I was travelling with mom and we both looked at each other and smiled. It was this perfect moment when we had arrived at a hotel that would surpass our expectations. From the amenities to the hospitality of their staff, my stay at this five-room boutique hotel was an intimate experience that seamlessly combined elements of the past and present – just like their guestrooms which had handpicked antique furniture and modern-style bathrooms and amenities like a Nespresso machine and complimentary facial sheet masks by House of Dohwa.

A welcome tea with traditional Korean snacks was offered to us and we sat on the floor in our guestroom to savour the flavours. Time felt like it had paused for that one moment, offering respite from our hectic morning arriving from Incheon.

Exquisite Charm of Korean Culture

Stuck at home during the pandemic, I had been doing research on the “must-stay” hotels in Korea and came across online reviews of Rakkojae Seoul by other travellers. Adjectives used to describe their stay at Rakkojae included “Perfect”, “Charming” and “Outstanding”. 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.

Of course, my interest was piqued so when borders reopened between Singapore and Korea, I immediately booked my trip to Korea. I wanted a first-hand experience to discover the allure of this 130-year old Hanok Hotel which promises visitors an immersive experience of the traditional beauty of Korea.

Magical Atmosphere

Rakkojae is a perfect choice for anyone seeking to unwind and destress. I am 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 behind 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 integrated into the living spaces to provide sanctuary and comfort and each room offers views of a garden courtyard.

Fast-forward to modern-day architecture, five-star hotels all around the world are now reverting back to taking inspiration from historic Hanok architecture where connectivity to the natural environment offers profound benefits to our overall wellbeing.

Rakkojae has been magnificently restored by one of South Korea’s highly revered artisan craftsman and “National Treasure” Master Carpenter Young Jin Chung. and whose work on Rakkojae Seoul Main Hanok has since received international acclaim.

The dedication to recreating the historical property to exude an atmosphere where one can experience harmony with nature by using natural materials like rock, timber and clay is admirable. While chatting with Dr Michael Ahn, who now oversees operations of the Rakkojae Hanok Collection, I learned that restoration work began in 1999 and continued for over five years before they officially opened their Main Hanok in 2003 in Bukchon Hanok Village.

Michael also shared with me about the dispersed village inn “albergo diffuso” concept – originating from Italy 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 a newly opened Bukchon Binkwan (located beside the Rakkkojae 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.”

Dr Michael Jiwon Ahn, Executive Vice President of Rakkojae Hanok Collection. 

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.  

Holistic Healing for Mind, Body & Soul

The opportunity to sleep on heated natural jade ondol flooring warmed underneath by hot water pipes during winter was a great experience. I have read about 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 good night’s sleep!

Natural Mud Sauna

Another special treat for hotel guests is the Natural Mud Sauna  (Jjimjilbang) in the Main Hanok. Complimentary for all guests, the infrared emissions from the natural mud can help to soothe the mind and body and enhance relaxation.

Breakfast – A Full Stomach Makes a Happy Heart

The highlight of our stay as true Singaporeans was the hearty traditional Korean breakfast. While this complimentary breakfast provides guests with an option of a Western-style breakfast, of course, we chose to have our full-fledged cultural experience and do what the locals!

We had grilled fish, served with rice and seaweed soup (miyuk guk, 미역국)) served alongside a fried egg and other banchan including kimchi and pan-fried zucchini. I loved the extra seaweed which was a nice extra touch!

BUKCHON HANOK VILLAGE

Rakkojae Seoul is a short walk away (less than 400 metres) from Line 3’s Anguk subway station (Exit 2), Like the hotel, the neighbourhood of Gahoe-dong (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 favourite spot for that picture-perfect memory is Gahoe-dong 11 located just around the corner from Rakkojae’s newly opened hotel, Bukchon Binkwan.

Photo Credits: Rakkojae Hanok Collection & Florence Ang

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Mondrian is the lifestyle brand of Accor, and as the first Mondrian hotel in Asia, Mondrian Seoul Itaewon certainly sets the bar as a contemporary luxury hotel. Taking inspiration from its namesake, the Dutch modernist artist Piet Mondrian, the hotel reflects a distinctive style that is both playful and colourful. One will appreciate how the design and facilities reflect its international influences and connect guests to the vibrancy of the cosmopolitan Itaewon neighbourhood that it resides in.

