On a mysterious volcanic island off the coast of South Korea, the nature is extraordinary, and Kosmos Ulleungdo uses every inch of it to help purify and restore its guests.
By Manon Tomzig
Journalist and travel writer, Tablet contributor
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Let’s start at the start. Upon arriving at Kosmos Ulleungdo, guests are greeted with a ritual designed to offer a cycle of renewal: a purification ceremony with the scent of wood, and a bath in a pool of naturally filtered spring water. This introduction can be followed by a thermal stone therapy session, and a dinner based on the Five Elements of Wood (木), Fire (火), Earth (土), Metal (金), and Water (水). Then it’s off to a luxe, minimalist lodging that’s nothing less than an architectural marvel.
Every aspect of Kosmos Ulleungdo has been designed to heal you through the rhythm of nature. It could hardly have been put in a better place for it. Located off the east coast of the country, in the Sea of Japan, the wild island of Ulleungdo is one of the most mystical and best-preserved regions of South Korea. The 2.5-million-year-old volcanic landscape cradles mist off the turbulent sea, which crashes against dense forests. Like us, HeeJin, a manager at the resort, can’t help but drift into poetry when describing the place and its mission: “The sound of waves, the warmth of natural stones, mineral-rich waters, clean mountain air.” When paired with the serene architecture and design, “It gently calms the nervous system.”
That the island is difficult to access also adds to its appeal. “As an old saying goes, ‘Only those with great virtue can reach Ulleungdo,’” says HeeJin.
Inspired by the Korean philosophy of Yin-Yang, renowned Korean architect Kim Chan-joong conceived a series of spaces for Kosmos that embrace the unique energy of Ulleungdo. The most stunning result is Villa Kosmos, a vessel of curves, spirals, and domes that echo the mountain behind them and resemble nothing less than a particularly divine house of worship, or a space-age observatory. It’s one of three villa types at Kosmos. Each has its own distinct style, but all owe a debt to the character of the island. Villa Sommet pays tribute to local building traditions. Villa Terre’s barreled roofs recall the wind and waves.
Those marine conditions, sometimes harsh and capricious, represented the biggest challenge during the construction of the resort. Unpredictable weather and violent swells made the transport of people and materials a struggle. “It was also necessary to build structures resistant to strong winds, salt air, and other harsh conditions specific to the island,” HeeJin added. The use of innovative materials (such as ultra-high-performance concrete) helped overcome these obstacles, and earned Kosmos Ulleungdo numerous design accolades, including the Environmental Silver Award, presented by IDEA, one of the most prestigious awards recognizing the integration of nature into building design.
Scroll down for a full FAQ about Kosmos Ulleungdo.
Nuts & Bolts
A bite-sized breakdown of your most frequently asked questions about Kosmos Ulleungdo.
Who comes here?
Kosmos Ulleungdo welcomes guests who value privacy and meaningful experiences: couples, architecture enthusiasts, wellness seekers but also VIPs and business leaders who visit regularly to find clarity and inspiration.
When’s the best time to visit?
The ideal travel period is March to November. Peak season starts around April and continues through August. In the spring, the weather is mild, the island turns vivid green, the wildflowers bloom and the sea takes deep blue-green tones. Guests can go hiking and embark on boat tours. Summers are warm and humid. The landscapes look even more dramatic with intense colors. It’s an ideal time for swimming and snorkeling. Fall is quieter and drier, with golden tones and great visibility, perfect for photography and hikes. In winter, heavy snowfall attracts guests for winter camping and skiing.
What else is there to do in the area?
Ulleungdo offers a wide variety of outdoor activities: camping, trekking, coastal walks, sea fishing, boat tours, and hiking up Seonginbong Mountain. For ocean lovers, scuba diving and cruise excursions offer unforgettable ways to explore the island’s pristine environment.
Best room for a solo traveler? A couple? A family?
For solo travelers, the “Fri.Sat.Sun” Ondol room in VILLA TERRE, offers a private garden terrace. Couples will love the cozy, intimate atmosphere of the “Woon” room in VILLA SOMMET. For families, the spacious “Seol” room in VILLA SOMMET offers comfort and plenty of room to relax together.
What’s a design feature I would miss if you didn’t tell me about it?
Each villa has distinct design elements that reflect nature and local tradition: VILLA KOSMOS has a spiral shape that preserves privacy while gradually revealing panoramic views. VILLA SOMMET draws inspiration from mountain peaks and features the traditional Ulleungdo roof style called Neowa. VILLA TERRE appears linear from above, but at ground level, its arched barrel-vault structure feels like a wave or a natural cave.
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Anything to say about sustainability, equality, and community?
The very architecture of the hotel was designed to respect the energy of the landscape that surrounds it. The hotel uses seasonal local ingredients which supports local producers and lowers food-transport emissions. It also minimizes single-use products, and collaborates closely with local residents and businesses.
Are there some standout amenities you’d recommend?
An infinity pool filled with naturally purified spring water aged over 31 years.
Without further ado, what’s there to eat?
At La ULL, a contemporary dining restaurant, the chef crafts seasonal dishes using ingredients from Ulleungdo’s sea, forest, and fields, as well as herbs grown in the hotel’s own smart farm. Inspired by the flow of the Five Elements, each dish balances flavor, minerals, and mindful luxury.
Tell me about Tablet Plus?
At the time of publishing, Kosmos Ulleungdo offers Tablet Plus member privileges, including a room upgrade at check-in (upon availability), guaranteed late check-out, a complimentary traditional Korean rice wine brewing experience, and a complimentary wine pairing during dinner.
The final word?
If you’ve never considered a stay at a wellness hotel before, Kosmos Ulleungdo may have you thinking differently. By offering a new dimension of Eastern healing on a mesmerizing island, this is a transformative experience through and through.
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