Wollyeong CAVE
why
Journey Within: Confronting the Self at Wollyeong Cave
In a world that moves at an unpredictable and fast pace, we often find ourselves struggling to keep up. Our lives become a blur of activity that seems beyond our control. In an era where even rest is found on social media, deliberate disconnection is necessary. It's time to put everything down for a while and seek refuge in a place of quiet solitude.
Imagine a vast and deep cave, surrounded by cacti, hidden away in the exotic site of Wollyeong -ri. The Wollyeong Cave is a massive concrete structure that feels cool and moist to the touch. Its walls interweave both horizontally and vertically, resembling a solid castle that provides a firm grounding for our souls.
As we enter the cave seeking solitude, we are surprised by the unexpected hospitality that greets us. Moving through the dimly lit space, we suddenly find ourselves surrounded by the beauty of Jeju's nature. The sunset, the sea, and the mysterious cactus fields spread out before us, framed by the towering eight-meter-high walls of the cave.
At Wollyeong Cave, the basic energy of nature permeates everything, from sight to touch. It's a journey to find oneself, but one that's never lonely. In the presence of Jeju's nature and the pleasant silence, we find the tranquility we seek.
Imagine a vast and deep cave, surrounded by cacti, hidden away in the exotic site of Wollyeong -ri. The Wollyeong Cave is a massive concrete structure that feels cool and moist to the touch. Its walls interweave both horizontally and vertically, resembling a solid castle that provides a firm grounding for our souls.
As we enter the cave seeking solitude, we are surprised by the unexpected hospitality that greets us. Moving through the dimly lit space, we suddenly find ourselves surrounded by the beauty of Jeju's nature. The sunset, the sea, and the mysterious cactus fields spread out before us, framed by the towering eight-meter-high walls of the cave.
At Wollyeong Cave, the basic energy of nature permeates everything, from sight to touch. It's a journey to find oneself, but one that's never lonely. In the presence of Jeju's nature and the pleasant silence, we find the tranquility we seek.
people
The Cave: A Modern Life Retreat
The host, seeking a quiet retreat from the sea, envisioned a space that resembled the raw and rugged nature of Wollyeong-ri. The concept of a cave emerged, with its natural achromatic light and rough textures.
JYA-rchitects, with their experience in designing stays in various regions, took on the challenge of bringing the host's dream to life. Director Yoo-min Won sought to explore the nature of daily housing by starting with the design of Wollyeong CAVE. Unlike modern housing, which often integrates functions like kitchen, dining, and living, the Cave emphasizes individual spaces to allow visitors to focus on their own time, even when together.
The Cave's unique sense of "cave" is realized through its architectural structure and physical properties, offering a high-end residence where visitors can enjoy a classy rest. The bathroom is designed for comfort, while the aesthetics of practical use permeate every aspect of the space, including organizing clothes.
With its luxurious yet practical design, the Cave offers a modern life retreat that's truly one-of-a-kind.
JYA-rchitects, with their experience in designing stays in various regions, took on the challenge of bringing the host's dream to life. Director Yoo-min Won sought to explore the nature of daily housing by starting with the design of Wollyeong CAVE. Unlike modern housing, which often integrates functions like kitchen, dining, and living, the Cave emphasizes individual spaces to allow visitors to focus on their own time, even when together.
The Cave's unique sense of "cave" is realized through its architectural structure and physical properties, offering a high-end residence where visitors can enjoy a classy rest. The bathroom is designed for comfort, while the aesthetics of practical use permeate every aspect of the space, including organizing clothes.
With its luxurious yet practical design, the Cave offers a modern life retreat that's truly one-of-a-kind.
location
Embraced by Exotic Cacti and Overlooking the Sunset
Nestled in the serene and leisurely land of Wollyeong-ri, where the mysterious cacti line up along the beach, lies the magnificent Wollyeong CAVE. As you walk towards the neighborhood, the breathtaking view of the calm sea in the distance and the tranquil surroundings fill you with the confidence that the sunset will be nothing short of spectacular. The site of Wollyeong CAVE is perfectly positioned to capture the beauty of the western sky.
JY Architects paid meticulous attention to the entry route, aiming to maximize the potential of the land. With one side of the structure adjacent to the road and a complex built in the opposite direction, the view was carefully secured. Interestingly, the design embraces the limitations imposed by the adjacent areas, seamlessly integrating them into the "cave" concept. By opening up the closed surface and creating a dramatic sense of openness, the space's strength is reinforced, and visitors are treated to an unforgettable experience as they follow the dark spaces and encounter the overwhelming landscape at a certain point.
