THE CONA HANOK

Space

ㅡ

Byulonjae

As Laozi once said, “The highest good is like water (上善若水),” and indeed, throughout history, humanity has revered water as the origin of the universe. Our ancestors used it wisely—not only for drinking, cleansing, and healing, but also as a way to restore balance and care for health. Even in traditional Korean life, the cultural reverence for water is found in daily rituals and values.

THE CONA Hanok Byulonjae is a special hanok stay, where starlight and the quiet movement of water come to rest. This modern retreat was originally a traditional family home built in the 1960s in Samseon-dong, Seongbuk-gu. THE CONA carefully restored its original hanok structure and reimagined it with modern comforts, creating a serene stay designed for healing and rest. Nestled in a quiet residential alley near the clear stream of Seongbukcheon, the hanok quietly reveals itself at the edge of a narrow lane. Step lightly up the stone stairs and open the wooden gate, and THE CONA Hanok Byulonjae greets you with quiet grace and warmth.

A modest courtyard, blooming flowers, and the wide, open sky all come together as your own little world. This is a fully private hanok stay, designed for one group only—a space to pause and rest completely. The hanok is divided into two buildings: the main house and the annex, blending traditional aesthetics with modern ease. The main house includes two cozy bedrooms for deep rest, a wooden central hall (maru) where stories unfold, and a compact kitchen for simple meals. Across the courtyard, the elegant annex holds the spirit and special meaning of THE CONA Hanok Byulonjae.

The Korean word for bathing, mok-yok (沐浴), is made up of two characters: mok (to wash the hair) and yok (to cleanse the body). But mok also carries the meaning of “to govern” or “to compose,” implying that bathing is not only a physical act, but also a way to bring clarity and peace to the mind. In Korean tradition, people would bathe before important events or ceremonies—an act of preparation and reverence known as mok-yok-jae-gye (沐浴齋戒). It was a time to cleanse not only the body but also the heart, allowing one to return to balance and regain strength.

At THE CONA Hanok Byulonjae, this spirit is embodied in the private bathhouse annex, filled with the soft scent of flowers and the quiet glow of starlight. At its center is a one-of-a-kind bathtub inspired by the Korean lotus flower, custom-designed and crafted by THE CONA. As you soak in warm water beneath a ceiling scattered with light like the Milky Way, both the fatigue of the day and the burdens of the heart gently melt away.

The bathhouse features Byulonjae’s signature lotus tub, a steam sauna, and a curated set of premium bath amenities—all designed to let you fully enjoy the essence of Eastern bathing culture. After your bath, enjoy a quiet tea ritual in the adjacent tea room—a moment of mindful care in a tranquil urban hanok.

In the bedroom, you'll find five-star hotel bedding and a signature diffuser, both designed by THE CONA, prepared for what may be the most peaceful rest of your life.

Hanok architecture has evolved through generations—shaped by the changes in era, lifestyle, and function. Modern hanok, often referred to as new hanok, preserve the framework and aesthetics of traditional wooden structures while embracing the practical needs of contemporary life.

THE CONA Hanok Byulonjae follows this philosophy. Originally built in the 1960s, this “ㄱ”-shaped residential hanok has been restored with its original layout and spirit intact, while thoughtfully incorporating modern functionality into each space. In this configuration, the two bedrooms are located at each end of the layout, with a central wooden hall (maru) and kitchen placed in between. This traditional structure minimizes unnecessary movement between living areas while protecting privacy—reflecting the quiet wisdom of the past.

Byulonjae preserves this “ㄱ”-shaped layout, but reinterprets it with modern living in mind: raised furniture such as beds, sofas, and a dining table are integrated with natural wood finishes. Sliding doors allow the interior spaces to expand or separate depending on the need, making the hanok adaptable, open, and calm.

At each end of the “ㄱ”-shaped hanok are two bedrooms. The first room you encounter upon entering the main house is the master bedroom.
Furnished with a spacious queen-size bed and five-star hotel bedding custom-made by THE CONA, it is designed for deep and restful sleep.
Next to the bed is a generous, raised space reminiscent of a traditional maru. Here, a bench-style sofa and table—both handcrafted by THE CONA—offer a comfortable space for upright seatin
Opposite the sofa, a low-set window is placed at seated eye level, providing a calm view of the courtyard’s garden, like a living landscape painting. Beneath the window, an inset electric fireplace humidifier adds a quiet sense of atmosphere.
A beam projector is also installed in the room, allowing you to enjoy films or music in your own private retreat.

At the heart of the main house lies the maru, a raised wooden hall.
Here stands a custom walnut wood table and chairs, designed by THE CONA and handcrafted in a local workshop.
This space serves comfortably as both a dining room and a gathering area with upright seating.
The walls are adorned with objects and lighting created by both emerging and established Korean artists, expressing a space that is both modern and rooted in Eastern aesthetics.
The maru can also be fully enclosed with sliding doors, creating a quiet and private room separated from the kitchen and bedrooms.

The bathhouse in the annex is both a bathing space and a private sauna. At its center is a large, luminous bathtub inspired by a lotus flower floating on water. This tub, shaped to gently wrap the body like lotus petals, was designed to provide deep rest for those seeking calm and comfort. It is a one-of-a-kind piece, co-created by THE CONA Hanok and Korea’s leading bath culture brand, Saturn Bath—offering a new perspective on bathing as an essential part of daily living.

The ceiling of the bathhouse features lighting reminiscent of the Milky Way, scattered like stars across the night sky. This space is one of the highlights of THE CONA Hanok, where you can soak in warm water beneath starlight and experience a moment of personal stillness. A steam sauna and hot spring-style bathing system are also available for a full therapeutic experience.

The wall of the bathhouse is fitted with folding doors, which can be fully opened during pleasant weather—transforming the space into a semi-outdoor bath. In summer, you can bathe under the stars. In winter, you may find yourself soaking in warmth, surrounded by a quiet blanket of snow. This is a year-round sanctuary for private healing.