Blindwhale
why
New Value for the Old
The space that has accumulated the marks of many years, with aesthetics that cannot be imitated. Of course, preserving the stories and traces of the past, keeping them updated and usable is obviously not an easy path to take. In that respect, the Blind Whale project came to us as something fresh. The project aimed to make the house that represents Jeju most by modernizing the traces of time while still respecting them. We will talk about the architects who reinterpreted and transformed Jeju's traditional stone house which stood for 100 years.
In September 2014, Blind Whale was opened in Jocheon where there were only a few visitors even for such a place with high tourism like Jeju Island. Blind Whale looked as if it was naturally blended in the quiet atmosphere and sceneries of the village. Blind Whale is the third accommodation to be presented by the creator group, Z_Lab after Zero Place and Changshin Base, which is being considered as an example of reinterpreting the original form of old Jeju stone houses. The netting of Jeju's traditional farmhouse was reproduced by changing the material with aluminum-zinc, the round roof, the indoor stone wall, the yard open to the sea, and the open-air bath of the bamboo forest all create a unique feeling that has never been experienced before.
Although there have been cases of raising the floor height or maintaining stone walls, preserving the whole internal structure and the authentic beauty of the original stone house was a bold attempt that could not be seen anywhere else. Blind Whale has actually attracted a lot of attention simply for what it represents. Certainly, the project brings new inspiration to Jocheon residents and those who stay here by preserving and reviving the value of the space that has 100 years of history retained in its objects such as the round roof, the basalt wall, and the interior materials.
We have to view Blind Whale in more detail, not just as a space with an outstanding design. In the debate surrounding the development and commercialization of Jeju, the architect's design and work procedure is regarded as a positive example in terms of constructing in harmony with the village. “We wanted to show one possible example of a space naturally harmonizing with the village.” Their journey, which explored the Jocheon area and highlighted the area's characteristics as much as possible, was an interesting process that respected the long history of the village. Blind Whale is considered to be a meaningful case for people of this age, demonstrating that old elements shouldn't be just thrown away because they are inconvenient, but that they can become a great resource to pass on to future generations with better value instead.
In September 2014, Blind Whale was opened in Jocheon where there were only a few visitors even for such a place with high tourism like Jeju Island. Blind Whale looked as if it was naturally blended in the quiet atmosphere and sceneries of the village. Blind Whale is the third accommodation to be presented by the creator group, Z_Lab after Zero Place and Changshin Base, which is being considered as an example of reinterpreting the original form of old Jeju stone houses. The netting of Jeju's traditional farmhouse was reproduced by changing the material with aluminum-zinc, the round roof, the indoor stone wall, the yard open to the sea, and the open-air bath of the bamboo forest all create a unique feeling that has never been experienced before.
Although there have been cases of raising the floor height or maintaining stone walls, preserving the whole internal structure and the authentic beauty of the original stone house was a bold attempt that could not be seen anywhere else. Blind Whale has actually attracted a lot of attention simply for what it represents. Certainly, the project brings new inspiration to Jocheon residents and those who stay here by preserving and reviving the value of the space that has 100 years of history retained in its objects such as the round roof, the basalt wall, and the interior materials.
We have to view Blind Whale in more detail, not just as a space with an outstanding design. In the debate surrounding the development and commercialization of Jeju, the architect's design and work procedure is regarded as a positive example in terms of constructing in harmony with the village. “We wanted to show one possible example of a space naturally harmonizing with the village.” Their journey, which explored the Jocheon area and highlighted the area's characteristics as much as possible, was an interesting process that respected the long history of the village. Blind Whale is considered to be a meaningful case for people of this age, demonstrating that old elements shouldn't be just thrown away because they are inconvenient, but that they can become a great resource to pass on to future generations with better value instead.
people
Z_Lab's Third Challenge, Research and Focus into Jeju
As mentioned earlier, the Blind Whale project was undertaken by the creator group Z_Lab. However, they didn't just try to build up a simple building. Blind Whale has been developed as Our Brand accommodation of Z_Lab from its planning, design, and construction, styling, marketing, management and website production for operation. The architects had some previous experience to work with since the new project began after the two remodeling projects of Design Stay Seosan Zero Place which renovated a 25 year-old restaurant, and Changshin Base Creative House which modernized a hanok that was over 80 years old. However, as the Blind Whale project required to handle a stone house which had existed for a century, it was a much more difficult task.
