SOLD OUT in 3 Minutes: Seoul’s First ‘Forest Staycation’ Resort Opens—Why Is Everyone Obsessed with Surak Hue?

A New Era for Urban Nature: What Is Surak Hue?

Did you know there’s now a forest retreat right in the heart of Seoul? Surak Hue, nestled in the lush woods of Suraksan’s Dongmakgol, is the city’s first-ever official urban forest resort. Opening on July 17, 2025, this ambitious project was years in the making, with a whopping 23.1 billion won invested by Nowon District and various government bodies. The goal? To offer Seoulites a luxurious, healing escape into nature—without ever leaving the city limits.

Reservation Madness: Why Did Rooms Sell Out in 3 Minutes?

The hype is real. When reservations for July opened last month, every single room was booked in just three minutes. Community forums and social media exploded with excitement and frustration. Some compared the rush to snagging K-pop concert tickets, while others joked about needing to set multiple alarms just to stand a chance. On Daum and Naver, users wrote, “My parents were as happy as when they got BTS tickets!” and “I missed it—guess I’ll have to try again next month.” There’s even talk of ‘reservation wars’ as users prepare for the next round, with many lamenting their missed chance and strategizing for August.

Luxury Meets Nature: What Makes Surak Hue Special?

Surak Hue isn’t your average forest lodge. The 9,800㎡ resort features 25 rooms—including unique treehouses—accommodating up to 82 guests per night. Facilities include a visitor center, a restaurant and café run by celebrity chef Hong Shinae’s ‘Season Seoul’, and a variety of outdoor experiences. The district hired hotel professionals to ensure a truly high-end experience, and feedback from a trial run was overwhelmingly positive: guests raved about the hotel-grade comfort, serene landscaping, and the feeling of being pampered in the woods.

How to Book: The Infamous Reservation System Explained

Curious how to get a room? Here’s the lowdown: Every month on the 7th, half of the next month’s rooms are reserved for Nowon residents. The remaining rooms are released to the public on the 10th via the ‘Supnadle-e’ (Forest Outing) website, on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll need to register and verify your residency for priority booking. Prices range from 70,000 to 250,000 won depending on room type and season. The fierce competition has led to community tips and even ‘reservation guides’ on blogs and forums, with users sharing screenshots and countdown strategies.

Community Buzz: What Are Koreans Saying?

The reaction across Korean online communities is electric. On Theqoo and Instiz, users marvel at the idea of a ‘forest staycation’ in Seoul, with comments like, “Finally, a real getaway without leaving the city!” and “The treehouses look straight out of a fairy tale.” Others on DC Inside and FM Korea debate whether the price is justified, but most agree the concept is a game-changer. Some negative voices complain about the difficulty of booking or worry about over-tourism, but the overwhelming sentiment is excitement and pride that Seoul is embracing eco-friendly luxury.

Cultural Context: Why Is ‘Forestcation’ So Popular in Korea?

To understand the craze, you need to know about Korea’s recent ‘forestcation’ trend. As urban stress and travel restrictions have grown, more Koreans are seeking healing in nature. Forest baths (shinrin-yoku), wellness retreats, and eco-friendly travel have become cultural phenomena. Surak Hue taps directly into this desire, offering a rare blend of accessibility, luxury, and authentic nature. For international fans, it’s a window into how Korean cities are redefining leisure and wellness, blending modern convenience with deep respect for the environment.

What’s Next: Future Plans and Expansion

Surak Hue isn’t stopping at just rooms and treehouses. The district plans to add more facilities, including an accessible ‘barrier-free’ forest trail, a valley picnic area, and a children’s forest experience zone with three custom wooden treehouses. A forest healing center is set to break ground next year, aiming for completion in 2027. Nighttime stargazing, archery, and guided nature walks are also in the works. The ambition is clear: to make Surak Hue not just Seoul’s first, but Korea’s best urban forest retreat.

Tips for International Visitors: What You Need to Know

If you’re planning a trip to Seoul and want to try Surak Hue, take note: reservations are fiercely competitive, and most information is in Korean. Consider partnering with a local friend or using translation tools to navigate the Supnadle-e site. The location is easily accessible via Bulamsan Station, just 2km from the resort. Whether you’re a nature lover, a wellness seeker, or just curious about the latest Korean trends, Surak Hue offers a unique slice of urban tranquility.

The Verdict: Why Surak Hue Is a Must-Watch Trend

Surak Hue’s explosive popularity is more than just a fad—it’s a sign of changing lifestyles in Korea. The blending of luxury, nature, and urban convenience is setting new standards for city living and travel. As more facilities open and the reservation wars heat up, expect Surak Hue to remain at the center of Korea’s cultural conversation. Will you be one of the lucky few to score a room next month?