VISIT JEJU

At the Hadohado 3200 located in the eastern part of Jeju, you can feel the vibe of an open-air bath while indoors. If you’re a bit shy to enjoy open-air baths in an unknown place, consider Hadohado 3200. Hadohado 3200, a remodeled stone wall house in Jeju, is an unmanned rental house located in an alley in Hadori village. Passing through a low stone wall, you will find the lodging house surrounded by another high stone wall. A large glass window reveals a view into the living room, and a lawn built in front of it are the perfect places for adults and children to spend time together. The split-level Hadohado 3200 has a bedroom on each floor (ground floor and 1st floor). The bedroom on the ground floor leads to a living room and kitchen. Also, a lawn and a table are located behind the house so that guests can spend time outdoors whenever they want. The biggest charm of Hadohado 3200 is the large bathtub leading to the inner bathroom. It is large enough to be called a pool rather than a bathtub.

This is the space in Hadohado 3200 where you can feel the open-bath vibe. It’s a space leading to the bathroom , but it’s neither completely indoors, nor outdoors (where all the space is open). The high stone wall and roof create a cozy feeling. The stone wall and roof are not connected, which allows a view of the blue sky and the gentle breeze to blow the leaves when you soak yourself in the water. After a relaxing hot spring bath, enjoy a barbecue under the starlight. Hadohado 3200 is a single rental unit that can accommodate six to eight people. The Jeju Haenyeo Museum and Jeju Haenyeo Anti-Japanese Movement Monument, which tell the history of Haenyeo, are located nearby.

The open-air bath is perfect for the cold weather these days. It is an even more welcome option if you are traveling through windy Jeju island. Let’s fall in love with the traditional Jeju stone house and Japanese-style Ryokan at “Haruna’s Garden” in Aewol, Jeju City. Haruna’s Garden is a single unit rental house designed by the Japanese owner Haruna. It was created by remodeling a traditional Jeju stone house, incorporating the atmosphere of both Jeju and Japan. Haruna’s Garden is well known for its attractive interior and spa. It is an accommodation dedicated to a single team on about 330m2 of land. The unit is divided into a bedroom unit and a kitchen unit. However, its exclusive structure allows connection between the units by just opening a window. You can find the open-air bath on the way from the bedroom unit to the kitchen unit. The open-air bath at Haruna’s Garden is available all year round. One of its features is the natural hot spring stone from Hokkaido on the floor of the bath.

The open-air bath incorporates the atmosphere of both Jeju and Japan, which is really attractive to travelers seeking a unique experience. There are also five small courtyards all around the facility, including the open-air bath. Each of the courtyard grow fresh flowers and grass between stones, truly living up to the name of “Haruna’s Garden.” After the bath, you can enjoy the beauty of the green garden. Thanks to interior design skills of its owner, Haruna’s Garden has picturesque spots, serving as perfect photo zones, at every corner of the residence. So, don’t forget your tripod and camera. Also, if you’re traveling with infants, note that infant table chairs and baby blankets are provided free of charge.

Be the “Jocheondaek” in the small village of Jocheon for a day—just like Lee Hyori was called “Sogildaek” at her Bed and Breakfast. The single unit rental house “Jocheondaek” was created for those who wanted to know what local life in Jeju is really like, even if it’s just for one day. When you open the large gate with a small nameplate with the name “Jocheondaek” on it, three houses placed in two wings around a wide lawn come into view. The facility is consisted of the main building, the exterior building, a storage room with the gate, the bedroom unit and the kitchen unit. Jocheondaek accommodates four to six people, and the kitchen unit is an independent space where all guests can enjoy meals together. The kitchen unit, which creates a cafe-like atmosphere, features a large table and a spacious kitchen where people can cook and eat together. The bedroom unit and the kitchen unit are placed in an L shape around the lawn. Visitors will face the bedroom unit at the front once they enter the gate.

The open-air bath is located between those two units. Passing through a short passage like a narrow alleyway, you can see a small open-air bath surrounded by stone walls. An attractive place even during the day, the open-air bath becomes even more romantic at night. Small lights are lit around the open-air bath, which also has a warming effect. The cool wind blowing over this warmth might even make you stay longer. “Jocheondaek” is located in the narrow alleys which makes it difficult to find at first, but once you enter the alley from the main road, each stone wall is marked with a small sign which lead the way to the accommodation.

The Private Shiro is a lodging house with an open-air bath that is inspired by the Ryokan in Kyoto and presented in Jeju style. The overall atmosphere is filled with the comfort of a traditional stone wall house of Jeju, but small props inside the house recreate the Ryokan feel of Kyoto. “Shiro” means “one’s territory where others are not allowed to enter.” Staying true to its name, “The Private Shiro” is separated into four villas. Each villa is a bit different in size and accommodates a different number of guests. There are 59m2 units for couples and friends, and 85m2 units for a family of four. With its antique exterior, “The Private Shiro” uses neutral colors to create a calm and comfortable atmosphere.

The garden is furnished with an open-air bath and a terrace, available day and night. However, please note that the open-air bath on the premise must be used with clothes on.  Yukatas are provided for this purpose. Honeysuckles, Native Mulberries, and Mugwort handpicked by the owner are placed near the open-air bath for use as natural bath preparations. Relax in the warm water and recover from the day’s fatigue.   Each bath preparation is wrapped in a large cotton cloth, which should be dipped in the water as is. Just sitting in the open-air bath of “The Private Shiro,” which harmonizes the atmosphere of Ryokan in Kyoto and traditional Jeju stone walls wonderfully, will make your fatigue from traveling melt away in no time. It takes about an hour by car from Jeju Airport to The Private Shiro. It is located in a quiet town with few travelers. If your primary purpose is to relax, consider “The Private Shiro.”

If you’re looking for a cozy open-air bath, consider “Stay Dalha” in Aewol, Jeju. It is a single unit rental house incorporating two floors, and accommodates four to six people. There is a living room and a kitchen on the ground floor, whereas bedrooms are located on the first floor. The bedrooms are equipped with twin beds. While lying in bed, you can see the starlit night sky of Jeju through the small window. Walking down the stairs, you will find a corner with a low wooden bench where you can have some refreshments. Enjoy a lazy afternoon in the sun shining through the big window. Before enjoying an open-air bath, you might as well have a cup of tea.

Stay Dalha’s open-air bath is located in the backyard. The open-air bath, decorated with raw wood, is big enough for a family of four to dip in. The roof and walls around the open-air bath area create a cozy atmosphere. There is also a barbecue place and a small pavilion for relaxation in the backyard. Stay Dalha is a perfect place for a group of guests. The kitchen and the backyard are connected, allowing you to spend the evening relaxing in the garden that’s just steps away. After bathing in warm water, you can have dinner right away at the barbecue place next to the bath, or sit and relax in the small pavilion. The pavilion in the backyard set against the stone wall is a trademark photo zone of Stay Dalha—make sure you take a picture. Stay Dalha is 25 minutes away by car from Jeju Airport. Also, make sure to check Stay Dalha’s website for information about recommended tourist attractions by the owner, as well as nearby grocery shops and restaurants.