--- title: "December 2019 Property 02. Seonjae 465, Seonjaedo Island" description: "A former finance professional turned his retirement dream into a three-room pension on Seonjaedo Island, built around a meticulously curated pine garden and quiet island living." published: 2019-12-12T00:00:00+00:00 author: "ONDA 편집팀" category: "Insights" image: "https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/65a9fa824a48270371ffc003_62e7677343831346b1477ff1_5e8a8a264fbaeae2932549ba_img_0134-1.jpeg" canonical: https://global.onda.me/en/blog?slug=2019-12weol-sugso-02-seonjaedo-seonjae-465 locale: en --- # December 2019 Property 02. Seonjae 465, Seonjaedo Island ![IMG_0134](https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/65a9fa824a48270371ffc003_62e7677343831346b1477ff1_5e8a8a264fbaeae2932549ba_img_0134-1.jpeg) **Property Type:** Private stand-alone pension **Address:** 465-7 Seonjae-ri, Yeongheung-myeon, Ongjin-gun, Incheon **Room Types:** Rooms A, B, C (duplex-style bedroom) **Amenities:** Complimentary brunch, spa, BBQ, private spa, dawn fishing, etc. **Nearby Attractions:** Sea Breeze Theme Park, Glass Island Art Museum, Mokseon, Island CC, Sipri-po Beach, horseback riding center, etc. ![IMG_0094.jpg](https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/65a9fa824a48270371ffc070_62e767744383136762477ff2_5e8a8a2606f670edbed61fc2_img_0094.jpeg) ### **Q Hello! Please introduce yourself and your property.** Hello, I'm Kim Nam-jun, owner of Seonjae 465, now in my fourth year running this pension on Seonjaedo Island. Many people ask about the name "Seonjae 465"—it combines "Seonjae," which means "the place where fairies came down to play," with the parcel number. I used to work in finance. During those hectic, monotonous years, what gave me solace was tending to the pine and juniper garden on the first floor of my apartment. Naturally, I fell in love with landscaping and trees. I wanted to leave the apartment behind and create my own garden, which is how I found this place. Initially, I built the property as a post-retirement retreat—a place for my own garden, plus studios for my children. But circumstances changed, so I redid the interior and turned it into a pension. In fact, the café inside the pension replicates the view I used to have from my apartment living room looking out onto the garden. Since I'd spent my entire career behind a desk, preparing to run a pension was tough. I had friends stay first, collected feedback, and gradually improved. It took a long time to get the property to where it is now. I didn't really tell people around me I was running a pension, so my friends probably don't even know I'm here. (Laughs) An empty building deteriorates faster, so I run only three guest rooms—what I can comfortably manage—and use the rest of the space myself or leave it as studios for my children. Seonjae 465 was built primarily for pine cultivation and garden upkeep, so I don't accept groups. I cap guests at four per room because I can't control larger parties. Also, Seonjae 465 is structured so each building is a stand-alone unit. BBQs are private. All guest paths are separate. Visitors come expecting privacy and quiet—and that aligns with my own vision. The garden and ocean views change by season and location, so guests return multiple times throughout the year to experience different perspectives. They switch rooms each visit. Summer and winter bring different sunrise positions; each room offers unique sunrise and sunset moods depending on the season. The combinations are endless. Regulars visit five or six times a year. ### **Q Seonjae 465 offers sweeping views of the West Sea. What made you choose Seonjaedo among all the coastal areas?** My wife and I usually see things the same way, but her eye is sharper than mine. First, she loved Seonjaedo. (Laughs) But I had four reasons for choosing it. First, it's only about 50 minutes from where we lived—extremely close. For a retreat or garden, you need to be within an hour of Seoul so you can work during the day and return home at night if needed. That proximity was the biggest factor. Second, this spot has mountains behind and the sea in front—classic *bae-san-im-su* geomancy. Trees blend naturally with the landscape. At my age, I wanted an environment where I could feel the sun, moon, and stars. That's why the building faces sunrise—you can watch the sun set from here too. The scenery here is stunning, and every spot has a different