The house, located at Sogil-ri, Aewol-eup, had been empty for a few years after its former residents, including the star couple and their dogs and cats, moved out. Then we heard the news that the place was being revived as a local brand store named ‘Sogil Byeolha’. Truthfully, we were more curious about what the house was like in person more than we were about the brands or products it would sell. We had many questions such as how isolated the house is from busy streets, how big the yard is considering how it appeared on TV, what it is like in the inside of the house, and what it is like to look at the yard from the studio building.
To visit Sogil Byeolha, you need to make a reservation online. There are five time slots in a day, and each session admits up to 35 visitors, meaning seats fill up fast during holiday seasons and weekends. The viewing starts on the hour, meaning if you are late, you have less time to look around the house. Payment is required at the time of booking, and it includes a drink and snacks that are provided when you actually visit. For the viewing of the space, shopping, and having light snacks in the front yard, the price of 8,000 won doesn’t feel too steep.

‘Sogil-ri’ is the name of the town and a pure Korean expression meaning ‘to become a person who shines like a star’ are used together to name the store whose main feature is introducing local brands that are practical and attractive. Most of its items are either made by artists based in Jeju or made with resources from Jeju. If there is no direct link between Jeju and the product, it could still convey a sentiment unique to Jeju or a sense of eco-friendliness fitting for the motto of a clean Jeju.
It is noticeable how the store refrained from displaying items like regular select shops would. Instead, it has a style of art galleries where visitors can take time to look and appreciate products on display without rushing to the cashier. Entering the house, you walk by the living room and kitchen. Go up the stairs then to the bedroom, bathroom, and terrace. You get to encounter dozens of Jeju local brands across the whole house. Fresh, unfamiliar items in a familiar space naturally are eye-catching. Visitors can have a better understanding of Jeju as they read the stories behind each brand that are offered with the products on the shelf.

More people travel to Jeju with their pet dogs. At Sogil Byeolha, visitors are also allowed to bring dogs. The store has products for canine travel companions. The Dangkit kit includes essential items such as potty training pads, poop bags, and food bowls, as well as bathing items, and homemade snacks using Jeju local specialty ingredients. The store also carries individual snacks made with organic, pesticide-free, and non-antibiotic ingredients from the island. There are some handmade products designed with Jeju in mind such as smudge sticks by Prana in Sagye and Tewag(floating basket used by haenyeo) key rings by Bomesonme. Framed photographs and paintings of Jeju’s Woljeongri or Gimnyeong seas are also available.
A fabric perfume reinterpreting the space of Sogil Byeolha as a scent was produced in collaboration with Have A Smell. Sogil Byeolha Candle was created by local handmade candlemaker Vava Scent. Other items include masking tapes, hooded t-shirts, ballpoint pens, and disposable cameras designed by Sogil Byeolha.

Located in Jungmun Tourist Complex, LOTTE HOTEL JEJU is a resort hotel with 500 rooms. Inspired by ‘The Palace of the Lost City’ in South Africa, the hotel blends in perfectly with the beautiful surroundings of Jeju, creating an exotic atmosphere. All-day dining restaurant THE CANVAS serves over 140 dishes prepared with the freshest local ingredients hand-picked by hotel chefs. The all-season, warm-water pool and Hello Kitty character room are among various features that make LOTTE HOTEL JEJU such a popular destination for families and couples.

Address 35, Jungmungwangwang-ro 72beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Island
Phone +82-64-731-1000
Website www.lottehotel.com/jeju-hotel