Rest, reboot and rejuvenate at the tranquil KOSMOS resort, located on South Korea’s Ulleungdo Island.

Known as a sacred island with positive energy derived from its geological setting, Ulleungdo is a destination for those looking for a healing stay, away from the daily stresses of city life. The rocky, steep-sided island is the top of a stratovolcano, which rose from the seafloor over 2.5 million years ago. Today, it is characterized by its unique, mountainous setting and riveting fauna and flora. Throughout the island, visitors can also find dazzling nook-caves, waterfalls, and pristine seaside trails unique to volcanic islands waiting to be discovered.

The KOSMOS resort is nestled by a seaside cliff overlooking the stunning mountains and ocean. Located beside the iconic Songgot-bong (Or ice pick peak in Korean), the uniquely-shaped peak played a huge role in the overall design of KOSMOS. Due to the shape of the mountain, Songgot-bong has long been seen as a sacred peak and the source of the island’s healing energy (or chi) with the ability to heal and rejuvenate one’s spirit. The KOSMOS is believed to receive the best energy in Ulleungdo, being the only resort in close proximity to the peak. Built upon this philosophy, local architecture studio The System Lab created a stunning structure in the form of a serene enclave to embody the spirit and energy of the island, all the while providing the luxury and refinement of a high-end resort.

According to principal architect Changjoong Kim, the design seeks to provide a place to hold the ‘chi’ spirit of the island. The resort is built as an observatory where guests can fully enjoy the beauty the island has to offer from its high elevation. The hotel name ‘KOSMOS’ is derived from the English word, cosmos, which translates loosely to the observation of the universe as a whole.

During the early stage of designing, the design team was inspired by the mysterious movements of the sun and moon, as well as the fluid curves often found on observatories as well as meteorological observatory computers. As a result, the architectural form of The KOSMOS consists mainly of fluid lines and form that gives it an otherworldly look and feel.

The KOSMOS resort is divided into two sections: Villa Kosmos and Villa Terre. Villa Kosmos consists of six, swirl-shaped branches turned into four rooms designed to help guests connect and interact with the wonders of nature surrounding the hotel. To capture the spirit of the Five Elements of the Universe, the interior design of each of the four rooms drew inspiration from a different element: fire, water, wood, and gold. Due to the unique orientation and large windows, guests staying at each of the four rooms can enjoy magnificent views of both the sunrise and sunset, as well as the Elephant Rock and Songgot-bong.

Each of the four rooms uses different materials and boasts unique amenities to match their individual theme. Each room also features its own signature furniture pieces in the form of upholstered chairs and stools. The bespoke pieces are designed by talented Korean furniture designers of South Korea, including Hun Jeong Lee, ALASKA by Emilio Nanni, Ghost by Cini Boeri and GJ Bow Chair by Grete Jalk.  

Even though Villa Kosmos is primarily two-levels, a portion of the hotel lobby is designed with a double-volume ceiling to bring the outside in. A tall and narrow, floor-to-ceiling window frames the iconic Songgot-bong mountain in the background, giving guests a full view of this mystical peak as they lounge in the airy hotel lobby and dining room.

The dining room seats up to 10 people around a custom, oak tree table made by local designer Jeongsup Lee. Beneath the table, volcanic rock-made flooring adds contrast and whimsical patterns to the predominantly white interior. The bespoke flooring also acts as a reminder to the origin on the island, paying homage to volcanic mountains surrounding the property.

Guests can enjoy the two saunas available on the property, with one symbolizing the moon (Yin), and the other symbolizing the sun (yang). To create balance, the two saunas rotate for the two genders daily, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy both saunas during their stay.

Outdoor amenities include an infinity jacuzzi that hangs 30-meters off a cliff, providing hotel guests with panoramic views of the landscape. The jacuzzi uses water melted from the snow in Nari Basin, a famous volcanic basin in Ulleungdo, to create a holistic experience that better connects guests with the great outdoors. The magnificent setting with an illusion of the pool merging with the ocean makes guests feel as though they have become a part of the sea. Here, hotel guests can also indulge in light snacks and meals as they rest on the sunken deck. A stairway from the deck leads to a thoughtfully designed outdoor washroom where you can enjoy an unparalleled and private view of the ocean.

To complement the unparalleled design and amenities at The KOSMOS is an equally impressive dining program by Chef Sunjin Hwang, who has worked for well-known restaurants including El Bulli in Spain, and Noma in Copenhagen. The imaginatively prepared and locally-sourced food offers guests a contemporary tasting menu using ingredients from the island. Since the Ulleungdo is known for its fresh seafood including shrimp and cuttlefish, the menu puts an emphasis on bringing out the original flavours of these fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Villa Terre has a café named Cafe Ulla, which provides Korean and Western-style breakfasts.

The KOSMOS resort is a wonderful example of a holistic resort experience that embraces the natural beauty of its setting. We are impressed by the meticulous and thoughtful designs that bring users closer to the magic of the island. After all, what better way to heal than to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature?

Project Details

Project Name: The KOSMOS

Architecture and Interior Design: The System Lab

Location: 88-13 Chusan-gil, Buk-myeon, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

Photography: Kim Yong Kwan