Z_Lab was indeed given the mission to transform Jeju's traditional stone house into an emotional accommodation in which people can experience Jeju by retaining the building’s original form. As the architects started the project, they have explored about the components of Jeju traditional stone house such as angeori (the main building), bakkgeori (the outbuilding), wooyeongpot (garden) and tongsi (toilet + mudroom) , and identified the geographical properties of the Jocheon area to draw the directions of the plan, so that the village's landscape and environment won't get compromised. They continued considering the way people interact with nature by taking consideration of the airflow, the sea tide and the direction of light.
Their principle was simple but firm. They wanted to make the traces of the past respond naturally to the lives of modern people. “From the early design, we focused on capturing the feelings of Jeju by maintaining the original shape of the stone house which has endured a long time, such as the round roof that resembles the volcanic cones of Jeju, and bringing in the sceneries of the surrounding village and sea as much as possible.” But the procedure wasn't easy, the structures that had to be preserved were so damaged that they were difficult replace, and the unpredictable weather and the winds also acted as variables.
Matter & Matter and Limas have joined as collaborators to help with the completion of Blind Whale. Matter & Matter instilled warm emotions into the interior space which had its old materials and rough basalt that lasted 100 years exposed, as they were a company who made up-cycled furniture using waste wood and old components. The gates and floors that came out of the house were meaningfully recreated into the tables and beds for Blind Whale by completely retaining the layers of history that had been formed by time. In addition, in order to realize the concept of “there may be light but no lamps”, the architects have cooperated with Limas, a lighting design company that thinks carefully of space, to complete the lighting plan focused on indirect lighting. Moreover, the object lightings were applied to add the details to Blind Whale by emphasizing the pure properties of metal materials.
Z_Lab was indeed given the mission to transform Jeju's traditional stone house into an emotional accommodation in which people can experience Jeju by retaining the building’s original form. As the architects started the project, they have explored about the components of Jeju traditional stone house such as angeori (the main building), bakkgeori (the outbuilding), wooyeongpot (garden) and tongsi (toilet + mudroom) , and identified the geographical properties of the Jocheon area to draw the directions of the plan, so that the village's landscape and environment won't get compromised. They continued considering the way people interact with nature by taking consideration of the airflow, the sea tide and the direction of light.
Their principle was simple but firm. They wanted to make the traces of the past respond naturally to the lives of modern people. “From the early design, we focused on capturing the feelings of Jeju by maintaining the original shape of the stone house which has endured a long time, such as the round roof that resembles the volcanic cones of Jeju, and bringing in the sceneries of the surrounding village and sea as much as possible.” But the procedure wasn't easy, the structures that had to be preserved were so damaged that they were difficult replace, and the unpredictable weather and the winds also acted as variables.
Matter & Matter and Limas have joined as collaborators to help with the completion of Blind Whale. Matter & Matter instilled warm emotions into the interior space which had its old materials and rough basalt that lasted 100 years exposed, as they were a company who made up-cycled furniture using waste wood and old components. The gates and floors that came out of the house were meaningfully recreated into the tables and beds for Blind Whale by completely retaining the layers of history that had been formed by time. In addition, in order to realize the concept of “there may be light but no lamps”, the architects have cooperated with Limas, a lighting design company that thinks carefully of space, to complete the lighting plan focused on indirect lighting. Moreover, the object lightings were applied to add the details to Blind Whale by emphasizing the pure properties of metal materials.
Blindwhale
location
A Place Where Those Heading Inland Await Soft Winds! Jocheon and Blind Whale
“A place where those seeking to head inland await soft winds”, this is the origin of Jocheon, the town where Blind Whale is located. Jocheon is a town formed by inhabitants approximately 800 years ago, with most people living near the port due to its close distance with inland Korea. History dates to the 14th century as when the first government office was erected in Jocheon. Jocheon port was a strategic terrain for military defense. Jeju was an island of exile from the Goryeo dynasty to the Chosun dynasty. Those that were banished longed to return to the north, where their emperor and family were residing, and thus congregated to Jocheon, the town closest to the mainland; a pavilion named ‘Yeonbookjeong’ was built as a monument representing the longing for a return to the north. Even now, Yeonbookjeong is well preserved and rests in a location that is easily viewed from Blind Whale.
