U Retreat
Architecturally significant ultra-modern concrete pavilion meets Korean nature retreat. Think art installation crossed with private pool villa. No hotel formality, very quiet, self-contained.
BBQ sets must be reserved at least 2 days in advance — call or email ahead
Why It Matters
Multiple major architecture awards including the Presidential Award at the Korea Architecture Culture Awards and the 2016 American Architecture Award. Only 9 rooms across 9,900 m² of forested land. Listed on both Michelin Guide Hotels and Tablet Hotels. Has been used as a film and music video shooting location. Korea Tourism Quality Certification holder.
U Retreat is a nine-room boutique pool villa resort designed by award-winning Korean architect Kwak Hee-soo, whose concrete-and-glass buildings earned the Presidential Award at the Korea Architecture Culture Awards. The structures are built into a steep wooded valley on the Hongcheon-Yangpyeong county border, roughly an hour from Seoul, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame vertical cliffs and a mountain stream from every room. Interiors are all-white and minimalist — leather furniture, jet spas, full kitchens — and the property runs on natural mineral spring water sourced 130 meters underground for both the infinity pool and private spas.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
Forest 1
From KRW520,000 / nightThe largest room on the property at 200m², designed for families. Private jet spa on the premises. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame forest views. Full kitchen, induction range, rice cooker, Nespresso machine, Aesop amenities, OTT TV. No private pool — that's the Valley rooms — but this is the biggest indoor footprint.
200 sqm
Hills 2
From KRW460,000 / nightOne of three Hills-category rooms, all at 180m². The headline feature is the outdoor terrace spa (38–40°C, fits 5–6 people) fed by natural mineral spring water, with wide mountain and cliff views. Two sides of the bedroom are full-height glass walls — you can genuinely lie in bed and watch the forest. Large queen and king beds, premium bedding, OTT TV, full kitchen. Maximum occupancy 6 guests.
180 sqmHills 4
From KRW460,000 / nightSame category as Hills 2 — 180m² penthouse-style room with outdoor terrace spa (38–40°C) and panoramic window walls. Full kitchen, premium beds, OTT TV. Maximum occupancy 6 guests. Priced identically to other Hills rooms.
180 sqmHills 9
From KRW460,000 / nightThird of the Hills-category rooms, all identical in spec: 180m² with outdoor terrace spa at 38–40°C, window walls framing the cliffs, full kitchen, premium beds, OTT TV. Up to 6 guests.
180 sqmStream 5
From KRW270,000 / nightThe entry-level room at U Retreat — still 80m², which is large by most standards, with a private jet spa and the same floor-to-ceiling glass facing the mountain stream. No private outdoor pool or terrace spa. Full kitchen, Aesop amenities, Nespresso. Fits 2–3 guests. Stream rooms access the shared infinity pool (seasonal, May–September).
80 sqmStream 6
From KRW270,000 / nightSame spec as Stream 5: 80m² with private jet spa, full kitchen, floor-to-ceiling windows on the stream side. Good value entry point to the property for couples.
80 sqmStream 7
From KRW270,000 / nightThird and final Stream room — identical to Stream 5 and 6. Private jet spa, 80m², full kitchen, mountain stream views through full-height glazing. Two to three guests.
80 sqmValley 3
From KRW520,000 / nightOne of two Valley rooms, the only category at U Retreat with a dedicated private outdoor pool in addition to a spa. Pool runs 30–32°C year-round (warm water), spa at 38–40°C. At 170m², this is a step down in size from Forest and Hills but adds the private pool. Floor-to-ceiling windows face the wooded valley. Full kitchen, Aesop amenities, Nespresso, OTT TV.
170 sqmValley 8
From KRW520,000 / nightSecond Valley-category room — same spec as Valley 3 with private pool (30–32°C), outdoor spa (38–40°C), and 170m² of space. Year-round private warm-water pool is the key draw here vs. the Hills rooms.
170 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The property sits across nearly 10,000 m² of forested valley terrain. A mountain stream runs through the grounds. The site borders on natural hillside with cliffs visible from rooms. No organized hiking program, but the surrounding natural landscape is accessible directly from the property.
The remote valley location with minimal light pollution makes nighttime stargazing from terraces or the pool area a genuine highlight. Best from private terraces on Hills and Valley rooms.
Guests can use the dedicated BBQ area for grilling. Order the full BBQ set (₩120,000 for 2) or rent a grill with charcoal. Must be arranged at least 2 days in advance.
Valley rooms (3 and 8) each have a dedicated private outdoor pool at 30–32°C, open year-round with warm water. Completely private — no shared access from other guests.
Turquoise-tiled infinity pool filled with natural mineral spring water sourced 130 meters underground. Faces the forested treetops and valley cliffs. Sunbeds and parasols alongside. Pool floats available on request from the front desk. Open May 1 through September 30.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Every room includes an induction range (no gas), microwave, electric rice cooker, electric kettle, refrigerator, and a full set of cooking utensils and cutlery. Cooking is fully allowed and encouraged.
Complimentary Nespresso machine and tea bags in all rooms.
System air conditioning for summer. Winter: system heating plus eco electric ondol (underfloor radiant heating).
Full Aesop toiletry set in every room — shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand wash, hand cream. Shower gown, towels, and slippers also provided.
Large flat-screen TVs with OTT streaming services (Netflix and others) included in all rooms.
The buildings were constructed with 176 PHC piles into bedrock and 5 earth anchors, with nano-level fine concrete and a full lightning protection system — a feature specifically highlighted by the property.
Housekeeping is provided on a limited basis, not daily.
Front desk is staffed 9am–8pm. Guests arriving after 10pm should call ahead.
BUILD YOUR U RETREAT PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning