Low Jeju
why

A Low-Angle Perspective of a Tranquil Sea

During the day, we tend to stay in the same posture. The majority of the time, we work face to face with a monitor while sitting on a chair. Likewise, the office is surrounded by a forest of buildings. By being surrounded by high buildings where you cannot even see what's in front of you, we unknowingly sacrifice the present for the future, forced to focus only on what's coming next rather than what's happening right now. With the prevalence of cell phones today, it's common to see people holding them at any time and anywhere. During this modern era, who would not want to return to nature, where they can sit still without being hindered? People are always envious of what they do not own, and we always look forward to what may be on the other side of the present. As one journeys through high-rise forests to meet the sea of Jeju, it seems like a dream in which the sound of white waves constantly reverberates through the high-rises.

You will find a low and cute sea village if you get off at Samyang-dong in Jeju-si and head east for thirty minutes. This village resembles the sea village featured in Hirokazu Koreeda's film Sea Village Diary. As the father repaired the stone house built by his grandfather, he left his son's low stone wall, which he restored to its former glory as a pleasant and convenient space for the family to enjoy. The house is built in a low structure on higher land than the sea, although it is located directly on the beach. The "Low Jeju" provides a panoramic view of the Jeju sea along the adjacent stone wall, making it impossible to spend the entire day in one position or glance at a cell phone. In this place, all you need to do is lay still on the perfectly manicured lawn, count stars, eat at the table, drink tea with your family, and gaze out the window at the waves and the sea. Make unforgettable and movie-like memories here in a house cozily decorated with low walls and a low stone roof, where you have no choice but to embrace nature with your arms open. It's time to make a special memory with your special ones.
people

The Perfect Place to Relax

Ha-Jung Kim, who runs a Low Jeju on Jeju, where there is rest and healing, is a natural companion who knows how to make the most of Jeju. For many years, she worked as a nurse in a city's general hospital. Although she occasionally misses that period of her life, she does not wish to go back there because she is involved in something that she enjoys at the moment. Low Jeju was originally the home of Host's grandmother-in-law, and her husband also lived here for a short time, but not for many years. Due to the host's desire to live in a detached house where everyone would think of it at least once, it was a house where the host originally intended to reside, following some minor renovations. Nonetheless, the reality was not easy and the opportunity was not readily available. There were several people around her who expressed concerns, which caused her and her husband to hesitate. As CEO Ha-jung gradually persuaded her husband, and after such efforts, her husband's attitude gradually altered. Despite not being able to afford it at the time, she wanted to design a space that she would enjoy living in. Consequently, she wished to create a place where visitors to Low Jeju could enjoy the relaxation of their hearts, like their home.

Low Jeju
location

Beolang, Where the White Waves Break

In Samyang Sam-dong, 30 minutes from Jeju Airport, is a village called Ballang, which means a place where waves collide. It is a very peaceful and quiet neighborhood, which makes it an ideal location for contemplation. Wondam (Gatdam), recently restored by villagers not far from the town of Samyang Black Sand Beach, is situated along the coastline outside the 18th hole of Jeju Olle-Gil. It is a traditional fishing method that traps fish so that they cannot be flooded during low tide. There may be one or two fishing experts on hand to cast a fishing rod and experience the thrill of the catch. There is also a point where spring water flows into the sea and meets at the beach. Standing nearby, one can sense the coolness of the water without going into the water. Walking through the village of Samdong in Samyang, you will find a stone wall road that is reminiscent of the old Jeju. On the Jeju Olle Trail, you can see the scenery made up of the old stone wall that remains rare in the region.

If you look at Low Jeju from the end of the breakwater at Beolang Port, you can see Hallasan Mountain with its long arms spread out behind it. During the spring, summer, and autumn seasons, the beautiful scenery of Jeju changes. There is an Oreum (parasitic volcano) located along the right side of Jeju Island, named Wondangbong Peak, where not only can you enjoy the sea but also the lush greenery. This is the place where a large mountain extends behind your back, while the sea is visible in front of you. You can hear the sound of waves throughout the four seasons on Low Jeju. In the friendly environment of the sea village, you can relax your body and mind with the gaze intersecting the inside and outside of a lowly built house.
MAKING STORY

