Millie the Nomad

Last May, as the weather was getting warmer, I felt an urge to escape from my daily routine. While scrolling through Instagram, I stumbled upon a hotel called Iwarim, and its Japanese-inspired aesthetic immediately caught my attention, leading me to make a reservation.

The journey to Soyang Dam was surprisingly accessible. It took only about an hour and a half by car from Seoul. Following the navigation through quiet country roads, we suddenly came across a modern building perched on rock formations by a valley. The name “Iwarim” combines the Japanese word “iwa” (いわ) meaning “rock” and “rim” (林) meaning “forest” – truly fitting for this accommodation nestled between rocks and forest.

Check-in & Check-out

• Check-in: 4:00 PM
• Check-out: 11:00 AM

Upon arrival, we called the owner and waited briefly in the B1F lobby for check-in. The staff provided us with house rules, check-in/out times, and barbecue scheduling information. They also invited us to choose our welcome tea, which was particularly appreciated after our long drive. In our room, we found a beautifully arranged tea set and some complementary snacks that paired perfectly with the tea.

Room

We stayed in the medium-sized room designed for 2-3 people. Upon entering, we were greeted by a spacious floor-level table and large Japanese-style windows. The room featured distinctive wooden interior design elements and was impeccably clean. The sleeping area included a queen-size bed and a super-single bed, offering ample space. The highlight was definitely the hinoki (cypress) bath. Even before using it, the room was filled with a subtle cypress fragrance. Watching the scenery through the window while enjoying the wooden aroma naturally brought peace to my mind.

The room was equipped with a Bluetooth speaker and a guestbook, which created a unique way for guests to share their experiences. In the evening, we could enjoy a relaxing soak in the hinoki bath while listening to soft music.

Barbecue Area

We opted for the barbecue dinner, which required an additional 30,000 won. Despite the extra cost, the clean facilities and well-prepared equipment made it worthwhile. The staff prepared the barbecue area according to our requested time (around 7 PM), and while they set up, we visited a nearby market for ingredients. Upon our return, the charcoal was ready, allowing us to start grilling immediately. Dining outdoors with the sound of the stream created a wonderful atmosphere. The shared kitchen in the basement lobby was available for any additional cooking needs, including borrowing tableware, which guests are expected to clean after use. After finishing, we cleaned up and disposed of the waste at the nearby recycling station.

Evening Drinks Service

The accommodation provided an evening drink set, serving sake paired with grilled rice cakes as a snack. According to other reviews, the type of snacks and alcohol seems to change depending on the season.

The time spent looking out the window with a cup of sake after relaxing in the hinoki bath was especially memorable. The sound insulation was excellent – we couldn’t hear any noise from adjacent rooms. Enjoying peaceful evening moments with soft music playing through the Bluetooth speaker made for a truly special experience.

Overall Review

I highly recommend Iwarim to anyone seeking a quiet retreat from the bustling city, especially those who appreciate Japanese aesthetics. The spring forest was particularly beautiful, and we were blessed with perfect weather. I’m already planning to return in winter to see the snow-covered landscape.

This place is perfect for those needing a peaceful break from daily life or wanting to spend quality time with loved ones. The later check-out time allowed for a leisurely morning. While the photos online are beautiful, the actual experience exceeded our expectations. Our night at Iwarim – luxurious yet comfortable – provided the perfect getaway we needed.