Like the growth rings of an ancient tree, the slow passage of time creates a unique texture. In the alleys of Bukchon and Seochon, where time seems to flow gently, the Hanok here cradles stories from ages past.
Z_Lab reinterprets this layered history by adding today’s sensibilities, creating a new experience of stay. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of a Hanok stay in Seoul. Here, your senses will sharpen, and your mind will gently find order.
Hanok Essay Gahoe
Korea˙Seoul4 guests (max 6 guests)
₩1,200,000 ~ - "A Space to Enjoy the Scenery and Leisure of Bukchon" Surrounded by a traditional 'ㄱ'-shaped Hanok and a garden, with sweeping views of Seoul’s day and night through large windows, 'Hanok Essay Gahoe' is a home that cradles the layered landscape of time. In the warm sunlight, the gentle waves of the water space, and the tranquil calm of the outdoor hearth, slowly face emotions that transcend the ordinary.
₩490,000 ~ - "A Garden and Boulder Inspired by Mount Inwang and Suseongdong Valley" Inspired by traditional detached houses, 'Hanok Essay Nuha' is a space for contemplation, where nature is brought into an urban garden. Sit on the boulders, listen to the music, or exchange tea while tending to the tea utensils, and calmly observe your mind settling into peace.
₩380,000 ~ - "The Most Seochon-like Garden and the Experience of Hospitality" Nestled deep in the alleys of Seochon Nuha-dong, 'Hanok Essay Seochon' is a healing Hanok designed with a seamless flow between the garden, bathroom, and lounge. Sit by the fireplace with tranquil music and enjoy a cup of coffee, or open the windows wide and indulge in a deep rest in a bathtub that blends with the garden.
₩220,000 ~ - "A Hidden Alley in Seochon, A Modern Interpretation of Tradition" 'NUWA' is a private retreat that reimagines the traditional Korean concept of wayu—the quiet pleasure of journeying through beautiful landscapes with the mind, from the comfort of home.
Furnished with low, minimalist furniture, a smooth open-air bathtub, and refined tea utensils, the space invites stillness. With soft music, a cup of tea, and a good book, you’re gently immersed in the art of slowness.
₩270,000 ~ - "A Meeting with Myself and the Garden: A Space for Stay with Nujung" Designed for meditation and the enjoyment of nature’s sounds, 'Nujung' embodies the essence of Hanok as a space for healing and restoration. Immerse yourself in the full bathtub, gaze at the small but profound garden, and reconnect with your inner breath.
Stay in May up to 10% off > ₩243,000 ~ - "At the End of Seochon’s Alley, A Time of Purification in the Deepest and Darkest Space" Hidden at the end of a narrow, low alley, 'Humijin' is a space where water and stone take center stage, offering a bath and tea ceremony for purification. In the quiet created by raw, simple materials, experience a meditative time of self-reflection.
Q. 'Hanok Essay Gahoe' is located in Bukchon. What kind of space did you envision for it? - 'Hanok Essay Gahoe' is designed with a direction that differs from previous Hanok Essay projects. While the Hanoks in Seochon were modestly built on narrow plots, this space is spacious enough to accommodate many people.
The meaning of Gahoe—a joyful and pleasant gathering—naturally permeates the entire space. In addition, through the layers of structure accumulated from its long history as a private residence, we focused on revealing the materials and form, revitalizing the story of time embedded in the Hanok through architecture.
- An important design element of Hanok Essay Gahoe is the flow of space based on the viewer’s line of sight. Starting from the entrance of Bukchon, the space rises along a gentle incline, leading to Gahoe at the summit. The line of sight from the uphill path flows naturally to the grand view of Seoul and the garden, offering a fresh and harmonious Hanok experience.
Q. You’ve placed various thoughtful details throughout the space for those staying there. - To offer a new experience unique to 'Hanok Essay Gahoe', we’ve incorporated elements into the space that allow interaction with the surrounding environment.
Outside, around the courtyard offering a panoramic view of Seoul, a hearth area harmonizes with a garden featuring various trees and flowing water. Inside, we’ve designed a lounge with high ceilings and a dining area finished with sound-absorbing materials. In these spaces, we hope that time spent together will deepen, allowing conversations to unfold naturally.
- Each guest room has been thoughtfully designed with its own distinct character, shaped by the choice of finishes. One room features walls finished with hanji—traditional Korean paper crafted from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree—offering a serene connection to a numaru, a raised wooden platform where you can enjoy tea while gazing at the sky. Another room, finished with natural earth plaster, invites quiet rest as you look out toward the rear garden through its windows.
The landscaping of the rear garden was carefully planned to bring the spatial experience of the Hanok indoors. Even the smallest spaces—the bedroom, bathroom, and powder room—receive both natural light and glimpses of greenery, blurring the boundary between inside and out.
Q. What message did you wish to convey through this space? - 'Hanok Essay Gahoe' seeks to naturally convey the passage of time and the layered stories embedded in the city of Seoul to those who stay. As the name Gahoe—meaning “a joyful and pleasant gathering”—suggests, the space invites a moment of Donghyu, or “resting together,” as you take in views of Seoul’s landscape. It is a place for reflection and connection, where we hope the warmth of sincere hospitality is deeply felt.
Things to note
The promotion benefits and schedule may vary by stay. For accurate details, please refer to each stay’s booking page.