One of the most important considerations was to allow both houses to participate fully so the roles are clearly separated so that the stay can be a cozy experience without interfering with anything else. In the outer house, there is a kitchen and a dining area, and inside there are bedrooms and bathrooms where you can rest comfortably after a long day. An end window was placed at the end of the kitchen's large table that looked over the breakwater at Beolang, the red lighthouse at Samyang, the original stone wall in the kitchen, and various views that formed a structural experience horizontally intersecting. Additionally, since the outer house is served as a kitchen, it was designed to have a separate barbecue area outside the window (a small concrete table for an outdoor dinner) where family members could learn about one another during the sunset and have a pleasant dinner. Regardless of whether it is dinner, guests can have tea or coffee together in the morning or afternoon and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore. The space has been designed in such a way that guests can enjoy the abundant sunshine and the sea whether inside or outside. Thus, a variety of window shapes were designed and placed in different directions throughout the main and outer houses. It was intended to enjoy the scenery, wind, nature, and loved ones enjoying Low Jeju in various ways, whether they are seated, bent down, sitting on a chair, or lying on the ground.

In contrast to the outer building, the main house has two bedrooms with long open living rooms with arched doors facing each other, with the bathroom located in the center. Guests are first welcomed by low plants found on the front door while taking off their shoes. While standing and sitting have been arranged separately to illustrate the purpose of different perspectives, you can sit or lie down on the floor bed to access the prepared vinyl albums and listen to them. In order to make it a comfortable place to spend time sitting down, there are games like Jacks and Korean Poker, which are played primarily on the floor. The rafters of the roof can be seen as you raise your head to view the ceiling, which is an essential feature of Jeju's stone house, and an open roof makes it perfect for the family to lie down on a bed and gaze at the roof while creating memories. The Red Volcanic trail around the main house was meant to allow guests to witness the changing of the seasons and trees on Jeju without having to leave the property. Despite the fact that it is a small area, it has enough walking space where you can relax with your family and enjoy a morning stroll side by side.#
According to the Z-Lab interview, the owner of the place has been raised there for quite some time since his father's generation. His father decorated the house that his grandfather built, and the host aimed to capture the images of Jeju by recalling one by one the childhood memories that the owner had from there. The first thing that caught the host's eye was the sea. Due to the collision of waves, Samyang 3-dong used to be known as Beolang. As she gazed at the sea, she could hear the sound of the waves flying towards her from a great distance. This was the beginning of Low Jeju's branding. The key was to merge well with Low Jeju's brand, with icons that were inspired by the sun, yards, and waves. Moreover, each of the main buildings and the outer building had to be designed so that they could fulfill their intended functions.

The host was struck by how many memories of playing Korean hopscotch with the entire family were still present in the house when she heard the owner's stories. Besides providing an area on one side of the yard for hopscotch, the host wanted to bring back childhood memories by providing traditional Korean games as part of the program. There is prepared chalk for the purpose of bringing the nostalgia of writing on a board as in the old days. In addition, the long main house offers the opportunity to experience forgotten traditional games such as Jacks and Korean poker. As a final step, the host decided to place various windows throughout the main house while contemplating how to incorporate the natural scenery into the space, as well as the family enjoying the view of the sea of Samyang and the red lighthouse.#
SPACE

An Old Stone House with Old Memories Added to It

The old Jeju house had originally been built low, providing comfort that relaxes the body and mind with a lower view that differs from that of everyday life. Climbing the stairs between the high stone walls, you will see an open yard and two small stone houses standing side-by-side. In the outer building, where the sea can be seen through the window, there is a dining area with a large circular table for up to eight people, as well as a bedroom that also serves as a bathroom. The long window looking onto the ocean allows you to enjoy delicious food and pleasant stories while facing Jeju's stone walls, white waves of three-sided stones, and the low sea. Next to the kitchen is a bedroom that accommodates two people. With two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a total of three spaces open to the sky in the main house, you can feel the atmosphere of Jeju as you walk through the flower garden covered with red volcanic mushrooms. With the long living room, the family can spend time together, and the large and small windows that are lower than their height attract stone walls and plant scenery from all directions. The living room reveals the rafters of the old stone house, and you can enjoy reading books and listening to music there. In addition to the three arched doors, there are two bedrooms furnished with comfortable bedding and beds, and a bathroom that is equipped with all the necessities. Aside from its convenience, you may also use a Bluetooth speaker to listen to the music of your choice, but the analog experience of arriving here for the very first time and listening to the vinyl record selected in accordance with Jeju's simple taste is just as enjoyable. For each record, you will find short notes which have been thoughtfully crafted.

