duru

A : Instead of a fast-paced trip where you just sleep and leave for another city, I designed this place as a sanctuary where you can contemplate and rest. I curated a collection of reading materials, put in wide windows, and made it an eco-friendly space filled with pleasant scents. While it’s wonderful if you love it here right now, I hope this becomes an accommodation where you look back after your trip ends and think, “That was a truly beautiful time.”
I have always vaguely wanted to be someone who creates things creatively. I wished to offer good spaces or products to people. To be honest, this started so suddenly that I initially pictured just a small private cottage. But this space turned out to be so beautiful. I had a premonition that I could try so many wonderful things here.

A : This place features a split-level design rather than a single-floor layout. Also, while some hallways have doors opening on both sides, this hallway only has them on one side, which looks incredibly beautiful. I fell in love with the structure—from the exterior feel to the staircase style and the terrace. Even though I don't know much about architecture, I found it remarkably charming.
I really hope guests notice the paper crane and the piano sitting on the bookshelf. The paper crane was folded and given to me by a child who visited with their father, calling it a hooded crane (Heukduru)—it was incredibly touching. There was also a French woman who stayed for over a month; she actually shed tears while listening to another solo female traveler play the piano. The next day during breakfast, she kept playing music and looking at the piano while eating. It remains a very fond memory.

A: 손님이 오셨을 때는 별로 말없이 가셨는데 길게 블로그를 써주셨어요. 원래 블로그를 안 하시던 분이신데, 여기를 꼭 글로 남기고 싶으시다고 다시 시작하셨나봐요. 브랜드 마케터, 이런 분이셨는데 분석적 관점으로 제가 생각하고 구현해냈지만 사실 말이나 글로 구체적으로 표현하지 못한 것들을 짚어주셨어요. 제가 수건에도 다 “treat yourself” 라고 수놓고 동일하게 끼워뒀는데, 그런 디테일을 다 알아주시더라고요. 그날 제 생각을 응원하는 사람이 있다는 걸 알았어요. 감사하고 위로가 됐죠.

A : Initially, I thought it would be a good place to rest for people going through a hard time and looking to care for themselves. But we aren't always having a hard time. It turns out people can find comfort here even while experiencing their own everyday happiness. We deliver breakfast in a basket, and guests can open it with a flutter of excitement and feel the warmth of a home-cooked meal from a mother. I am most grateful to those who recognize that intention and express it. There was a couple who didn't seem very friendly at first. But after we served them breakfast, they handed us a hand-drawn illustration. It turned out they were an illustrator and author. They returned a year later and gifted us another drawing. I cherish them like treasures.

A : "Mapogu" (a local restaurant). It is absolutely delicious, and it seems the further away guests come from, the more they love it. The owner has a sly yet friendly charm that makes the experience even more fun. There is also a restaurant called "Han-Be" which blends Korean and Vietnamese cuisine, and their pho tastes genuinely Vietnamese and delicious. Above all, it blends in perfectly with the neighborhood. "Nakwon Bakery" is also fantastic. I noticed a trend of new local hidden gems popping up recently. Make sure to try them!

A : First, if you hear hammering or fixing sounds coming from somewhere, that's my husband. He is someone I rely on deeply for emotional support, and I was so grateful that he didn't try to discourage me more than necessary when I started this business. When I'm busy, he takes great care of our children.
My mother is what you might call a "god of plants"—she can bring even dead plants back to life. Her favorite is the heavenly bamboo (Namcheon), and she is responsible for both the atmosphere of this space and the delicious food.
Our cat, Park Duru, used to be a stray. He has a very curious personality and loves taking walks, so he actually went out on his own and came back just the other day. You might spot Duru wandering around outside!