feel. Third, and this might sound abstract, but when I explored the area, this place gave me a sense of calm—a place I could truly unwind. After working 30–40 years in Seoul, I hit my 60s feeling like I had nothing to show for it. But here, I could enjoy something—a hobby, a pastime—in comfort. Finally, I wanted a quiet neighborhood. This is a space for guests who come to rest, so it can't be bustling. I envisioned a place where people could read quietly and reflect. Looking back, guests seem to appreciate that about us. ![스크린샷 2019-12-16 오전 11.23.53](https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/65a9fa824a48270371ffc064_62e767744383137374477ff3_5e8a8a26f99d7c76bf770e56_e18489e185b3e1848fe185b3e18485e185b5e186abe18489e185a3e186ba-2019-12-16-e1848be185a9e1848ce185a5e186ab-11.23.53.png) ### **Q The interior and design feel museum-quality—sophisticated all around. What did you focus on during construction?** All the interior and design work at Seonjae 465 came from me providing the budget and my kids spending it (laughs)—tearing down, rebuilding, decorating. People my age think you finish a building by nailing up plywood, but my kids, who have professional design backgrounds, thought differently. My daughter-in-law is a painter and a university lecturer with a strong design sense. I figured young people would be the main guests, so it made sense to align the design with their tastes. I handed full creative control to her and my son. That's why Seonjae 465 resonates with younger visitors. And because the space appeals to younger guests, talking and connecting with them makes me feel young again. I've always wanted open-minded conversations with many people. Oh, but the garden—that's 100% mine. (Laughs) ### **Q Seonjae 465 is beautiful. If you had to pick one favorite space, what would it be?** From my kids' perspective, probably the café. For me, it's the living trees in the garden. The trees and garden take the most effort to maintain and cost the most money (laughs), but they're also what I'm most proud of. Other people might think, "Why bother? Trees are expensive, and who knows if they'll survive?" But I'm not selling trees. The pines get better with age, so they're something I can pass down to my children—an intangible legacy. More than that, this is my retirement space. Rather than chasing pure profit, I want to immerse myself in nature, recharge, and share that joy with others who appreciate it. People who love trees or art visit often, which makes it meaningful. Lastly, you won't find many seaside pensions with pine trees, right? Trees are expensive (laughs), but having them sets us apart. Just moving a tree is a major project—you need excavators, a 25-ton truck, three landscapers, and two months of meticulous care afterward. It costs money and demands devotion. The garden took so much heart to build, which is why it gives me so much comfort. If I had to pick one favorite space, it's the garden. ![스크린샷 2019-12-16 오전 11.24.01](https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/65a9fa824a48270371ffc055_62e767744383138c5a477ff6_5e8a8a26cce5fb8138b33729_e18489e185b3e1848fe185b3e18485e185b5e186abe18489e185a3e186ba-2019-12-16-e1848be185a9e1848ce185a5e186ab-11.24.01.png) ### **Q It's rare for a property to look exactly like its photos. Your attention to cleanliness and upkeep is impressive.** Guests tell us, "Other places disappoint because they don't match the photos, but yours is even better in person." The garden doesn't fully fit in photos, so when guests arrive and experience it firsthand, they say it exceeds expectations. That makes me happy too. On cleanliness: I believe any lodging must be spotless. Since the island has few residents, I considered hiring cleaners from elsewhere, but round-trip gas costs more than the cleaning itself. So I decided it's better to accept fewer guests and clean thoroughly myself. I don't clean differently based on who's coming—I maintain the same standard I live by. After cleaning, I don't even enter the rooms so I don't leave footprints. (Laughs) ### **Q I heard Seonjae 465 appeared on a TV variety show!