The Hanok Heritage Hotel, South Korea's largest traditional hanok-style accommodation, has officially opened its doors to the general public in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province. The hotel represents a modern interpretation of hanok, Korea's ancient architectural tradition that spans over 1,000 years, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary functionality.
Drawing its design inspiration from the magnificent Jongmyo Jeongjeon, the main hall of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jongmyo Shrine, the entire hotel is constructed in traditional hanok style using wood materials. This approach creates a peaceful atmosphere that captures the essence of classic Korean architecture while providing modern comfort for guests.
Spanning an impressive 340,000 square meters, The Hanok Heritage initially opened in 2023 as an exclusive, members-only retreat featuring three villas and 10 guest rooms. This month marks a significant milestone as the facility expanded to include 14 additional rooms across five different accommodation types, welcoming general guests for the first time in its history.
Cho Chung-il, CEO of fintech company KONA I and founder of The Hanok Heritage, shared his remarkable journey during Tuesday's opening ceremony. "At first, I devoted seven years to researching the art of properly drying wood and solving construction challenges unique to hanok. The next six years were spent painstakingly building this place. Some saw it as a hardship, but for me, it was a joy – a chance to pour all my passion into hanok," Cho explained.
The hotel represents a groundbreaking innovation in traditional Korean architecture by preserving hanok's natural beauty and cultural traditions while addressing practical challenges. These include issues such as wood warping and insulation problems, which have been solved through the strategic use of durable contemporary materials. The result is an elegant fusion that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity and harmonizes built structures with natural spaces.
Every aspect of the hotel's construction and design was personally overseen by Cho, whose dedication and attention to detail have already earned the hanok resort significant international recognition. In 2024, the facility won first place in the hotel category of the prestigious Prix Versailles architecture awards, which are organized by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects. Additionally, it received honors from the IIDA (International Interior Design Association) Global Excellence Awards.
"What was once an exclusive experience for a select few is now accessible to over 4,000 guests annually," Chairperson Cho emphasized, highlighting that this public opening represents more than just a business expansion. "This opening is not just a business expansion but a new starting point for the globalization of Korean culture," he added.
Cho's vision extends beyond commercial success to cultural preservation and sharing. "I've never thought of this as my property or possession. I hope this hanok space becomes a proud cultural landmark where many can come to enjoy the essence of Korean culture," he stated, reflecting his commitment to making Korean architectural heritage accessible to a broader audience.
One of the hotel's most remarkable features is its 84-meter wooden corridor, which offers visitors a unique architectural experience. "Walking through a hanok corridor of this scale is a rare experience. It's not just a passage but a space that connects areas," the chairperson explained. This impressive structure was built with the expert craftsmanship of 25 skilled artisans who specialized in traditional Korean construction techniques.
The comprehensive facility includes multiple dining and recreational options designed to provide guests with an immersive cultural experience. These amenities include a Korean fine dining restaurant, an all-day dining venue featuring seasonal ingredients, a pavilion specifically designed for stargazing, a banquet hall, and various other facilities that cater to different guest needs.
Guests staying at The Hanok Heritage can participate in a wide range of cultural programs and traditional Korean experiences. These activities include traditional Korean drinking ceremonies, opportunities to wear hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), and astronomical observation sessions that take advantage of the rural location's clear night skies.
Cho reflected on his motivation for creating this unique destination, explaining his desire to showcase the magnificence of hanok architecture to younger generations. "I wanted to prove that hanok can be this magnificent. Seeing young people living in apartments, it feels like they're missing out on the beauty of space. Hanok is a special space for us, a place harmonized with nature. I want to share this special space with the younger generation and visitors from abroad," he said.
The hotel's commitment to cultural education extends beyond overnight guests. "Even for those not staying overnight, we will present diverse performances, events and cultural programs so that more people can truly experience and feel the value of hanok," Cho announced, emphasizing the facility's role as a cultural center.
The Hanok Heritage has ambitious expansion plans that will further enhance its offerings and cultural impact. Two additional villas are scheduled to open in January 2026, providing more accommodation options for guests. By June 2026, the facility plans to introduce a hanok-style swimming pool and a new dedicated cultural space, expanding the range of activities and experiences available to visitors.
The complete transformation into a comprehensive hanok cultural complex is scheduled for completion by 2028. This ambitious timeline reflects the organization's commitment to creating a world-class destination that showcases Korean architectural and cultural heritage on an unprecedented scale.
Cho's vision extends far beyond Gangwon Province, with plans for national and international expansion. He has announced plans to create a 1.5-kilometer hanok street in Seoul, which would serve as an urban showcase of traditional Korean architecture. Additionally, he is actively exploring global expansion opportunities, with major international cities like New York and Paris under consideration for future hanok projects.
"The future of K-architecture that The Hanok Heritage envisions is to create the most universal value from what is most uniquely Korean," Cho explained, outlining his philosophy for cultural globalization. "By reviving and evolving hanok, which had remained still for over thousand years, I hope it will shine as a world-class heritage across the globe for the next thousand years to come," he concluded, expressing his long-term vision for Korean architectural heritage.
