[Joyongjun's Travel Journey] Rest, Healing~ The Symbol of Jeju East Travel Transformed After 20 Years

‘Haevichi Resort Jeju’ Reopens on the 29th
720 Billion Invested to Convert All Rooms into Suites
Transformed for Relaxation, Well-being, and Upscale Dining Facilities
Oreum Trekking, Coastal Riding, and Sunset Yoga

Haevichi Resort Jeju Attempts to Transform into a Symbol of East Jeju Travel After 20 Years

Mureungari Oreum, designated as a Ramsar wetland... There is Oreum trekking in the Haevichi Wellness Program.

The core of the 72 billion won renovation is the rooms designed as spaces for rest.

"In the past, resorts focused on accommodating three-generation families or relatives staying together in rooms for lodging and meals, but now more people visit to rest, so we have transformed to cater to customers who need 'rest' and 'healing.'"

Kim Min-su, CEO of Haevichi Resort Jeju, which began renovations last year on its 20th anniversary and will reopen on the 29th, firmly stated that the core keyword of the reopening 'Haevichi' is a space for 'rest.'

CEO Kim explained, "As population composition, lifestyle, and travel patterns have changed, expectations for resorts and accommodations themselves have greatly shifted. We aimed not only to renovate due to aging facilities but also to renew the entire facilities and services so that Haevichi Resort itself can become Jeju's representative leisure destination."

Located in Pyoseon, eastern Jeju, Haevichi Resort Jeju has completed about 10 months of renovation and reborn as a global premium resort with all rooms converted to suites. With an investment of 72 billion KRW in this renovation, they are determined to open a new horizon for 'staycation resorts.'

To allow guests to experience diverse gourmet dining within the resort, new restaurants were established and strengthened, and various activity programs for guests were carefully developed. A CX (Customer Experience) team was newly formed to continuously discover experiential programs.

#All Suites, Hub for Eastern Jeju Travel

Haevichi Resort Jeju, harmonizing beautiful ocean views and excellent facilities, is a comprehensive leisure resort representing Jeju and also a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) hub that has hosted various international events enhancing Korea's national prestige.

The sea of eastern Jeju as seen from the hallway of Haevichi

Through this renewal, facilities and services have been further advanced. A total of 215 suites in 10 different types, 3 restaurants, a lounge, and an outdoor swimming pool were newly created. The rooms minimized kitchen space and expanded and separated living and bedroom areas.

All rooms were upgraded to hotel suite level, enhancing a luxurious feel. Additionally, furniture and accessories in the rooms were commissioned from notable domestic furniture designers such as Lee Jae-ha and Cho Byung-joo.

The most carefully attended part is the signature rooms. The signature suites are 49 pyeong (approximately 162 square meters) in size, themed around stone, wind, and sunset, with only three such rooms in the resort. Inside the rooms, large bathtubs facing the sea or spacious outdoor terraces are truly breathtaking.

The 'interior' aimed to capture the atmosphere of a beautiful and peaceful resort. A restrained tone and design were applied to highlight the surrounding nature, focusing on creating an ambiance like a 'gallery capturing Jeju's landscape.'

To become a 'space that deepens with time,' artificial processing of raw materials was minimized, preserving the natural properties and depth of materials, using those that harmonize with nature and become more elegant over time.

Outdoor Swimming Pool

Signature room with a large bathtub (left) and a room with a reduced kitchen and expanded space for relaxation

The popular facility, the 'outdoor swimming pool,' which was previously operated only seasonally in summer, has been changed to a year-round heated pool. Sunbeds and cabanas are installed near the beach, allowing guests to enjoy an exotic leisure experience while feeling the sound of waves and sea breeze.

CEO Park Minsu is speaking at a press conference.

CEO Kim said, "Programs that allow guests to feel the unique regional characteristics of Pyoseon and the natural environment are Haevichi Resort Jeju's strengths," adding, "Within 20 years, Haevichi Resort Jeju will become the 'symbol of leisure in eastern Jeju.'"