Jocheon was a place that housed a pavilion longing for the north as well as the aspiration to return to the mainland, but ironically, nowadays many mainlanders are now coming to visit Jeju Island. The rooftops that resemble the volcanic cone and the Basalt walls of the Jeju stone houses are enough for the mainlanders to feel the sentiment of Jeju Island. However, for them, meeting the Blind Whale house for the first time came as even more of a special experience. One notes “I’ve seen plenty of stone houses in Jeju, but I could not help but be surprised when seeing one that is directly facing the sea. Of course, the seaside was great, but the whole background of volcanic cones and Mt. Halla surrounding this stone house was enough for us to be fascinated with this place.”
As the name suggests, Blind Whale’s roundish rooftop resembles that of a whale. The first impressions of the house were as if three whales were huddled together. “Because Jeju is very windy we use netted roofs. We cannot farm on this soil, so instead of straw we tied together Flame grass or bamboo trees to construct the roof, and to prevent rainwater from seeping through we covered it with a black cloth, which makes the roof resemble a whale’s back”. That’s right, this stone house, which resembles a whale crashing to the shore from the sea, is one full of Jeju characteristics.
Tales of the house were also told. The walls were raised with Basalt, a stone easily acquired in Jeju, and the roof was built by a savvy carpenter that tied together rafters without hammering in a single nail. Since the region is not adequate for rice farming, Flame grass and bamboo trees were used to prop up the straws and the wind was withstood with the roundish, volcano cone looking, netted roofs. “We regarded this place as a house where a Jeju local’s life is emulsified, a home, as well as a monument that is representative of Jeju.” After its initial construction, operations focused on preserving the timely elements of the house while coating it with a modern atmosphere. Blind Whale’s preservation of its Jeju identity and its dramatic changes are something to look forward to.
Jocheon was a place that housed a pavilion longing for the north as well as the aspiration to return to the mainland, but ironically, nowadays many mainlanders are now coming to visit Jeju Island. The rooftops that resemble the volcanic cone and the Basalt walls of the Jeju stone houses are enough for the mainlanders to feel the sentiment of Jeju Island. However, for them, meeting the Blind Whale house for the first time came as even more of a special experience. One notes “I’ve seen plenty of stone houses in Jeju, but I could not help but be surprised when seeing one that is directly facing the sea. Of course, the seaside was great, but the whole background of volcanic cones and Mt. Halla surrounding this stone house was enough for us to be fascinated with this place.”
As the name suggests, Blind Whale’s roundish rooftop resembles that of a whale. The first impressions of the house were as if three whales were huddled together. “Because Jeju is very windy we use netted roofs. We cannot farm on this soil, so instead of straw we tied together Flame grass or bamboo trees to construct the roof, and to prevent rainwater from seeping through we covered it with a black cloth, which makes the roof resemble a whale’s back”. That’s right, this stone house, which resembles a whale crashing to the shore from the sea, is one full of Jeju characteristics.
Tales of the house were also told. The walls were raised with Basalt, a stone easily acquired in Jeju, and the roof was built by a savvy carpenter that tied together rafters without hammering in a single nail. Since the region is not adequate for rice farming, Flame grass and bamboo trees were used to prop up the straws and the wind was withstood with the roundish, volcano cone looking, netted roofs. “We regarded this place as a house where a Jeju local’s life is emulsified, a home, as well as a monument that is representative of Jeju.” After its initial construction, operations focused on preserving the timely elements of the house while coating it with a modern atmosphere. Blind Whale’s preservation of its Jeju identity and its dramatic changes are something to look forward to.
MAKING STORY
Episodes during the construction also evoked curiosity. The demolishing process took 5 days to complete. Luckily, after contacting the number on a forklift next to the stone house, the owner turned out to be a local, who was extremely helpful to the demolishing process. There were also near-accidents during the process where the rafters collapsed, and problems arose when attempting to lower the ground level of the bedrock terrain. In these difficult conditions, ideas on reinforcing the structure by reconstructing the interior were made on the spot; with the help of skilled carpenters, the overall structure was preserved by using the local Jeju cedars as stiffeners to replace the original (bramble) wooden structure without any noticeable difference.
Reconstructing the “whale’s back” roof was not an easy task. Jeju houses are not thatched-roof houses. Because rice farming is impossible, Flame grass or bamboos were tied together to raise the roof rather than straw. The black cloth covering the roof to block off any rainwater gives the roof a whale-like appearance. After initial reconstruction was mostly completed, the cloth was to be retrieved and the Flame grass to be discarded, but this proved to be a difficult process. Discarding the Flame grass from the roof took 3 days to complete. Thankfully, termites were not found, and the smaller house, Forest Whale, retained the Flame grass and continued with the construction.
