[Edaily Reporter Kim Una ] The vacation home featured on BLACKPINK’s Jennie’s Instagram has become a hot topic. Jennie recently shared a photo on her Instagram showing her leisurely sunbathing in an open-air hot spring surrounded by stone walls and traditional Korean landscaping. The location in the photo is reportedly “Yuwonjae,” located in Suanbo, Chungju, North Chungcheong Province.

Yuwonjae is a “Korean-style ryokan” hot spring hotel that opened in September 2023. As a high-end accommodation with nightly rates for two starting in the 1.6 million won range, it has been the subject of much attention since its opening.
Architect Yang Jin-seok was responsible for the design. Drawing inspiration from the spatial layout of traditional Korean houses (hanok) and Confucian academies (seowon), he connected the guest rooms, gardens, and common areas. By dividing the space with walls, he protected guests’ privacy while allowing them to enjoy views of the surrounding nature even from indoors.
Accommodations follow an all-inclusive plan that includes dinner and breakfast. The restaurant “Miseon” serves a dinner course and a traditional Korean breakfast spread using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
The guest rooms are divided into four types: Yusun, Gyeomhwa, Cheongsim, and Sujeong. Each name is derived from the “virtues for cultivating the mind” taught by Master Toegye Yi Hwang. Among these, the room where Jenny stayed was “Sujeong,” the largest guest room. It features a bedroom, a living room, a private garden, and a private open-air hot spring bath.

Yuwonjae’s strength lies in its ability to guarantee a private getaway. While meals are served in the communal restaurant, all seating is divided into separate private rooms, making it rare to encounter other guests. As a result, it is a favorite among celebrities who value their privacy. Recently, actresses Hwang Shin-hye and Kim Jung-nan spent their vacations here and shared their experiences through vlogs.

Last September, Yuwonjae received a “1 Key” rating in the Michelin Guide’s hotel evaluation. “Key” is a rating system awarded to hotels that excel in architecture, design, and service; a 1 Key signifies an “accommodation offering a truly exceptional stay.” The Michelin Guide stated, “Yuwonjae is a small yet stylish hot spring hotel that interprets inspiration from traditional Korean inns in a modern way,” adding, “Each of the 16 guest rooms has its own unique character and is enveloped in a serene atmosphere.”
A representative from Yuwonjae said, “Even though only a portion of the guest room garden appeared on Jennie’s Instagram, many people recognized it as soon as the post went up and called with inquiries.” The representative continued, “After receiving the Michelin Guide’s 1 Key, the reservation rate for international guests has risen significantly,” adding, “Currently, all rooms are fully booked through December.”