Seoul’s Stunning Hanok Architecture
Stepping through the doors of Rakkojae Seoul Main Hanok, I immediately felt a sense of calm wash over me. As I admired the stunning, painting-like gardens in front of me, I glanced at my mom, and we both shared a look of pure contentment. It was that perfect moment when you arrive at a hotel that exceeds your expectations in every way.
From the impeccable amenities to the warm hospitality of the staff, my stay at this intimate, five-room boutique hotel was a truly transformative experience. It seamlessly combined the allure of the past with the comforts of the present, just like the guestrooms, which featured handpicked antique furniture alongside modern-style bathrooms and amenities like a Nespresso machine and complimentary facial sheet masks by House of Dohwa.
As we were welcomed with a traditional Korean tea and snacks, my mom and I sat on the floor of our guestroom, savoring the flavors and feeling as if time had paused, offering us a much-needed respite from the hectic morning we had just experienced arriving from Incheon. Stuck at home during the pandemic, I had been researching the must-stay hotels in Korea and came across glowing online reviews of Rakkojae Seoul, with adjectives like “Perfect,” “Charming,” and “Outstanding” used to describe the experience.
The Allure of Hanok Architecture
Rakkojae has also been featured in photoshoots of K-stars like Rain and Blackpink, and was the first Hanok hotel to be listed in the MICHELIN Seoul guide in 2017. Needless to say, my interest was piqued, and as soon as the borders reopened between Singapore and Korea, I booked my trip, eager to discover the allure of this 130-year-old Hanok hotel and immerse myself in the traditional beauty of Korea.
Rakkojae is a perfect choice for anyone seeking to unwind and destress. I’m truly impressed by the wisdom of the historical architects or homebuilders from the era of the Joseon dynasty when they first built these traditional tiled-roof residences for the aristocrats of that time. So much thought went into the design of such homes, from the ondol-heated flooring to the mulberry bark Hanji wallpaper and carefully placed windows where one can admire the sky, the ground, and nature.
Nature is seamlessly integrated into the living spaces, providing a true sanctuary and comfort, and each room offers views of a serene garden courtyard. Fast-forward to modern-day architecture, and we see that even five-star hotels all around the world are now reverting back to taking inspiration from historic Hanok architecture, where the connectivity to the natural environment offers profound benefits to our overall well-being.
Masterful Restoration
Rakkojae has been magnificently restored by one of South Korea’s highly revered artisan craftsmen and National Treasure Master Carpenter, Young Jin Chung. His work on the Rakkojae Seoul Main Hanok has since received international acclaim, and the dedication to recreating the historical property to exude an atmosphere where one can experience harmony with nature, using natural materials like rock, timber, and clay, is truly admirable.
While chatting with Dr. Michael Ahn, who now oversees the operations of the Rakkojae Hanok Collection, I learned that the restoration work began in 1999 and continued for over five years before they officially opened the Main Hanok in 2003 in Bukchon Hanok Village. Michael also shared with me about the dispersed village inn “albergo diffuso” concept, where part of the unique experience of staying at Rakkojae is being able to walk through the alleyways of Bukchon Hanok Village to arrive at another set of guestrooms at the newly opened Bukchon Binkwan, located beside the Rakkojae Culture Lounge.
“At Rakkojae, we take great care to preserve the vernacular architecture of a traditional Korean home while providing modern luxuries of a hotel and placing emphasis on privacy,” shared Dr. Michael Jiwon Ahn, the Executive Vice President of Rakkojae Hanok Collection.
Unparalleled Experiences
With two Rakkojae hotels located in different parts of Bukchon Hanok Village, guests can experience an intimate yet vibrant, community-centric local lifestyle while walking through the neighborhood. The opportunity to sleep on heated natural jade ondol flooring, warmed underneath by hot water pipes during the winter, was a great experience for me. I’ve read about the health benefits of sleeping on a heated floor, such as improved blood circulation and overall quality of sleep, and I can attest that I did have a wonderful night’s rest.
Another special treat for hotel guests is the Natural Mud Sauna, or “Jjimjilbang,” in the Main Hanok. Complimentary for all guests, the infrared emissions from the natural mud can help soothe the mind and body, enhancing overall relaxation.
A Culinary Delight
The highlight of our stay, as true Singaporeans, was the hearty traditional Korean breakfast. While the hotel offers a Western-style breakfast option, of course, we chose to fully immerse ourselves in the cultural experience and do as the locals do. We had grilled fish served with rice and seaweed soup (miyuk guk 미역국), accompanied by a fried egg and other banchan, including kimchi and pan-fried zucchini. I loved the extra seaweed, which was a nice touch.
Rakkojae Seoul is conveniently located, just a short walk of less than 400 meters from Line 3’s Anguk subway station, Exit 2. Like the hotel, the neighborhood of Gahoe-dong, which translates to “the place where beauty gathers,” is a living museum that has managed to preserve the tradition and culture of the country. Plan an afternoon to meander along the alleys and explore the historic sites, art galleries, museums, and antique shops. A favorite spot for that picture-perfect memory is Gahoe-dong 11, located just around the corner from Rakkojae’s newly opened Bukchon Binkwan hotel.
As I reflect on my stay at Rakkojae, I’m reminded of the wise words of Aristotle, who coined the term “noble leisure.” This concept of a journey to find the utmost fulfillment is precisely what I experienced at this remarkable Hanok hotel in the heart of Seoul. From the serene beauty of the gardens to the warm hospitality and the opportunity to immerse myself in the rich cultural heritage of Korea, my time at Rakkojae was a true testament to the power of purposeful rest and the transformative potential of travel.
If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, I highly recommend staying at Rakkojae to discover the stunning Hanok architecture and embark on a journey of cultural enlightenment and personal rejuvenation. It’s an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.