Reconstructing the “whale’s back” roof was not an easy task. Jeju houses are not thatched-roof houses. Because rice farming is impossible, Flame grass or bamboos were tied together to raise the roof rather than straw. The black cloth covering the roof to block off any rainwater gives the roof a whale-like appearance. After initial reconstruction was mostly completed, the cloth was to be retrieved and the Flame grass to be discarded, but this proved to be a difficult process. Discarding the Flame grass from the roof took 3 days to complete. Thankfully, termites were not found, and the smaller house, Forest Whale, retained the Flame grass and continued with the construction.
Blind Whale is situated in a location that is near the shore, but also one that evades the waves of the sea. Jeju is infamous for its tornadoes, but the house is still standing after a hundred years. Z_Lab’s primary objective was to preserve the structure and scale that kept the stone house going for a hundred years of time. According to the locals, they remembered the stone house as comprised of two buildings. The houses were constructed parallel to each other and were situated in a 90-degree angle to the sea, the two shores adjoining the sea held no openings except a small front door. The house itself was constructed atop the rocks, with higher rocks at the front, enabling a superb location that made it difficult for any waves to flow into the boundaries of the house.
The roundish roof and the stone-walled structure that corresponded with the winds showed aspects of the ancestor’s wisdom. The low, whale looking netted roofs and the stone walls that exquisitely surround the house provide ideal conditions to fight off the harsh winds. The winds would first be blocked off by the stone walls and would flow across the streamlined roof. The stones were stacked intricately so that winds would pass through the walls. The proportions of the stone walls and the roof were also beautiful and thus were to be preserved as much as possible.
The roundish roof and the stone-walled structure that corresponded with the winds showed aspects of the ancestor’s wisdom. The low, whale looking netted roofs and the stone walls that exquisitely surround the house provide ideal conditions to fight off the harsh winds. The winds would first be blocked off by the stone walls and would flow across the streamlined roof. The stones were stacked intricately so that winds would pass through the walls. The proportions of the stone walls and the roof were also beautiful and thus were to be preserved as much as possible.
SPACE
Sea Whale, Forest Whale, and the Yard that Embraces the Jocheon Sea
Higher buildings keep expanding, and rapid commercialization emerges out of the ever-growing population. This is why the concerns surrounding Jeju Island are high. Caution was also made in the initial planning of the program. Jocheon especially was thought of as a region that was yet to be assimilated with the tourist sentiment, and that is why a program that coexisted with the local surrounding while presenting the true values of Jeju – rather than forming an area that was detrimental to the regional settlement – was considered necessary. Z_Lab coordinated opinions from the owner and the two whales were established as private rental houses that were only available to one team of visitors per day. More than anything the place was made to be a special accommodation that was full of the Jeju sentiment, retaining the Jeju identity as much as possible.
“We wanted people to rediscover the values of Jeju by staying here since so much work and processes were involved in preserving the values of the Jeju stone house.” Reconstruction worked towards preserving the original shape as much as possible, retaining the low attic and the crooked stone walls. However, to bring in the scenery of the surrounding town and the ocean view, windows were newly opened, and the wooden materials of the front door and the flooring were reborn into wooden furniture such as the tables and beds. Now Blind Whale sits atop 330 square meters of land area, with Sea Whale and Forest Whale being comprised of 100 square meters, able to accommodate up to 6 people. The weekday fee of 400,000 KRW, weekend fee of 500,000 KRW and 600,000 KRW fees in peak seasons is operated as a newly developed rental housing system that rents both houses to only one team of visitors.
The locational advantages and the potential of the stone houses of Blind Whale: the fierce processes and the results to bring out these two aspects of Blind Whale were enough to mesmerize visitors. “A night at Blind Whale was a dramatic experience as if I was inside the stomach of a real whale,” the feedback of the guests and the encouraging 92% booking rates soon after the opening proves this. The current ratio of guests is highest in the 30s-40s age range, with families and couples being the most frequent of all customer types. An interesting fact is that although there are two houses booked, bookings of two guests are strangely common. Recently Blind Whale has been used not only as accommodation but as event rentals, with celebrity Lee Hyo-ri’s W KOREA 100th anniversary photo-shoot being opened; an MBC drama is also set to be produced here. Moreover, in recent times the event rentals have expanded to various channels such as holding programs for private weddings being considered as an example.