The living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms are meticulously arranged to reflect the landscape elements emphasized in each area, such as the sunset and sea. At Wollyeong CAVE, which boasts a seamless connection to the surrounding region, visitors can easily explore and savor the colorful nature of Wollyeong-ri by simply walking around the property.
JY Architects paid meticulous attention to the entry route, aiming to maximize the potential of the land. With one side of the structure adjacent to the road and a complex built in the opposite direction, the view was carefully secured. Interestingly, the design embraces the limitations imposed by the adjacent areas, seamlessly integrating them into the "cave" concept. By opening up the closed surface and creating a dramatic sense of openness, the space's strength is reinforced, and visitors are treated to an unforgettable experience as they follow the dark spaces and encounter the overwhelming landscape at a certain point.
The living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms are meticulously arranged to reflect the landscape elements emphasized in each area, such as the sunset and sea. At Wollyeong CAVE, which boasts a seamless connection to the surrounding region, visitors can easily explore and savor the colorful nature of Wollyeong-ri by simply walking around the property.
MAKING STORY
To enhance the three-dimensional effect of the concrete-dominated space, it was crucial to create appropriate variations in each area. Thus, the five masses were given different concrete surface treatments to express a range of materials. Initially, three options were considered: machine chipping, high-pressure spray, and complete grinding. Although the high-pressure spray method was intended, it did not fit the space. However, a solution was discovered in the field by combining mechanical chipping with an intermediate pattern. JY Architects experimented with utilizing the rough, subtle, and natural pattern of the intermediate stage before completing the chipping work in several stages.
As a result, three tones were adopted, creating different textures for each wall and providing various tactile images for each section, even though they were made of the same concrete. It is remarkable that this finishing method was completed quickly and clearly, despite the construction site's numerous variables, by adjusting to the situation.
As a result, three tones were adopted, creating different textures for each wall and providing various tactile images for each section, even though they were made of the same concrete. It is remarkable that this finishing method was completed quickly and clearly, despite the construction site's numerous variables, by adjusting to the situation.
The design of Wollyeong CAVE aimed to embrace Jeju's nature in a dynamic and immersive way. A towering 8-meter wall, positioned at the center of the space, takes on the critical role of showcasing the surrounding environment as a vertical landscape. This wall, uncommon in everyday life, distorts our senses, creating a surreal experience that intensifies our awareness of the natural world.
The architectural structure plays with the concepts of void and solidity, openness and closure. The exterior of Wollyeong CAVE is reminiscent of a giant rock cave, with no windows facing the road. The entrance is discreetly hidden, emphasizing the conceptual appearance of the space. The opposite side is fully open towards nature, creating a dramatic flow within the space.
The design also sought to offer a closer and more experiential connection to nature. Adjacent to the space is a cactus field, which extends right up to the living room. The living room features a door that leads to the outside, where one can touch the cacti. Water also plays a significant role in the experience. A large swimming pool adjacent to the cactus field gives the feeling of being in a small sea of Jeju. On the second floor, there is a shower room with a large window and an outdoor bathtub, offering a private yet natural experience. The design of Wollyeong CAVE allows for a variety of ways to appreciate, experience, and feel close to the unique nature of Jeju.
The architectural structure plays with the concepts of void and solidity, openness and closure. The exterior of Wollyeong CAVE is reminiscent of a giant rock cave, with no windows facing the road. The entrance is discreetly hidden, emphasizing the conceptual appearance of the space. The opposite side is fully open towards nature, creating a dramatic flow within the space.
The design also sought to offer a closer and more experiential connection to nature. Adjacent to the space is a cactus field, which extends right up to the living room. The living room features a door that leads to the outside, where one can touch the cacti. Water also plays a significant role in the experience. A large swimming pool adjacent to the cactus field gives the feeling of being in a small sea of Jeju. On the second floor, there is a shower room with a large window and an outdoor bathtub, offering a private yet natural experience. The design of Wollyeong CAVE allows for a variety of ways to appreciate, experience, and feel close to the unique nature of Jeju.
