wanted to make a ‘small house for only me’ which all modern people being stressed and living busy lives want to have. Whether it is a hotel or a small pension hotel, we think that it is a space where humans live in, in other words, a space called home. We wanted to deliver the warmness and comfort a small and tidy house gives, going back to the essence of what a home provides. We hope you feel a ‘healthy house’ staying there for even just one single day.
Is there any space or place that inspired you while planning Bengdi 1967?
We have always been interested in houses. After deciding to make Bengdi 1967 out of mostly wood, we referenced the small wooden houses in Korea and Japan which reflected the climate of the East, and the houses in simple style in north Europe. But in the end it’s more like the house that reflects our personal tastes more than any region specifically. Light and wind coming through the windows of various shapes, the refined sceneries seen through the windows, bathrooms of the shape we always wanted to have, furniture full of vintage feeling. All these are what we love most now.
What were the motives and preparing process for opening Bengdi 1967?
At first, we start it with the thought, “Let’s do what we really like and can do well.” We thought that it would be twice as good if we can share and enjoy that with others. The first result of that thinking was the rental house. This thought is also connected with the spaces we will make more in the future. For preparation, we concentrated and planned for months. From ensuring the land ourselves, to studying the design and architecture, we tried to prepare enough, but we think that we continued preparation even during the construction stage.
Were there any memorable moments building Bengdi 1967?
Purchasing the land, design, erection, interior work, from the first to the end, we had to do everything ourselves. Although being helped by some professionals, working in the situation where there was no architect, no team to work with itself was hard and every single moment was an episode. We proceeded restlessly, but not being able to skip over small details, it eventually took a long time of one year to open. For example, the painting work which we did ourselves was finished after repeating over ten times.
I’m curious of the ages of the guests, the ratio of couples to families, and whether there are foreigners.
The space is made for two to four persons, the ratio of couples to families is about one to one. Guests are mostly couples or friends of ages around middle or late 20s, or late 30s couples with young children. Sometimes there also are families with unmarried sons and daughters. There were guests from Japan some time before, but we don’t do promotion targeting foreigners specifically.
It seems that positive responses regarding Bengdi 1967 spread through internet and social media. is there any marketing you do specifically for Bengdi 1967?
Many guests visited Bengdi 1967 despite of insufficient marketing. We really thank them. We think that it was because many people sympathize with and support our mission. Instead of overbearing marketing that might be annoying, we try to expose our tastes through social media. We want people to visit here being fond of the tastes and philosophy of Bengdi 1967, not just the views in a photo, and, in reality, we met many people having tastes similar to ours.
From receiving reservations, to taking care of guests, to cleaning, you do all everything yourself. Isn’t it difficult? What’s the way of getting out of a slump, if any?
I do everything myself. Although I’m accustomed to it now, (laughter) however, as I expected, it’s really hard. The reason I take care of the guests or clean the rooms myself despite the difficulty is because I want to give the people visiting here reliability. I want to take care of even small details and I want to continue doing it like that as long as possible. Having difficulty in making time to take a rest is the reality, however, I’d like to make a trip if I have time in the future. It seems that a trip would make me get out of the constant work mode, and the inspiration I get from a journey would help me refresh my mind.
What do you think is the main attraction guests staying here?
Bengdi 1967 was built on a small hill formed naturally in the back. Holes in the walls surrounding the house, large windows of various shapes put throughout the space, it’s good to feel nature closely to the point where the wind of Jeju and the sunlight, sky and stars, even trees and stones seem touchable. The internal space was designed such that the travelers on a long distance trip can take a comfortable rest. It’s made to feel simplicity and comfort, removing unnecessary sights as much as possible, filling it with natural vintage feelings utilizing lumber and old materials, stones, and real vintage materials.

Particularly for the internal appliances, we carefully selected them testing one by one ourselves. From the highest quality bedding to coffee machines, teas, products for washing, all are reliable appliances. The two houses are designed such that they are similar but still different, guests staying in the house other than that they stayed at previous time can experience a new, unique space, and that is another attraction of Bengdi 1967.
It seems that many places having emotions are made. Would you recommend travelers some good places to go in Pyeongdae?
Though not being known much, there is a small beach with emerald colored water resembling Pyeongdae-ri. The water is shallow for some distance and there are not many rocks, so it’s a place where children can enjoy playing in the water. In summer, we can frequently see children in town diving at the natural diving place. Being not known widely, it’s good to enjoy playing in water with a feeling of being private, or to take a relaxing photo. Small stores in Pyeongdae-ri show some different attractions. Pyeongdae Snack is a place you can enjoy draft beer with spicy wheat tteokbokki (seasoned wheat bar cake), and crispy fried food. In TomTom Curry, you can enjoy a distinctive bean curry and vegetable curry rather than the stereotypical curry you may be used to. I strongly recommend you to look around the unique cafes such as Island Jorba.

Though it’s not in Pyeongdae-ri, there is a great place in any weather and in any season, the Saryeoni Woodland Path, even the name is pretty. The course is not short, but not too difficult also, so anyone can walk it. I think it’s a real healing forest showing the beauty of Jeju varying depending on the weather and season.