While there isn’t any on-site maintenance, the local community’s management has been at the center for necessary supervision. A model that does not harm local values, as well as establishing a coexisting environment with intimate cooperation with locals has been sustained. Now experiments are being made to this coexistence model in various ways. They have been working to rediscover the regional values of Jocheon, keeping maintenance to the ocean scenery, and encouraging the consumers to head toward the local community. “We’re proud to have Blind Whale here at our community.” It was a moment where Blind Whale was felt like not a mundane commercial installation, but a significant space for locals.
“We wanted people to rediscover the values of Jeju by staying here since so much work and processes were involved in preserving the values of the Jeju stone house.” Reconstruction worked towards preserving the original shape as much as possible, retaining the low attic and the crooked stone walls. However, to bring in the scenery of the surrounding town and the ocean view, windows were newly opened, and the wooden materials of the front door and the flooring were reborn into wooden furniture such as the tables and beds. Now Blind Whale sits atop 330 square meters of land area, with Sea Whale and Forest Whale being comprised of 100 square meters, able to accommodate up to 6 people. The weekday fee of 400,000 KRW, weekend fee of 500,000 KRW and 600,000 KRW fees in peak seasons is operated as a newly developed rental housing system that rents both houses to only one team of visitors.
The locational advantages and the potential of the stone houses of Blind Whale: the fierce processes and the results to bring out these two aspects of Blind Whale were enough to mesmerize visitors. “A night at Blind Whale was a dramatic experience as if I was inside the stomach of a real whale,” the feedback of the guests and the encouraging 92% booking rates soon after the opening proves this. The current ratio of guests is highest in the 30s-40s age range, with families and couples being the most frequent of all customer types. An interesting fact is that although there are two houses booked, bookings of two guests are strangely common. Recently Blind Whale has been used not only as accommodation but as event rentals, with celebrity Lee Hyo-ri’s W KOREA 100th anniversary photo-shoot being opened; an MBC drama is also set to be produced here. Moreover, in recent times the event rentals have expanded to various channels such as holding programs for private weddings being considered as an example.
While there isn’t any on-site maintenance, the local community’s management has been at the center for necessary supervision. A model that does not harm local values, as well as establishing a coexisting environment with intimate cooperation with locals has been sustained. Now experiments are being made to this coexistence model in various ways. They have been working to rediscover the regional values of Jocheon, keeping maintenance to the ocean scenery, and encouraging the consumers to head toward the local community. “We’re proud to have Blind Whale here at our community.” It was a moment where Blind Whale was felt like not a mundane commercial installation, but a significant space for locals.
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INTERVIEW
An interview with Z_Lab, the creator of the Blind Whale.
stayfolio
Blindwhale
The name ‘Blind Whale’ is quite unique. Why did you name it this way?
When we were naming Blind Whale I feel it is more appropriate to describe it as an expression of strong impromptu thoughts rather than spending a considerate amount of time on deciding. When Z_Lab executive Rho Gyeong-rok first saw this stone house, embedded in the shores of Jocheon, he said it resembled a blind whale. As if two whales that were floating around the sea became blind and ended up crashing onto the shore. We all thought it gave a wonderful feeling. Even after settling on the name the process of the whale becoming an inspirational motive to materialize imagination continued throughout the program. Now I feel excited and thankful whenever I hear visitors saying they have the feeling of being inside of a whale. But more than anything, I still cannot forget the overflow of emotions when a real-life whale’s tail showed itself in a picture that photographer Kim Jae-gyeong took after its completion.
Were there any inspirational examples of accommodation or spots that went into completing Blind Whale?
Grape Hotel by the architect Itami Jun. Without Grape Hotel, Blind Whale would never have existed. The volcano cone-like roof that seems to embrace Jeju’s scenery and insisting on constructing a ground level hotel despite security concerns are signs of the architect's insight. To intuitively revive the whaleback style roof was also raised from the inspiration of Grape Hotel, and much help was given to up in terms of applying details to Blind Whale. However, matching together entirely different wall lines while building the whale roof was a variable that was different from constructing a completely new building, and thanks to the hard work of the construction crew and the process of reviving the interior, old rafters and pillars make up Blind Whale's unique identity.
The structure comprising Sea Whale and Forest Whale is unique. How is the accommodation managed?