The buzzy atmosphere greets you once you step into the hotel where culture meets modern luxury. On the ground floor, there is Blind Spot, the lobby bar that is a perfect meeting place to enjoy afternoon tea or signature cocktails. Or dine in style at Cleo, the hotel’s Mediterranean restaurant where contemporary flavours will delight. Currently, there is a Bottomless Wednesday free-flow wine promotion at the restaurant for lunch and dinner. 

For sundowner cocktails, there is Privilege Rooftop Bar for panoramic views of the city or the Rumpus Room on Level 2 that has Great Gatsby vibes with its modernist art decor glamour.

Anything you want is yours

What sets the Mondrian apart from other hotels is their unique blend of warm hospitality and contemporary elegance. From its well-appointed rooms to a state-of-the-art fitness club and a stunning heated pool, the hotel’s amenities have a “wow” effect. 

I particularly appreciated their lifestyle concierge services – where everyone was extremely helpful when I needed advice on directions and assistance. Guests can also seek help to make reservations at restaurants which is useful when you don’t speak Korean!

We stayed in the Studio Suite which has a separate dining area and living room, and a spacious bathroom that has a free-standing bathtub. It is equipped with modern amenities such as a Nespresso machine, USB charging outlet, and bluetooth speakers and the mini-bar in-room refreshments are complimentary. An extra touch to ensure guests have peace of mind about the hotel’s hygiene and cleanliness standards were having air purifiers for guest rooms available upon request,

The room was so comfortable that it was almost a challenge for me to head outside to explore. In fact, I probably stayed in the hotel more than I should have as it was so easy to stay indoors to relax and recharge. Plus, there was just so much to discover and enjoy within the hotel!

It was wonderful that the hotel has its own shopping arcade in the basement. In addition to spas and lifestyle shops including ARC N Book bookstore, the arcade offers several options for dining and Tae Geuk Dang, the oldest bakery in Seoul, has an outlet there.

Design x Story

My most memorable spaces of the hotel were those that were inspired by two Korean folktales – ”Sister Sun and Brother Moon”  and  “The Fairy and the Woodcutter”. 

Forest Zone on Level 1 presents a fairytale theme of the forest of “The Fairy and the Woodcutter”, a tragic love story that ends up with the woodcutter turning into a rooster when he is forever separated from his beloved fairy wife.

Forest Zone has a delightful ambience to enjoy BFF get-togethers where an unmissable experience is their “Forest Chocolate Set” for two which includes six glasses of signature cocktails and a tray of chocolates.  And similarly, the seating area in front of the front desk at Level 2 presents a modern playground setting that evokes cheerful childhood memories.

My other favourite place is undeniably the breathtaking Privilege Rooftop Bar that has an outdoor wall façade at the terrace area that was designed in homage to the “Sister Sun and Brother Moon” story about a pair of siblings who were turned into the celestial beings in the sky.

A lifestyle destination

Most recently popularized by the Korean drama “Itaewon Class”, Itaewon has earned global recognition as Seoul’s most multicultural neighbourhood. It is the heartbeat of Seoul’s urban culture and has a lively bar and restaurant scene. 

Itaewon Antiques Street, a stretch of road lined with shops selling vintage home furnishings can be found just around the corner from Mondrian Hotel. Due to its proximity to an American military base since to 60s, Itaewon became a popular hang-out place for foreigners who loved how Westernised it was. The street gradually became a place where US soldiers leaving the country would go to the shops to sell their furniture and over the years, it is now known widely as the go-to place to find eclectic furniture pieces.

For a leisurely break from sightseeing, why not visit an Instagram-worthy cafe in Itaewon? Sayoo is a five-storey European inspired cafe that has a different concept on each floor, with its rooftop offering panoramic views of the neighbourhood. Plus, they make their own chocolate, how can you say no to that?

Photo credits: Mondrian Seoul Itaewon

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