The space is more comfortable as the various shapes and sizes of the windows that are opened in various locations create different feelings and warmth. When entering Low Jeju, the yard is the first space you are likely to encounter. You can feel the sky of Jeju and the sea of Samyang at once between the two stone houses. Additionally, Korean hopscotch can be enjoyed by all. You can lie in the sun on the grass on a sunny day. It may be possible for adults who no longer play as children to remedy their hidden deficiencies as adults. During this time, you will be able to write numbers yourself with chalk, throw stones in the yard, and take care of precious memories that you might have neglected during your daily life. There is a BBQ area located outside the building next to the low stone wall, where you can see the sea of Samyang. There are outdoor tables and BBQ decks for you to share with your loved ones. You can spend a leisurely morning watching the sunrise at the sea while enjoying the warmth of the sun and the sea breeze. With a low stone wall surrounding the open jacuzzi, it offers stunning views of the Jeju sea and the Samyang-dong village. In the tub, you can either sit alone and listen to the sound of the sea, or you can view the stars illuminating the night sky, or you can dip your feet and converse with several people. The warmth and tranquility will help you to recuperate from your trip.
INTERVIEW

An interview with the host Ha-Jung Kim

stayfolio
Low Jeju
Would you kindly introduce yourself?
Hi, I live in Jeju, where there is rest and healing, and I run Low Jeju. There are times when I miss being in the city looking at me moving too slowly, but I also know how to enjoy Jeju Island when I have the means to do so.
Would you mind telling me what type of work you used to do?
I used to be a nurse. For 12 years, I worked in a general hospital and for 8 years, I was a diabetes nurse. Looking back, I guess I miss that time. Although my body was tired, I had a great deal of fun. If I have to go back... I'm not sure. Even though it is physically tiring, I'm currently doing something that I find very exciting, so I am not interested in returning.
I am curious as to why you changed your in-laws' house and started Low Jeju?
Low Jeju was the house where my husband's grandparents lived. Even though he lived for a short time, my husband lived for some time. Initially, my intention was not to operate Low Jeju but to repair the house so that I could live there. It was my dream to live in the type of detached house that everyone dreams of at least once in their lifetime. Unfortunately, reality did not provide me with the opportunity. My husband and I hesitated due to many people's opposition and concerns.

In the end, I tried to convince my husband little by little, and after a few attempts, his opinions began to change. Despite the fact that we were unable to make a purchase at that time, we decided to purchase it later. In preparing Low Jeju, we wished to create a space that would allow guests to relax. I desired it to be a comfortable space.
What is the charm of Samyang 3-dong and Jeju?
It is a seaside neighborhood located in downtown Jeju. Since it is very quiet, it is an excellent place for contemplation. There is a point at which spring water (sweet water) flows into the sea on the beach, and standing nearby without being in the water is the best way to enjoy the coolness. If you look out at the sea while walking along the coastal road, you can see fish popping up. Being located in downtown Jeju is a great advantage.
I wonder why you entrusted Z-Lab with the design.
My first encounter with Z-Lab was when I read an article about a blind whale (About six years ago). While reviewing an interior engineer's page, I stumbled upon a picture of a blind whale. Knowing about Z-Lab, I thought I wanted to have a house like that. Through the years, I have become more and more attracted to places designed by Z-Lab. I was searching for buildings by various architects (Jocheon House, Brid in Jeju, etc.) while thinking of Low Jeju, I found that Z-Lab was ideally suited to embody Jeju's stone house. Modern architecture is attractive, but I had a preference for preserving its oldness, and I appreciated the degree of change that does not cause inconvenience to modern living. However, the question remains as to whether Z-Lab will work for me. The answer was yes. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to work with Z-Lab.
Please feel free to inform me of any future plans you may have.
It is my intention and plan to maintain a space so that everyone who visits Jeju Island is left with only pleasant memories.