SPACE
The World of Light in Cozy Darkness
As you enter the neighborhood, a massive grey rock catches your eye. It draws you towards it with an enigmatic energy that evokes images of a cave. And just like that, you have arrived at Wolryeong CAVE. A simple door, reminiscent of a temple entrance, leads you to a dark achromatic interior that exudes a pleasant coolness, with rough physical properties resembling rocks that connect the inside to the outside. The first floor boasts a living room with a high and wide window that overlooks the cactus field, an impressive kitchen made of actual stones, and a swimming pool large enough for the whole family to enjoy. Each space extends in different directions depending on the crossed mass structure, creating diverse scenery and allowing each person to have their own space, even when several people are visiting.
As you ascend the round stairs to the second floor, a rest area with an open view unfolds before you. The bedroom with two double beds emphasizes an unusual sense of space with a high and deep wall, and its calm and dense interior finish and dark tone guarantee a peaceful and restful experience. The other bedroom seamlessly connects the exterior landscape to the interior space, offering a vertical panoramic view that stretches from the cactus field to the sea and sky through an expanded window top and rounded edges. The bathroom provides a unique water therapy experience with a structure that allows you to take a shower and warm bath while admiring the sky.
As you ascend the round stairs to the second floor, a rest area with an open view unfolds before you. The bedroom with two double beds emphasizes an unusual sense of space with a high and deep wall, and its calm and dense interior finish and dark tone guarantee a peaceful and restful experience. The other bedroom seamlessly connects the exterior landscape to the interior space, offering a vertical panoramic view that stretches from the cactus field to the sea and sky through an expanded window top and rounded edges. The bathroom provides a unique water therapy experience with a structure that allows you to take a shower and warm bath while admiring the sky.
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INTERVIEW
stayfolio
Wollyeong CAVE
Hi, Director Yoo-min Won. Can you describe your initial impression upon visiting the location of the space?
Although I had worked on three or four projects in Jeju Island before, Wolryeong-ri was a new area for me. When I arrived, I saw locals farming cactus, which was a unique and exotic sight. Seeing the cactus spreading along the beach up close was refreshing since I had never seen them in this context before. As the owner of the building mentioned, the sunset was also beautiful, adding to the overall appeal of the area.
How did you seek to incorporate the local features of the area into the design?
I believed that merely viewing the cactus from afar would not do justice to the unique beauty of the area. Therefore, I aimed to create a more immersive experience for the residents by allowing them to interact with the cactus up close. For instance, in the living room, we lowered the floor level by 1m to bring the cactus closer to eye level. Additionally, we extended the cactus plants to the front of the living room, so that residents can enjoy a clear view of them from inside. The design also allows residents to go outside and physically touch the cactus, thus creating a more tangible and sensory experience.
Can you provide more information about the target demographic for this space?
It targets 4-6 family members or friends. However, even if I come with my group, I thought it would be nice if each person could have a different experience and spend their own time. Especially through various sensory experiences. The living room, kitchen, and swimming pool are divided into different directions. So it's possible for someone to sit on the steps of the living room and look at the cactus, someone to awaken the sense of rest through the water, and someone to lean back on the terrace and appreciate the sky. Everyone stays in one space, but each person can have their own private experience.
Can you explain how you focused on improving the user experience in this place?
My main focus was on the bathroom as I believe it's a crucial element that can greatly affect one's daily life satisfaction. Most common apartments treat bathrooms as a space solely for physical functions without considering the overall experience. I wanted to change that and create a unique bathroom experience that would add to the overall stay experience.
This place is all about providing special and distinct experiences that differ from everyday life, and I wanted to incorporate this into the bathroom experience. Personally, I love the feeling of washing up while facing nature through a large window when I travel to Europe, and I wanted to bring that experience to this place. That's why we designed the bathroom to allow guests to enjoy showers and hot baths while feeling connected to nature.
In addition, we made sure to provide enough space and organized amenities to make even the smallest tasks, like folding clothes, a pleasant experience. Overall, my focus was on creating a comfortable and enjoyable stay for our guests.
This place is all about providing special and distinct experiences that differ from everyday life, and I wanted to incorporate this into the bathroom experience. Personally, I love the feeling of washing up while facing nature through a large window when I travel to Europe, and I wanted to bring that experience to this place. That's why we designed the bathroom to allow guests to enjoy showers and hot baths while feeling connected to nature.
In addition, we made sure to provide enough space and organized amenities to make even the smallest tasks, like folding clothes, a pleasant experience. Overall, my focus was on creating a comfortable and enjoyable stay for our guests.