In particular, the resort plans to strengthen its role as a guide to eastern Jeju tourist attractions such as Mureyngari Oreum, Somokjang, and meadows where deer run freely, expecting to contribute to revitalizing the local economy.

#Wellness Program, Walking the Ecological Treasure Mureyngari Oreum

Haevichi also introduced services that guests can experience only in 'Jeju' and 'Haevichi.' This is the 'wellness program' for recharging. Guided by Haevichi Jeju's wellness travel specialists, guests embarked on a trekking experience at Mureyngari Oreum.

Tourists walking on Mulyoungari Oreum

The summit of Mulyeongari Oreum is filled with water.

Mureyngari Oreum is mysterious because, unlike other oreums (volcanic cones), it contains a wetland full of green energy at its summit. The crater, about 300 meters in circumference and 40 meters deep, maintains its circular shape and is preserved as is, with a wetland formed by water that remains year-round. It is a natural wetland containing only rainwater and mist water from the sky. On clear days, the rippling wetland looks like a serene mountain lake.

To reach the entrance of Mureyngari Oreum, one must pass through a wide meadow. Beyond the green pasture, a densely forested oreum rises tall. The field is filled with cows grazing here and there. Some cows are lazily napping, and cute calves follow their mothers closely. Among the black cattle and cows, pheasants and deer can be spotted.

A family of roe deer running across the meadow

Especially, the adorable sight of deer running quickly or playing among the cows is a unique scene only experienced in Jeju. The expressions of travelers watching them are extremely peaceful.

Although there is no herdsman, when the time comes, the cows orderly line up and leave the field. The leader of the herd repeatedly checks behind to ensure no cows are left behind and urges the group forward with long cries.

The large trees densely lining the trekking path to the oreum provide a great photo backdrop for couples. It feels like entering a secret forest alone together.

Such natural nature, the most Jeju-like place, was where actor Song Joong-ki, the lead in the movie 'A Werewolf Boy,' filmed scenes playing with mountain village children for the first time.

Wellness program, coastal bike riding, yoga, and stretching

At the end of the path lined like railroad ties, a trail lined with cypress trees appears. Walking along while smelling the fragrant cypress scent and hearing birds chirping is pleasant. Walking through the cypress forest trail, a staircase leading to the oreum summit appears on the left. From here, the real oreum exploration begins. The stairs on the steep slope of the oreum continue up to the summit.

Additionally, the 'wellness travel program' includes 'Sunrise Run' along the Pyoseon coast to start a refreshing morning, 'Bike Riding,' and 'Sunset Yoga' enjoyed at sunset. Especially, the 'Forest Trekking,' walking recommended forest paths or oreums according to the season, is highly recommended.

#Korean-style Omakase...Taste the Chef's Passion

In this remodeling, new restaurants were established to allow guests to experience diverse gourmet dining within the resort. 'Mer & Ter,' meaning 'Sea and Land,' newly opened, offers sushi omakase using Jeju ingredients and seasonal seafood, as well as Kansai-style sukiyaki.

The Kansai-style sukiyaki omakase is prepared with Jeju's seasonal foods and the chef's carefully developed optimal ingredients and served to customers.

In upscale food and beverage establishments, chefs prepare dishes with meticulous care.

Also, the existing lounge cafe 'Edi' was transformed into an all-day dining restaurant where authentic Italian cuisine can be enjoyed. Additionally, the grill dining restaurant 'Hanoru' was upgraded to offer various new Korean set menus.

Concierge and in-room dining services were introduced to enhance guest hospitality and convenience. A premium service space of 100 pyeong called 'Moru Lounge' was newly established.

Moru Lounge is a high-end service space available only to guests staying in Master Suite or higher rooms and guests with lounge-exclusive packages. It offers express check-in and check-out services, breakfast and light lunch, cookies and tea, and unlimited alcoholic beverages during evening hours.