Currently, Blind Whale rents out both Sea Whale and Forest whale to one set of guests at a time. To be honest, in the initial stages, there were inquiries asking to rent only one of the houses. But the main concern in planning out Blind Whale was showing the unique aspects of Jeju to our visitors, and we did not want to think of the two houses as separate areas. Although it is true that there were security concerns in renting the two houses separately, we wanted to preserve the interesting continual sequence of the yard between the two houses, as well as keeping the Jeju farmhouse tradition of ‘inner house’ and ‘outer house’ as one, which is why we completed the space so that it could only be rented out to one single group at a time.
What are some charming aspects that the visitors can feel while staying here?
I first want to introduce the charm of the sea. The dramatic changes in the ocean that one cannot experience in the city. Jocheon waters flow in and out twice a day. At night the squid catching boats across the horizon atop the stone walls present a magnificent scene. I hope visitors can also carefully observe the elements that make up the contextual designs in the bedrooms. Blind Whale’s furniture has been handmade from Matter&Matter, and to ensure the sentiments of Jeju are well felt, they have been built reusing the original wood panels of the house as materials. In Sea Whale a soft bathtub, Largo, with micron whirlpool functions act as a healing spa in the open, and in Forest Whale a soft bathtub, Disquare, is situated in the inner bathroom for children or couples to enjoy the spa together. We wanted Blind Whale to create a complete resting space with the Jeju identity for the visitors during their stay in Jeju.
What is the age range of visitors, or the couple/family ratio, and the number of foreign guests?
A wide range of ages and types of guests visit Blind Whale. Age specifically the ratio is highest in guests in the 30s-40s range. As for types, a lot of two sets of families, or two sets of couples visit in numbers less than 6. An interesting fact is that even though space is designed for up to 6 persons, there are cases where just 2 guests rent out the whole area. Because there isn't any on-site maintenance, in the initial stages there were concerns in taking in foreign guests, but now, even a few days ago a foreign team came to Blind Whale through Airbnb. So far we have been receiving generous feedback without any major issues.
What are the characteristics of Blind Whale in terms of management? Was there any trial and error, or any other difficulties?
Blind Whale is operated without any on-site employees. We receive bookings and communicate with guests online. However, management and operation within the site have been taken care of by the Jocheon locals; they have been the center of management, ranging from various services and maintenance to security drills and emergency protocols and even customer service. There weren’t any instances of critical trial and error, but last summer the front space of Blind Whale was covered with swarms of green algae. We were upset since it was our mission to provide the visitors with the beautiful scenery of the surroundings. Luckily, we were able to cooperate with the Jocheon local youth group to remove the green algae and restore the shores to its original state. I believe this is an instance of a positive relationship with the local community proving to be a productive one.
It has been 10 months since Blind Whale’s initial opening. Are there any special marketing tactics?
Blind Whale’s marketing has also been the role of Z_Lab. From managing various channels to the recently opened membership services, Z_Lab has been responsible for our customer service from start to finish. Instead of putting any particular effort into marketing or advertising, we tend to listen to our guests’ feedback. Although we have created the space of Blind Whale, the role of filling up the houses with unique stories is eventually up to the visitors. According to one guest, spending a night in Blind Whale was like experiencing the inside of a real-life whale. If there is a special tactic, it is through showing the individual experiences of our guests to other potential visitors.
What exactly is the membership service?
It is the Z_Stay membership. It is a membership service for the 4 types of lodging that Z_Lab provides (Soohwarim, Zero Place, Changshin Base, and Blind Whale) but it is never lead on to customers of advertised openly. One can see it as a private membership made by Z_Lab to return the love to our visitors. Once a customer is approved, an amenities kit from Esop is provided, with benefits for birthdays and wedding events. We are preparing more various benefits such as customer newsletters, so it would be something to look forward to.
Is there a particular spot you would recommend for people dreaming of traveling to Jeju?
Blind Whale is located in the 18 Olleh trail (Sanjicheon Yard Jocheon Mansae Park). Nearby attractions to the right of Blind Whale include Yeonbookjeong, a pavilion that scholars in the Chosun dynasty spent their days in exile longing to return to the North, and expressing their love for the emperor. Once atop Yeonbookjeong, your mind will feel calm when gazing upon Blind Whale and the Jocheon waters. Beyond Yeonbookjeong, about 3 kilometers along the coastal roads is the Hamduck Sea and Beach, which is thought of as one of the most beautiful beaches in Jeju. During summer this place is perfect for playing in the sea. When the tides are out, roads emerge in front of Blind Whale, and at the end of the road, there is a square-shaped Basalt structure. It is called booltuck, where female divers change their clothes or warm themselves by a fire. I personally think another charm of Blind Whale is in booltuck, and visitors can fully experience the Jejuness of the place by walking to Booltuck and watching the volcanic cones, Mt. Halla, and the ocean scenery. There is a photo gallery run by a young couple, and in the city, there is a café called the Illi Coffee Shop. For nearby cafes, I recommend Cloud Hills that is 4 kilometers away, and for restaurants I recommend Willow House, where seafood kalguksu soup is really delicious.