Gujwasanghwei in Weoljung-ri which is near Pyeongdae-ri is also recommended. In addition to the excellent taste of the tea is a well matching pretty cake. The place gives off an astonishingly romantic atmosphere, an old country house being entirely filled with flowers and cute decorations.

STAY’s recommended
Local Destination

Pyeongdae Beach

A small seashore with emerald colored water resembling Pyeongdae-ri

Saryeoni Woodland Path

Woodland path is good in any season, even the name is pretty

STAY’s recommended
Local Restaurant

Pyeongdae Snack

Enjoy draft beer with spicy wheat tteokbokki (seasoned wheat bar cake), and crispy fried food.

TomTom Curry

Astonishing taste of the bean curry and vegetable curry being not typical

STAY’s recommended
Local Cafe

Gujwasanghwei

A cake store in Weoljung-ri full of simple beauty

STAY

A Day in Which Time Flows Slowly

I visited Jeju after a long time. Pyeondae-ri where Bengdi 1967 is located is not far from Weoljung-ri that is famous for the beautiful color of the sea, one of the best in Jeju, and it takes about one hour to arrive by car. There are many unique small stores in Pyeongdae-ri and all of them are with town-friendly atmosphere presenting good feelings. Passing by such places I arrived at Bengdi 1967 located at the entrance of a side street.

Seeing from the sufficiently wide parking area in front of the house, it is surrounded by a small hill giving the impression of being stable and heavy. The East House and West House are well matched to such scenery and surroundings. The day I went, unlike in ordinary cases, kind guidance for the space was given before checking in.

After checking in, I could see the influence and refinement all throughout the space, and in seeing that, I could feel the sincere love and thought the couple have had so far for the house. The place I will stay today is East House. West House is a relaxing style and East House is of standing up style. Seeing from the outside, it looks small, but when inside, it gives the feeling of being sufficiently wide because of its height.

In addition to the excellent sense of being opened, the division of spaces was also done well. It is remarkable that the privacy in each space is perfectly ensured by arranging the sights from the two rooms exquisitely. Meanwhile, it gives the feeling that it has sufficiently deep connection with nature. During my stay there, sometimes a pheasant flew into the room through the window to the hill. It was a funny experience making me realize that I was truly in nature.

The special welcome gift provided through collaboration also made pleasant first impression here. Personally I really liked the outdoor shower facility of East House. Having a shower seeing the clear sky of Jeju was a fresh experience not available in other places.

It was a fulfilled time being with my family which I haven’t had for a long time. The space in Bengdi 1967 made us enjoy music rather than TV, conversation rather than sleeping. I would recommend, at least during the time you are here, to spend time concentrating on your precious companions that came with you, forgetting the complexities of the everyday life for a while. Now it’s time to go back to Seoul. It seems that it would be hard to concentrate on my work for a while, dreaming to build my house. It was a precious night of feeling the warmness and comfort a house presents
4 POINT OF VIEW

ORIGINALITY

Healthy House Where Even Hidden Details Have Been Taken Care of

It is not easy to take care of even the details not easily seen. It’s more so in commercial spaces. From such a view point Bengdi 1967 is outstandingly different. From planning, to design, and construction, every stage reflects the hope that someone staying there for even just one day would feel that it’s a healthy house. Painting inside, finishing of the furniture, all things have been taken care of in detail without skipping over, being thought by the two together, and quality materials being used, steadily and carefully.

DESIGN

Place Closely Connected to Nature in Any Season

Being surrounded by stone walls of proper height, small hill, and trees, there is a quiet and warm atmosphere in Bengdi 1967. Especially one can feel nature from inside without going out because various elements of nature are connected. One can sufficiently feel the wind and sunlight of Jeju, through the many and various windows inside. The light connected to internal space, rain drops knocking the window. In any season there are sufficient attractions being felt in the corresponding season.

Hospitality

Space Delivering the Simple and Slow Life

Should a journey be filled with only splendid views? Being apart from the complex everyday life, in Bengdi 1967, one can spend a simple and slow day. For uninterrupted rest of guests visiting here, spaces have been designed to be simple as far as possible, and in line with such concept, the appliances and decorations also were carefully selected thinking much from the viewpoint of the guests. Particularly, the bedding, where ones spends a large portion of their day presents the highest level of comfort and ease.

PRICE

Awakening the Value of a Small House, a Good Space

Bengdi 1967 wants to show people visiting here to get to know about the value of a small house, and appreciating a comforting space, rather than aiming to simply provide a place for staying one night. The two who like small houses made the house that all the spaces are organically connected making it cozy and comfortable. The house where one can cook in the kitchen seeing the faces of their family members, and can have a conversation in bed placed in the living room. It’s surely an attractive place.

Stay Name
bengdi 1967

Stay Type
K - Rental house

Contact information

Address
39-11, Pyeongdae 2-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea

Guests / No. of Room
4~4 / 2

Price
US$ 186.18 ~ US$ 257.79

Check-in / out
16:00 / 11:00

Feature
Projector or TV, Kitchenette, Tub (ex. Jacuzzi, Hinoki)

PHOTO BY Byeunggeun Lee, bengdi 1967 |
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