Urban forest lodge inaugurated in Seoul's district of Nowon-gu
**Seoul's First Urban Forest Lodge Opens, Offering a Natural Retreat Within City Limits**
Seoul's first public forest lodge, Surak Hue, officially opened its doors on July 17, 2025, providing city dwellers with an opportunity to reconnect with nature without leaving the city. The lodge, located in Nowon-gu's Sanggye-dong neighborhood on the slopes of Suraksan Mountain, is the result of a seven-year joint project between the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Nowon-gu, with a total investment of 23.1 billion won ($16.7 million).
**Key Details**
Surak Hue spans 9,800 square meters of woodland and comprises 25 rooms distributed across 18 buildings. The lodge can accommodate up to 82 guests with rooms designed for groups of two to six people. The unique features include three treehouse-style cabins elevated nearly 14 meters off the ground, offering uninterrupted forest views through floor-to-ceiling windows and partial glass ceilings for star-gazing.
Nightly rates range from 70,000 won for a two-person room up to 250,000 won for the premium treehouse suites. During the trial period, rooms were booked within three minutes due to high demand. Priority reservations are given monthly to Nowon-gu residents and people with disabilities, who also receive a 10% discount.
The lodge includes a cafe and restaurant managed by renowned chef Hong Shin-ae's "Season Seoul." The surrounding landscaping is eco-friendly and designed for guest comfort. A professional hotelier has been hired to manage the facilities, excluding the restaurant and cafe.
**Booking and Access**
Reservations are available through the national forest lodging portal, www.foresttrip.go.kr, with priority booking for local residents on the 7th of each month and general bookings opening on the 10th via the "Forest Nadeul e" website.
**Future Plans**
Plans for a forest healing center and outdoor activity programs are currently under development to enhance the guest experience at Surak Hue. Seoul City Hall also plans to open a second urban forest lodge at Gwanaksan by 2027, expanding the concept of accessible nature retreats within the city.
Surak Hue represents a new model of urban eco-tourism, offering a unique blend of hotel-level comfort and natural beauty within Seoul's city limits. The forest lodge project has generated strong public interest and positive user feedback for its accessibility and commitment to eco-friendly practices.
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**Summary Table:**
| Aspect | Details | |------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | Location | Nowon-gu, Sanggye-dong, Seoul (Slopes of Suraksan Mountain) | | Size | 9,800 sq meters, 25 rooms in 18 buildings | | Capacity | Up to 82 guests, rooms for 2-6 people | | Unique Features | Treehouse cabins (14m high), glass ceilings, forest views | | Room Rates | 70,000 won (2-person room) to 250,000 won (treehouse suite) | | Amenities | Cafe & restaurant by Chef Hong Shin-ae, eco-friendly landscaping| | Booking Portal | www.foresttrip.go.kr | | Priority Booking | Nowon residents & people with disabilities get 10% discount and early booking| | Future Plans | Forest healing center, outdoor activity programs, 2nd lodge at Gwanaksan by 2027|
In the heart of Seoul, home-and-garden enthusiasts can now immerse themselves in outdoor-living at Surak Hue, the city's first urban forest lodge. This unique retreat, nestled on the slopes of Suraksan Mountain, offers a lifestyle reconnection with nature within city limits, complete with eco-friendly landscaping, a café and restaurant, and even treehouse-style accommodations.