STAY’s recommended
Local Destination
Yeonbookjeong
A pavilion where Chosun scholars in exile longed to return to the north and expressed their love for the emperor.
Hamduk Beach
A mesmerizing jade coral beach that is only available in Jeju Island
STAY’s recommended
Local Restaurant
Willow House
Where fresh seafood 'kalguksu' soup is really delicious
Jocheon Seafood
Takeout freshly cut slices of fish for an affordable price
STAY’s recommended
Local Cafe
Cloud Hills
Studio/Café run by a photographer
STAY
A Special Night that Gifts the Sentiments of Jeju
The reasons and purpose of traveling can be diverse. But for the most part, its origins are from wanting to go to ‘that place’. To me, Blind Whale was the definition of a place that I really wanted to visit. That is sort of the expectations that I had while landing at Jeju Airport. After driving 30 minutes by car, the town of Jocheon can be seen from up above. When going deeply through the entrance of the small, quiet town, Blind Whale, the traditional stone house awaits. Because it was unmanned, I went inside reading the instructions given to me beforehand.
From the outside, Blind Whale still retains the traditional Jeju stone house structure and living style. The impressive rooftop that pierces one’s first impressions surely is a sign that you have arrived at Blind Whale, but it does not feel out of place with the local town and rests in a humble posture. Overlooking the scenery of waves dancing over the stone walls while sitting on the table in the middle of the carefully decorated yard is a pleasure. The height of the stone walls is similar to the ocean's horizon, and it feels as if you are afloat on the swaying waters. Seeing and feeling the tides crash in and out in real-time, the potential of the ocean is endless.
Once you open the doors to Sea Whale, the brave usage of Basalt and the traces of time stacked upon the old wooden materials come into sight. An unexpected factor is that the place is much warmer and cozier than seen through pictures. Although Sea Whale is a small space of 56 square meters, the place seems to be pleasant due to its open-plan structure. Also, it is divided by stone walls, which give an adequately organized feeling. The aspect of having floor-to-ceiling windows in the bathing space, the front area where the sea can be observed, and the meeting / adjoining parts give the house a unique feeling.
There is a spacious grass yard in between Sea Whale and Forest Whale. The stone walls and the bamboo forest surround the yard, which gives the place a cozy and independent feeling; on sunny days like these, the scene of children playing in the grass naturally overlaps with the yard. The pigpen that was used to grow pigs in the traditional stone house is now a small observatory that overlooks the Jocheon Sea. Although it is small, the beautiful scenery that it presents feels almost seems too beautiful to be real.
Over the yard, Forest whale is even more charming and cozy. Looking around while lying on the bed I can see elements that give out the feeling of Jeju, but it is when I close my eyes that I realize this is the coziest space of all. Matter&Matter’s furniture and Limas’ lighting excellently harmonizes in this space, contributing to creating the unique atmosphere of Blind Whale. I wonder if any other brand could have made it as good as this. The calmly organized tone and the newly added details within the history of the house gives a positive outlook.
Staying at this hundred-year-old stone house was really a new, unique experience. Although it was just one night, taking in the fiercely preserved framework, furniture and objects reinvented through old wooden materials was an opportunity to embrace the passion that pushed them to rediscover local values and preserve the spatial identity of Jocheon. The newly reinvented stone house creates an antique, solemn atmosphere in both mind and shape, thus in every aspect imaginable. A night in Blind Whale -- where one can experience the Jeju identity to its fullest -- will be a gift of good spirits that bring about calm sentiments to the mundane and troublesome lifestyles of the city.
