Sculpted concrete observatory
Poured concrete curves align with the movements of the sun and moon, orienting every space toward the volcanic horizon.
“On the side of a steep icepick-shaped peak, Chanjoong Kim principal of Seoul-based architects The System Lab has curled snow-white concrete walls that swoop and swirl.”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Sinuous ultra-thin concrete curves sculpted like a seashell along volcanic sea cliffs.
Notable
Hosts calculate guests' personal astrological elements upon arrival to select their rooms.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Wallpaper*.
Kosmos Ulleungdo is planted like a docked spaceship on the edge of these cliffs, the vision of architect Kim Chan Jung made real.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Volcanic cliffs plunge thirty meters into the East Sea, flanked by the ice-pick peak of Songgot-bong and Elephant Rock.
The rooms
Walls curve like the interior of a shell around blue-grey stone floors, looking out to sea through tall glass.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Villa Kosmos has an outdoor infinity pool lined with sun loungers, looking straight out over the East Sea.
The sauna and baths
The Finnish sauna curves around an oval window, beside indoor volcanic stone baths and an outdoor cliffside jacuzzi.
The spa
Arrival begins with a wood-scented purification ritual and a natural spring water bath before thermal stone therapy.
At the table
At La ULL, dinners follow the Five Elements with revitalizing boyang dishes like steamed Dokdo Island shrimp.
How it began
Architect Chanjoong Kim poured the structure without steel reinforcement, casting ultra-thin concrete walls just twelve centimeters thick.
Good to know
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Kosmos Ulleungdo
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.