Rakkojae Andong Hahoe Hanok Hotel

Such an authentic experience! The way the hotels has been conceived is incredible. The architecture and authenticity makes it a true jewel to stay in. The attention to detail was there, and the food was incredible. Would definitely return. Also, staying here allows you to explore the old village way before and after the crowds come and go. Not to be missed!

We stayed in the gorgeous Rakkojae Hahoe Hanok hotel which was built ten years ago just outside Hahoe village. We had the most fabulous experience which we will remember for the rest of our lives. All the buildings are built in the traditional Hanok style, beautifully designed with great attention to detail. We stayed in the Pavilion bedroom which is a stunning free standing traditional building surrounded by a pond with lotus flowers. Inside one sleeps on a comfortable mattress on the floor heated by underfloor ondol. This must be one of the most romantic bedrooms in the world. There is a restaurant serving delicious food where one is surrounded by fine Korean works of art collected by the owner. The staff are absolutely charming and extremely helpful. It’s easy to get to Hahoe village which has a regular bus service for the short journey as cars are not allowed in during the day, and there’s a great walk to the top of the cliff on the other side of the river from which there is a good aerial view of the village. There’s also a Confucian academy nearby and the house of a 26th century scholar. We cannot wait to return to this amazing place.

Staff was very friendly and helpful but speak very little English-- almost all communication was via a translation app on smart phones, which worked fine. The hotel has a charming appearance, in keeping with traditional Korean architecture. See the view from the door to my room in the photo. There are antiques in the rooms and lobby, with stone statues from the area scattered about the lovely grounds. The rooms have good A/C and bathrooms, but some Westerners (including me) may be bothered by sleeping on a futon mattress and sitting on low chairs about a foot off the ground. At my request, a plain, hard wooden chair was brought from the dining room to my room. You're requested to leave your shoes outside the door to your room, which is entered from the courtyard. A continental breakfast is available, consisting of an egg, toast, cereal, coffee and juice. The hotel is located a short walk from several restaurants, the mask museum and a small market area. From there, to get to the village itself and the venue where the masked dance is performed at 2:00 p.m., you can take a shuttle bus or walk there in about 15-20 minutes.

We spent a delightful night at Rakkojae, an enchanting retreat that seamlessly blends traditional Korean architecture with modern luxury. Nestled within a setting that mirrors a traditional Korean village, the original Korean houses exuded beauty, evoking a sense of timeless charm. Although our accommodation wasn't within the historic houses of Hahoe Village itself, we were fortunate to experience the newly inaugurated second hotel, a haven of opulence that had opened just days before our arrival. As the second set of guests, we were warmly welcomed, and the exceptional hospitality began with a sumptuous breakfast served in the comfort of our room. Immersing ourselves in the cultural experience, we savored the delicious breakfast on small tables, seated on the floor—a charming nod to authentic Korean dining. Rakkojae not only provided us with a luxurious stay but also an opportunity to embrace the rich traditions of Korea in a setting that seamlessly merged the old and the new.