26-07-2025
Stay in a tree house for adults at Surak Hyu, Seoul's new forest retreat
Once just the stuff of childhood dreams, tree houses are being reimagined as adult hideaways.
Advertisement
No longer tucked away in remote forests, these whimsical dwellings are now springing up in urban areas, offering a romantic escape into nature.
Seoul's first forest retreat with elevated cabins, Surak Hyu, officially opened in the northern district of Nowon on July 17, bringing that fantasy to life.
Despite it being a brand-new facility, demand has already outpaced supply. All rooms for July sold out in just three minutes during a reservation trial in June. The next round, for August, closed in about four minutes.
To experience the buzz first-hand, we visited Surak Hyu for a night, followed by a stop at Korea's original treehouse haven in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi province.
A night at one of the tree houses costs US$180 during peak season. Photo: Instagram/toypapa_seoul
Nestled within 9,800 square metres (105,000 square feet) of forest on the slopes of Mount Surak, Surak Hyu is the result of an eight-year, 21.37 billion won (US$15.5 million) investment by the Nowon District Office. The facility offers 25 rooms in 18 buildings, accommodating up to 105 guests.
