Shilange at Okcheon
Suojae
7 Geumgok 1-gil, Suncheon-si
+82 0507-1405-1074
Private Vacation Home (Hanok Pension)
Number of Rooms: 1 room / Maximum Capacity: 2 people
" A house that protects me, and protects you. This is Suojae. "
My name is Kim Jong-guk, and I run Suojae, a traditional Hanok pension located near the Culture Street in Suncheon.
The history and story of our Suojae have even been featured on the Korean TV architectural documentary program, Architecture Exploration - House!
Introduction
Q : What is the story behind the beginning of this space?
A : This space was originally a traditional Korean house with over 100 years of history. It had been left abandoned as a deserted house for quite some time, but I was captivated by the large plot of land and bought it as an investment. Later, to fulfill my wife’s lifelong dream of living in a traditional Hanok, we decided to remodel it into a home for our family. That journey began four years ago. We literally dismantled the entire building and rebuilt it, repeating a cycle of pausing and restarting, making it a house crafted completely with our own hands. Although it was initially built as a private residence for our family, once it was finished, we wanted to make good use of the sarangchae (detached guest quarters). That is how we came to open up that specific space as a private pension for travelers.
Q : Where was the spot you first envisioned, and where is the place your heart lingers the most even now?
A : There is a space at the edge of the courtyard where guests can enjoy a fire pit. We’ve set up a cozy bench and a small brazier there. It also happens to be the spot where our guests spend the most time and take the most photos. Architecturally, a Hanok is designed so that raindrops naturally cascade down the edges of the eaves. Watching that happen is an incredibly beautiful experience. One guest even mentioned they wished it had rained just a little bit more during their stay. On a rainy day, or right around sunset—that is when this house truly reveals its most beautiful charm.
Q : I'm curious about the story embedded in this place and the values you, as a host, want to convey.
A : As the name "Suojae" suggests—meaning "a house that protects oneself"—I want this to be a place where travelers can fully protect and restore their inner peace away from their busy, complicated lives. Just as we poured our hearts into rebuilding this century-old house with our own hands, I want our guests to slow down, disconnect from the frantic pace of the world, and experience a deep, meaningful comfort that heals the soul.
Q : "I wish these kinds of people would visit." Do you have any specific guests you would highly recommend this place to?
A: I highly recommend Suojae to couples, solo travelers, or creators who need quiet time for contemplation or deep focus. Because the guest quarters are strictly limited to a maximum capacity of two people, it provides an optimal environment for intimate conversations or deep personal reflection without any external disturbances.
Q : Are there any special places around the accommodation or unique to this area?
A: Since we are located right near the Suncheon Culture Street, the entire neighborhood itself is a charming destination. You can take a slow walk down the quiet alleyways and visit local artisan workshops, independent bookstores, and unique cafes. It is also within walking distance of the beautiful Okcheon Stream, making it perfect for a peaceful evening or morning stroll.
Q : Building and restoring a Hanok yourself must have come with severe hardships. Could you share some of those challenges?
A: Dismantling a century-old house and preserving its original, usable timbers while ensuring modern structural safety was a massive uphill battle. There were moments when construction completely stalled due to unforeseen structural weaknesses or legal zoning regulations regarding historic zones. It took four long years of trial, error, and physical labor, but seeing the finished house make my wife's dream come true made every hardship entirely worth it.
Q : I'm curious about the members of Suojae!
A : Suojae is run by myself and my beloved wife, whose long-held dream inspired the birth of this entire project. My family shares a deep respect for traditional architecture, and we manage every aspect of the hosting and space maintenance together with a warm, welcoming heart.
Gallery
Getting Here
7 Geumgok 1-gil, Suncheon-si
