Jeju Podo Hotel Review: A Luxury Architectural Masterpiece
Looking for a truly unique stay on Jeju Island? Discover why the architectural masterpiece, Pinx Podo Hotel, is the ultimate luxury retreat for your next trip.
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Looking for a truly unique stay on Jeju Island? Discover why the architectural masterpiece, Pinx Podo Hotel, is the ultimate luxury retreat for your next trip.
"Should we finally check that place out?" my husband asked.
He was talking about the Pinx Podo Hotel on Jeju Island.
While hopping between tourist spots is always fun,
I firmly believe that the right accommodation can be a transformative experience in itself.
Out of all the highly-rated and famous luxury stays I've visited,
this one left the deepest impression on me.
You won't fully grasp its magic just by sleeping there.
A true living work of art, the Podo Hotel even offers its own architectural tours.
If you're planning a trip with your parents, this is an absolute must-visit.
+ It's also incredibly famous as a premier babymoon destination!
Location
Located in the tranquil southwest region of Jeju,
it's about a 7-minute drive (~3 miles) to Camellia Hill,
a 15-minute drive (~7 miles) to the Osulloc Tea Museum,
and about 35 minutes (~20 miles) from Jeju International Airport.
For those looking for indoor attractions during the colder months,
the popular Arte Museum and Arte Kids Park are also conveniently close by.
During our stay, I noticed many guests were on family trips with their parents,
golfers enjoying the nearby Pinx GC,
and expecting couples enjoying a quiet babymoon.
If you want impeccable room conditions, elegant dining,
and a peaceful, upscale atmosphere,
Podo Hotel is the undisputed choice on Jeju Island.
Reservations & Pricing
Podo Hotel offers two main room types: Western-style and Korean-style.
Western rooms feature wide, sweeping panoramic views,
while Korean rooms offer a more enclosed, private garden view.
The traditional floor seating in the Korean rooms makes them a popular choice for families with crawling babies.
We opted for the Western Deluxe room for our family of three (including our 15-month-old).
(This is a fully independent, self-funded review!)
The nightly rate is typically
around ~$307 on weekdays and ~$384 on weekends.
We booked through Trip.com, which saved us quite a few dollars compared to other platforms.
Prices fluctuate daily, so I highly recommend checking HotelsCombined.
It lets you compare prices across multiple booking sites at a glance,
so definitely check there first before securing your dates!
Compare Prices on HotelsCombined <<
Stepping into the hotel feels exactly like walking into a modern art museum.
From the main corridor, Korean rooms are on the right, and Western rooms are on the left.
The room is even more breathtaking in person than in the photos.
Having the essence of Jeju's landscape perfectly framed by the windows was pure magic.
I later learned during the hotel's architecture tour that
the building was intentionally constructed at the exact elevation above sea level
where the human body feels the most relaxed and at peace.
"Serene" is the only word that truly does this place justice.
With how rapidly Jeju is commercializing,
I was amazed that an untouched sanctuary like this still exists.
Sitting out on the patio with a cup of coffee, feeling the crisp Jeju breeze... absolute bliss.
I don't think I've ever experienced the island's natural beauty in such a comfortable, quiet, and intimate way.
Out of our 3-night trip, we wanted at least one night to be a treat for us as a couple.
Though we usually opt for traditional floor-seating rooms when traveling with our toddler,
we treated ourselves to the Western room this time.
Surprisingly, our baby was incredibly comfortable here too!
✔️ Even the luxurious bedding is custom-made exclusively for Pinx Podo Hotel! 🫢
They promptly installed a bed guard upon request,
and the restaurant was, of course, fully equipped with high chairs.
We also needed a microwave for baby food, and the front desk staff warmly heated it up for us every time. :)
The bathroom was absolutely massive—you could literally do cartwheels in there.
But do you know what the best part is?
The tub is supplied with natural hot spring water...
They also have a body dryer, which is a total game-changer for pregnant women!
Their hospitality shone through right until the end.
At checkout, they gifted us a hot spring water facial mist!
It only has a one-week shelf life because it's so fresh, but it was such a thoughtful touch that left a lasting impression.
Time flies even if you never leave the property.
Watching the Jeju landscape shift with the passing hours is mesmerizing,
and simply exploring the hotel's interior is an activity in itself!
Plus, there's a volcanic cone (oreum) and a museum walking trail right nearby.
(More on that below!)
Podo Hotel was designed by world-renowned architect Itami Jun.
You can feel his deep love for Jeju Island and his thoughtful design philosophy in every corner of the property.
I highly, highly recommend taking the guided tour!
