[Report] "Korea's Positano Rises in Namhae"... Experience a Mediterranean Resort Without Leaving the Country

“Water-gazing” from the Terrace in Namhae...
Private “Hotelcation” with Pools and Spas
A Wealth of Activities, from Year-Round Skating Rink to Infinity Pool

To preview the new hotel and resort Sol Beach Namhae, which Sono International of Daemyung Sono Group will open in Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do on July 5, I boarded the KTX on the morning of June 25. The train, departing from Seoul Station, traveled for three hours before arriving at Suncheon Station in Jeollanam-do. After another hour and a half by chartered bus, Sol Beach Namhae finally appeared atop a distant hill overlooking the sea.

Sol Beach Namhae Panorama. Photo by Jae Hyun Park

Located in this unfamiliar and distant place, which takes over five hours to reach by car from downtown Seoul without stopping, Sol Beach Namhae is Sono International’s fourth resort facility, following Yangyang, Samcheok, and Jindo, and is being introduced for the first time in six years. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by staff in yellow striped shirts inspired by Namhae’s “yuja” (citron), yuja tree sculptures placed throughout the property, and amenities with a yuja fragrance. The building’s exterior is designed to resemble Namhae’s cultural landscape of “daraengi-non” (terraced rice paddies) and the coastal cliffs of Positano, a resort town in southern Italy.

Construction of Sol Beach Namhae began in 2019 and took six years to complete. A Sono International representative explained, “The Sol Beach brand has maintained the concept of a premium marine resort themed on the sensibility of Mediterranean destinations. Recently, Namhae has become a more attractive travel destination due to improved transportation access, such as the Namhae Bridge and Samcheonpo Bridge, as well as the emergence of trendy cafes, small galleries, and local food experiences in the area. This makes it a perfect match for the Sol Beach brand.”

Deluxe Ocean View room at Sol Beach Namhae Hotel. Photo by JaeHyun Park

The view from the terrace inside the deluxe ocean view room. Photo by JaeHyun Park

“Water-gazing” from the Terrace in Namhae... Private “Hotelcation” with Pools and Spas

Sol Beach Namhae offers a total of 451 rooms, including 366 hotel rooms and 85 villa rooms. Room sizes range from 30.24 square meters (about 9 pyeong) to 113.05 square meters (about 34 pyeong). Entering a deluxe ocean view room, which accommodates four guests, I was greeted by a wide-open view of Namhae through the window. The spacious terrace outside the room is perfect for enjoying the natural scenery.

The mattresses and bedding are neatly arranged to match the gray frame. Each mattress comes with five pillows, including latex pillows. The room, decorated mainly in jade and teal tones, features beds and furniture with curved lines that create a sense of comfort. A Sol Beach Namhae representative explained, “We were inspired by the jade color of Namhae, the teal of the deep sea, and the curves of Namhae’s yoonseul (the shimmering path of light on the sea). We used paint mixed with natural marble and stone powder to create a luxurious atmosphere.”

Sol Beach Namhae top-tier hotel room 'Presidential Suite Pool Ocean' room terrace view. Photo by JaeHyun Park.

The top-tier hotel room, “Presidential Suite Pool Ocean,” measures 109.72 square meters (about 33 pyeong). It features a private pool for seven to eight guests to enjoy. The terrace, equipped with a dining table for six, chairs, and the private pool, faces Namhae and Sulli Beach. This room, available in both duplex and single-floor types, is exclusively for customers with a membership.

The view of the top-tier villa room 'Villa Luna Pool Ocean.' Provided by Sono International.

All “villa” rooms are detached units, designed with an independent structure to ensure privacy. The villas, spanning from the first to the sixth floor, each have a terrace and spa overlooking the sea. The 14 villa rooms on the first floor feature private pools. The only top-tier villa room, “Villa Luna Pool Ocean,” is 147.60 square meters (about 45 pyeong) and is located at the farthest point from all other rooms. The high ceiling creates an immediate sense of openness upon entering. The terrace features a private pool that seems to meet the Namhae horizon, and the bathroom includes a jacuzzi with views of the outside scenery.

A Wealth of Activities, from Year-Round Skating Rink to Infinity Pool

Sol Beach Namhae auxiliary facility 'Ice Beach' view. Photo by JaeHyun Park.

Sol Beach Namhae features “Ice Beach,” an outdoor skating rink that can be enjoyed year-round. Priced at 35,000 won for adults and 30,000 won for children (standard rates), this facility uses high-density polyethylene (HDPE) panels, an eco-friendly plastic, for the floor instead of water and electricity like conventional ice rinks. The surface provides about 50% of the friction of real ice, and regular maintenance is performed to maintain the skating feel.

Kim Deokwon, Head of the Korea Southern Division of Sono International’s Hotel & Resort Division, explained, “Considering that children can cut their hands or injure their heads on skate blades, we offer free rentals of gloves and helmets at the entrance. Since the floor is made of plastic, we will carefully control the amount of lubricant applied.”

Sol Beach Namhae 'Infinity Pool' Panorama. Photo by JaeHyun Park.

There is also the “Infinity Pool,” which connects to the Namhae horizon. With views of small islands and lush mountains, it is the perfect photo spot. Additionally, there are “Kids Pool” and “Family Pool” facilities for parents with young children, as well as separate showers for fathers and daughters, and mothers and sons. The “Poolside Snack & Bar” within the infinity pool area offers light snacks, beverages, and alcoholic drinks. There is also a sauna connected to the pool.

Food and beverages offered at seven food and beverage outlets within Sol Beach Namhae. Photo by JaeHyun Park.

There are seven food and beverage outlets that use seasonal ingredients and Namhae yuja. On the third floor of the hotel, “Meridione Bakery & Cafe” serves unique cocktails inspired by Namhae, such as “Sulli Beach” and “Namhae Yuja Emerald Beach,” as well as “Romano Espresso” coffee with an Italian flair. The outdoor annex “Bistro Gemi” is a gourmet space where guests can enjoy dishes priced in the 20,000-won range while taking in Namhae’s sunset and beautiful views. A Sol Beach Namhae representative explained, “Gemi is a dialect word used in the Honam and Yeongnam regions meaning ‘umami’ or savory taste. The space is designed with a terraced structure inspired by Namhae’s unique ‘daraengi-non’ (stepped rice paddies).”

Sol Beach Namhae is preparing to obtain Gyeongnam’s first official five-star hotel certification ahead of its grand opening. To help revitalize the local economy, more than two-thirds of the staff have been hired from among Namhae residents, and the company plans to continue giving preference to local residents in the future. Food and beverage menus in collaboration with nearby fishermen are also being considered. Interest in the new facility is high in other regions as well, with all rooms already booked through mid-August. Kim, the head of the division, predicted, “If all 451 rooms are fully occupied, we expect about 2,500 to 3,000 guests per day. Including customers who only use the auxiliary facilities, we estimate that 600,000 to 1.1 million people will visit this place annually.”