Escape the City: Seoul’s First Urban Forest Lodge Opens Its Doors!

Escape the urban jungle without leaving the city! A dreamy new forest retreat has just opened on the slopes of Seoraksan in northern Seoul, offering city slickers a chance to unplug and reconnect with nature.

Surak Hue, Seoul’s first public forest lodge within city limits, officially opens its doors on Thursday. This 23.1 billion KRW ($16.7 million) slice of paradise is the result of a seven-year collaboration between the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Nowon District.

Nestled in Nowon District’s Sanggye-dong neighborhood, Surak Hue is a woodland wonderland spanning 9,800 square meters, with 25 rooms spread across 18 charming buildings.

The crown jewels of this urban oasis? Three treehouse-style cabins perched a dizzying 14 meters above the forest floor. These elevated escapes feature partial glass ceilings for stargazing and floor-to-ceiling windows that immerse you in breathtaking forest views.

With room for up to 82 guests, Surak Hue offers accommodations for groups of two to six. The hype is real – during the trial period, all rooms were snapped up in just three minutes! Nowon residents and people with disabilities get first dibs on monthly priority reservations, plus a sweet 10% discount.

Ready to book your treetop getaway? Nightly rates start at just 70,000 KRW ($52.50) for a cozy two-person room, while the luxe treehouse suites go for 250,000 KRW ($187.50). Secure your spot through the national forest lodging portal at www.foresttrip.go.kr.

Foodies, rejoice! Surak Hue boasts a cafe and restaurant helmed by celebrity chef Hong Shin-ae. The eco-friendly landscaping is designed with your comfort in mind, so you can truly unwind in this urban Eden.

But wait, there’s more! A forest healing center and outdoor activity programs are in the works. And if you can’t get enough of these urban retreats, Seoul City Hall has already set its sights on a second forest lodge at Gwanaksan, slated to open by 2027.