The interior design of the space is inspired by the cave motif, which is reflected in the choice of finishing materials and color scheme.
Our goal was to create a seamless transition from the exterior concrete material to the interior by emphasizing the properties of the stone. To achieve this, we used achromatic colors, avoiding white and wood tones. In the living room, the green cactus is set against an achromatic background to provide visual stimulation. The kitchen table is made of stone, giving it a primitive feel. We used dark tiles to finish the water spaces, creating a distinctive experience that sets them apart from other areas of the space.
What would you like to say to those who stays here?
My hope for your stay at Wolryeong CAVE is that you will have a truly personalized and private experience. I understand that traveling with family, especially children, can be chaotic and lacking in personal space. That's why I designed the space with the intention of providing unique sensory experiences for both children and adults in their own separate areas. I want you to feel like you have a place of your own where you can truly relax and recharge. So, come and enjoy this special time with your loved ones while also taking time for yourself.
STAY’s recommended
Local Restaurant
Sing Sing Eat
Sing Sing Eat offers a one-of-a-kind trendy ambiance that enlivens the vicinity around Hyeopjae Beach. The colorful and visually appealing array of cocktails, highballs, and wines, combined with the refined DJ selection that tantalizes the senses, and the rugged and unique interior design that creatively incorporates the existing framework, collectively provide a distinctive and unparalleled dining experience.
Island Whales
Island Whales, a romantically named restaurant, offers an exquisite dish called the "Eclipse" that highlights the freshness of seasonal fish and wholesome ingredients, evoking the essence of the Jeju sea. Their menu features a variety of dishes such as sashimi made with seasonal fish caught by the family, salmon avocado rice bowl that incorporates fermented salmon and fresh avocado, and a fusion-style hot pot dish called black pork sukiyaki. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty meal or a romantic evening, Seomwhale is an ideal choice. The vintage interior, reminiscent of an artist's home, adds to the overall delightful dining experience.
STAY’s recommended
Local Cafe
Cafe The Other Side
Indulge in the sensory delight of a roastery café that offers an assortment of hand-drip coffee. At this café, you have the option to taste and select the coffee beans of your preference from the menu, which is then served in charming vintage glasses that warm your heart. The exterior of the café is simple, resembling a house in a painting, with a well-proportioned gable roof that adds to its allure. Upon entering, visitors are greeted with a high ceiling featuring a sealing pan, a large window draped with chiffon curtains that sway gently, and a peaceful seating area arranged by the window that exudes the ambiance of a sophisticated café.
STAY
A Sensational Feeling Taking Over My Senses
Daily routines can leave us feeling unfulfilled and disengaged, like we're simply going through the motions of a busy modern life. However, spending a night in the modern cave in Wolryeong-ri can awaken our senses and restore our vitality. The physical properties of nature are felt in their rawest form, and the unique scenery of Jeju Island can be savored at a leisurely pace. Gazing out of the window, the brightly shining world contrasts beautifully against the darkness of the cave.
The comforting darkness of the cave provides a refuge from the chaos of everyday life. It is a cozy and pleasant space that offers respite from the demands of the world. Here, you can surrender to the peacefulness and allow your mind and body to rest. After a good night's sleep, you will feel renewed and re-energized, ready to take on the challenges of the day with fresh vigor.
The comforting darkness of the cave provides a refuge from the chaos of everyday life. It is a cozy and pleasant space that offers respite from the demands of the world. Here, you can surrender to the peacefulness and allow your mind and body to rest. After a good night's sleep, you will feel renewed and re-energized, ready to take on the challenges of the day with fresh vigor.
4 POINT OF VIEW
ORIGINALITY
Experiencing magnificent space and exotic scenery within the 8-meter-high walls.
DESIGN
Reviving the natural sense and providing ultimate relaxation.
Hospitality
Thoughtful experience design that honors one's stay.
PRICE
A fusion of architecture, locale, and comfortable human living space.
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- Stay Name
- Wollyeong CAVE
- Stay Type
- K - Rental house
- Contact information
- Address
- 544-1, wollyeong-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea
- Guests / No. of Room
- 4~6 / 1
- Price
- US$ 429.65 ~ US$ 537.07
- Check-in / out
- 16:00 / 11:00
- Feature
- BBQ facilities, Kitchenette, Swimming pool, Tub (ex. Jacuzzi, Hinoki)
PHOTO BY Byeong-geun Lee | WRITTEN BY Shin Eunji |