With only 26 guest rooms in total,
the hotel feels more like an exclusive, private village.
Because they only accommodate a maximum of 26 parties a day,
rooms sell out incredibly fast.
If you're still on the fence, check if your dates are even available first.
▼ Check Room Availability ▼
Podo Hotel Reviews & Deals - Seogwipo Hotel Recommendations | Trip.com
The link above goes to Trip.com, but if there are no rooms left,
I recommend clicking through the aggregator below to check other sites!
Different platforms hold different room inventories, so you might get lucky. :)
Check Availability on Other Sites <<
Honestly, before arriving, I was way more excited about their famous udon than the breakfast.
But the food is presented so beautifully, and the quality is outstanding.
If you want a hearty, elegant morning meal, I highly recommend it.
There's a diverse menu,
so everyone can choose what fits their palate.
We ordered the traditional "Podo Breakfast" and the American breakfast.
Honestly, both were so delicious that it's hard to recommend one over the other.
Just go with whatever you're craving!
This is the incredibly famous Shrimp Tempura Udon.
Almost everyone who visits Podo Hotel orders this.
Some people hesitate because it's a bit pricey for a bowl of noodles,
but I am telling you—it is worth every penny.
My husband and I were looking forward to this even more than breakfast,
and it did not disappoint.
It doesn't have that artificial, overly salty taste you get at standard restaurants.
You just have to taste it to understand. There's a reason it's so famous.
The noodles are unbelievably chewy and springy!
Architecture Tour
The tour started around 5 PM during our stay.
It was so fascinating that the time flew by entirely too fast.
It completely changes how you look at the ceilings, windows, and floors.
I can't spoil all the secrets here!
You really need to hear it for yourself—it's a truly unique experience.
For context, I'm someone who usually loves docent tours and guided museum walks.
It was a beautiful time spent learning about Jeju and the hotel nestled within it.
It's a short, small-group tour, so it's very relaxed.
And the best part? It's completely free for guests!
Hiking & Walking Trails
Right near the hotel is Mabogi Oreum (a small volcanic cone).
It only takes about 20 minutes to walk to the top!
It's perfect for a light, refreshing stroll. Definitely go if you have time.
You get a sweeping view of the ocean and the local villages below.
If the oreum is behind the hotel, the front features a
walking trail that leads directly to the Podo Museum.
The path is lined with gorgeous reed fields...
Unfortunately, the museum was closed on the day we went, so we couldn't go inside,
but if it fits your schedule, definitely check it out!
It looked like it had some fantastic exhibits. :)
* Note: Closed every Tuesday
Our family felt so completely at ease here, absorbing the true essence of Jeju.
The attention to detail at Pinx Podo Hotel is evident in every single aspect of the stay.
Most luxury hotels are towering high-rises
with hundreds of rooms, making it hard to find genuine tranquility.
But this place is on a completely different level..!! Haha.
The service from the staff is unparalleled. I've stayed at many high-end resorts,
and the team here has every right to be incredibly proud of what they do.
Everything was so flawless that I
highly recommend it to anyone planning a family trip or a relaxing babymoon!
Trip.com usually seems to have the best rates, so
check the current prices below!
Podo Hotel Reviews & Deals - Seogwipo Hotel Recommendations | Trip.com
Jeju Podo Hotel Pinx is located on the southwest side of Jeju Island. It takes about 7 minutes by car to Camellia Hill, about 15 minutes to O'sulloc Tea Museum, and about 35 minutes to the airport. Arte Museum and Arte Kids Park are also nearby.
Podo Hotel Pinx offers two types of rooms: Western-style and Korean-style. A one-night stay typically costs around ~$264 on weekdays and around ~$330 on weekends. You can book through sites like Trip.com. Prices can vary daily, so it's recommended to compare and check on HotelsCombined.
The breakfast at Podo Hotel Pinx is known for its neatly presented, high-quality dishes, making it a great way to start your day with a satisfying meal. The famous shrimp tempura udon has received reviews praising its non-overpowering flavor and chewy noodles, leaving guests highly satisfied.
The Podo Hotel Pinx tour typically starts around 5 PM and is free of charge. It offers a glimpse into the world-renowned architect Jun Itami's love for Jeju and his thoughtful approach to the hotel's architecture. It's a short tour conducted with a small group, making it easy to participate without feeling overwhelmed.
Behind the hotel is Ma-bogi Oreum, where you can enjoy a light walk to the summit, taking about 20 minutes one way. In front of the hotel, there's a walking path leading to Podo Museum, with beautiful reed fields along the way. Podo Museum is closed every Tuesday.
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