From the outside, Blind Whale still retains the traditional Jeju stone house structure and living style. The impressive rooftop that pierces one’s first impressions surely is a sign that you have arrived at Blind Whale, but it does not feel out of place with the local town and rests in a humble posture. Overlooking the scenery of waves dancing over the stone walls while sitting on the table in the middle of the carefully decorated yard is a pleasure. The height of the stone walls is similar to the ocean's horizon, and it feels as if you are afloat on the swaying waters. Seeing and feeling the tides crash in and out in real-time, the potential of the ocean is endless.
Once you open the doors to Sea Whale, the brave usage of Basalt and the traces of time stacked upon the old wooden materials come into sight. An unexpected factor is that the place is much warmer and cozier than seen through pictures. Although Sea Whale is a small space of 56 square meters, the place seems to be pleasant due to its open-plan structure. Also, it is divided by stone walls, which give an adequately organized feeling. The aspect of having floor-to-ceiling windows in the bathing space, the front area where the sea can be observed, and the meeting / adjoining parts give the house a unique feeling.
There is a spacious grass yard in between Sea Whale and Forest Whale. The stone walls and the bamboo forest surround the yard, which gives the place a cozy and independent feeling; on sunny days like these, the scene of children playing in the grass naturally overlaps with the yard. The pigpen that was used to grow pigs in the traditional stone house is now a small observatory that overlooks the Jocheon Sea. Although it is small, the beautiful scenery that it presents feels almost seems too beautiful to be real.
Over the yard, Forest whale is even more charming and cozy. Looking around while lying on the bed I can see elements that give out the feeling of Jeju, but it is when I close my eyes that I realize this is the coziest space of all. Matter&Matter’s furniture and Limas’ lighting excellently harmonizes in this space, contributing to creating the unique atmosphere of Blind Whale. I wonder if any other brand could have made it as good as this. The calmly organized tone and the newly added details within the history of the house gives a positive outlook.
Staying at this hundred-year-old stone house was really a new, unique experience. Although it was just one night, taking in the fiercely preserved framework, furniture and objects reinvented through old wooden materials was an opportunity to embrace the passion that pushed them to rediscover local values and preserve the spatial identity of Jocheon. The newly reinvented stone house creates an antique, solemn atmosphere in both mind and shape, thus in every aspect imaginable. A night in Blind Whale -- where one can experience the Jeju identity to its fullest -- will be a gift of good spirits that bring about calm sentiments to the mundane and troublesome lifestyles of the city.
4 POINT OF VIEW
ORIGINALITY
A Creative Reinterpretation of a Hundred-year-old Jeju Stone House
Blind Whale is unique. The values in the round roof, Basalt walls, and inner old woods that carry a hundred years of time has been preserved and revived. The most Jeju-like house was created by respecting the traces of history to the fullest while instilling a sense of modernity. Blind Whale creates an antique, solemn atmosphere in both mind and shape, thus in every aspect imaginable. This is why this natural feeling gives you comfort.
DESIGN
A Unified Contextual Design from Construction to Management
Blind Whale retains a delicate balance of the essence of a traditional stone house and the modern sense. Though it is based on old traditions, it knows how to bravely reimagine itself, retaining its original identity. What is worth congratulating is the unity in all contexts within the relationship of the consumer, in not only the building’s exterior, but also the naming, furniture, and management.
Hospitality
An Old Friend’s Will to Show Jeju Identity to its Fullest
The careful planning of Blind Whale and the potential of the stone house, these two elements are enough to mesmerize people. This can be seen as the old friend’s genuine passion to show the Jeju identity to the people through the process of reviving the whaleback rooftop structure, reconstructing the colors of the wall and preserving the old wooden materials and stone wall, to connect the elements of the past to the present.
PRICE
Comfortableness of a Home Within a Differentiated Experience
Among various rental houses, Blind Whale has grabbed the attention of the people through its rationality and standards. Pairs of families and couples visit this place because Blind Whale offers the spatial experience of a high-end hotel or resort while being able to accommodate a relatively large number of people, thereby meeting the expectations of real guests. It also possesses a differentiated value, due to its unique characteristics that cannot be experienced anywhere else, as well as strong independent characteristics.
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- Stay Name
- Blindwhale
- Stay Type
- K - Rental house
- Contact information
- Address
- 19-12, Jocheon 7-gil, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea
- Guests / No. of Room
- 4~4 / 1
- Price
- US$ 307 ~ US$ 460
- Check-in / out
- 16:00 / 11:00
- Feature
- BBQ facilities, Projector or TV, Kitchenette, Tub (ex. Jacuzzi, Hinoki)
PHOTO BY Kim Jae-Kyeong |