STAY’s recommended
Local Destination

Dakmeor Coastal Road

The Dakmeor(Chicken head) Coastal Road was named because of its shape that looks like a chicken digging up the soil. It provides a beautiful view of the Jeju sea as well as a glimpse of the Namsaengi Pond and the village. At the Dakmeor Octagonal Pavilion, you will find beautiful views of silver grass and the sea.

Samyang Black Sand Beach

There is little awareness of Black Sand Beach, which is characterized by sparkling black sand. The water is clean and the beach is simple. During the summer, sand here is covered with hot water and steamed, which has been known to alleviate neuralgia and obesity.

Hamdeok Beach, Seowubong Peak.

As a contrast to the white sand, the emerald-colored waters of Samdeok Beach are like the Maldives of Korea. You can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the night time in Jeju, as well as the dazzling ambiance of the sea light. The view from Seowubong Peak, situated near Hamdeok Beach and Hallasan Mountain, is truly spectacular

STAY’s recommended
Local Restaurant

Dongkareum

An old house on Jeju Island has been renovated into a restaurant serving spicy stir-fried octopus in front of the sea. The only stir-fried octopus appears on the menu, but red-banded lobster soybean paste stew is served. At the window, you can enjoy spicy and chewy stir-fried octopus while you observe the Sinchon Port.

STAY

Finding Childhood Memories

Climbing the stairs between the high stone walls and opening the door of Low Jeju, you are greeted by a beautifully manicured lawn. The feeling of escaping everyday life and being transported into childhood memories. There are chalk numbers written on the hopscotch playground in the yard between the outer quarters. When we become adults, we forget how to play. We simply do not play like children any longer. It is a place where you can forget about your worldly cares, chat with your loved ones, look at the sea beyond the stone wall, throw stones everywhere, and bring back small but priceless memories of your childhood. The experience will be nostalgic. Since the past has become part of the present, it is necessary to take time to look back on the past, regardless of how busy you are with the present. It is possible to embrace your nostalgia on Jeju, where grandchildren have preserved the original construction form inherited from their grandfathers and fathers.

You will find a yard, which is the dream of many people as well as the main house with a large living room where you can relax, listen to vinyl records, and an outbuilding with lots of windows overlooking the sea in a kitchen space where you can gather with your loved ones. Additionally, during the sunset, where the red lighthouse and fishing boats come and go, there is a BBQ site where you can unwind without worrying about other people. While walking along the promenade behind the main house covered with red volcanic flowers, you are able to enjoy the full season without having to venture too far inside the stone wall.
4 POINT OF VIEW

ORIGINALITY

Admiring the Sea that Provides Everything

With the most humble attitude, the sea freely gives away everything. A simple glance at the sea of Jeju, which is surrounded by a stone wall, is enough to impress. Moreover, it is a stone house that has been passed down through three generations. By reflecting upon one's own history within the context of family history, one can fill one's own history.

DESIGN

A place Where Dreams Become a Reality

Having a lawn is a dream for many people. One of many people's dreams is to have their own private space where they can relax and listen to music, and a separate area for the kitchen. Although you may not go outside much, you can still take a walk in the gardens and enjoy the trees, flowers, and fruits. Additionally, various windows of various shapes and sizes reflect the scenery outside like a picture frame.

Hospitality

Reversing the Direction of Vertical to Horizontal

People in this modern, hierarchical society are obsessed with going higher and higher to achieve success, but at Low Jeju, everyone strives to reach the same height. Like Low Jeju's lower structure, everyone approaches life with a humble and lowly perspective. It is "Low Jeju", originally a grandfather's house of humble attitude and lower structure, that granted him the opportunity to completely escape the competitive society.

PRICE

In the Absence of Any Interference

Enjoy the time without interference from anyone or anything. You will not be distracted by artificial sounds or scenery. There will be only stone houses, stone walls, and the sea. Continually floating thoughts are accompanied by sound waves. With the power of nature, you can be freed from the thought that has been gnawing at your mind.

Stay Name
Low Jeju

Stay Type
K - Rental house

Contact information

Address
10-2, Beollang 6-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea

Guests / No. of Room
6~6 / 1

Price
US$ 322.24 ~ US$ 393.85

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

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

PHOTO BY Lee Byung-Keun | nangmansien.com
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