The oreum area in the middle of Jeju is a highland where the oreums attached to Hallasan Mountain are clustered, preserving beautiful nature. However, it has an ever-changing climate and rough terrain. Podo Hotel is located low on the ground here where it is not easily accessible as it has a mysterious atmosphere. The architect Yu Dong-ryong (also known as Jun Itami) drew inspiration from Jeju’s oreum and thatched house and created a space that naturally blends to Jeju Jungsangan’s nature and breathes together. Podo Hotel opened in 2001; it has been quietly run in nature for 20 years on the solid foundation without changing from the beginning.

There are 5 types of guestrooms and they are again categorized into two types, Korean and Western style. The subcategories of these rooms fall into Presidential, Royal Suite and Deluxe. The Korean style rooms were created to maximize the comfort and warmth by using Korean materials and construction methods such as rafters, red clay, Korean paper, and floor heating. Particularly, the bathroom has a 300-year-old kiso hinoki bathtub, making the experience much more special. Western style rooms are charming in their own way, utilizing luxurious wooden materials and a marble bathtub instead of hinoki. Every room offers hot spring water with aragonite, so you will find your time here more relaxing.

Appreciating cascade on the hall and in the center of the hotel, art pieces everywhere and Jeju’s local materials will also add more fun to your trip. Certain elements will take your space experience to another level such as where your movement flow suddenly halts or the space opens and closes repetitively, mostly because the geographical features here were not artificially controlled but instead incorporated in the space. Jeju’s natural materials like basalt or Garot—a type of Korean traditional clothing worn by locals of Jeju in the past—and classic furniture and artwork are also extraordinary. Restaurants featuring Jeju’s fresh local ingredients and Podo Gallery introducing local artists also present a consistent experience with nature that Podo Hotel pursues. Just like the cascade in the center of the hotel that changes to every season, every space in Podo Hotel will always welcome us with nature.

Edited by STAYFOLIO
Architect by 유동룡(Itami Jun)
Photo by Kihun Park(@arc_factory)