** At first, I opposed it. There are so many better properties—why film here? So I never appeared on camera. But the crew brought 70–80 people and over 60 vehicles, shooting for two full days. I didn't realize it at the time, but after the episode aired, the celebrities who filmed here quietly returned with family for summer vacations. The private stand-alone format protects their privacy, which they appreciated. Surprisingly, the broadcast also drew older viewers and even fans of singer Lee Seung-chul from Hong Kong, who brought their families after seeing the show. I was nervous about the language barrier—I don't speak English well, and they spoke Cantonese—but they brought their own interpreter and stayed with us. We also had a request from someone in the UK to book all rooms for a week, but we don't accommodate groups, and other reservations were already in place, so we politely declined. Mostly, the show brought family visitors. Seonjae 465 is well soundproofed, but I still notify other guests when families with children check in, just in case. Interestingly, once guests enter their rooms, they rarely come out. (Laughs) ![스크린샷 2019-12-16 오전 11.24.10](https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/65a9fa824a48270371ffc068_62e7677443831379ae477ff5_5e8a8a26a6b2c17871ab56c4_e18489e185b3e1848fe185b3e18485e185b5e186abe18489e185a3e186ba-2019-12-16-e1848be185a9e1848ce185a5e186ab-11.24.10.png) ### **Q The reviews are glowing, and you respond thoughtfully to each one.** As I mentioned, we're still a work in progress—there are bound to be inconveniences. For instance, our duplex stand-alone rooms have stairs, which could be risky for kids. So when guests arrive, I first explain potential drawbacks, safety concerns, and things that might be uncomfortable—before I mention the positives. Some guests joke that I'm *de-marketing* my own place. (Laughs) I chat with guests during their stays, and repeat visitors come so often I remember their preferences. That's why I can leave personalized replies to their reviews. Regulars who visit multiple times appreciate the property's seasonal character and express that in reviews, which I'm grateful to acknowledge. One time, a guest—probably intoxicated—switched our dual-mode HVAC to cooling in winter, then left a review complaining the room was freezing. I assumed it was an honest mistake, but I still had to reply and clarify. (Laughs) ### **Q Given the quiet location, you probably attract guests seeking rest. Do visitor preferences align with your vision? Any plans for changes?** Guests at Seonjae 465 do align well with what we offer. Because we're close to Seoul, people book solo after work, enjoy the spa, reset, take sunrise walks, and clear their minds. There are plenty of pensions with better facilities, but I believe the naturally weathered details (which I leave as aesthetic traces) add character. Apart from that, I continuously update and maintain the property. Rather than calling Seonjae 465 just a pension, I hope guests think of it as their personal retreat—a place to unwind when life gets heavy. I can't provide everything, but I want to improve the environment by addressing issues and making stays more comfortable. Guests with architecture or gardening expertise have offered invaluable advice. I'm always learning. Next year might bring subtle changes. I'll avoid anything that disrupts relaxation and lean even more toward nature. I also want to keep things non-commercial. Because we have so many repeat guests, I can't hike prices during summer peak season. Aside from winter (when fuel costs spike), I maintain flat rates year-round. ![스크린샷 2019-12-16 오전 11.24.24](https://zqcfqfqgiyckyhazcfrk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/webflow/6316f3f75130788ec2d762dd/65a9fa824a48270371ffc061_62e767744383133c24477ff4_5e8a8a268a0ceeef5084ce4e_e18489e185b3e1848fe185b3e18485e185b5e186abe18489e185a3e186ba-2019-12-16-e1848be185a9e1848ce185a5e186ab-11.24.24.png) ### **Q How did you discover ONDA, and how has the experience been?** We never approached property operations commercially—even our website photos were taken by my kids. I once partnered with a booking site that issued coupons without my consent, which I couldn't control. So I stopped working with agencies altogether. But my kids run a guesthouse elsewhere and discovered ONDA. After using it for a year, they found it so helpful they told me to try it. My daughter said, "Stop juggling phone calls. Talk to ONDA. You can run the property more easily and spend more time in the garden." (Laughs) Also, ONDA isn't purely transactional—they believe in mutual growth, which aligns with my values. I use another service for website bookings too, but ONDA's integration with Naver Booking (their distribution channel) brings in many reservations, and managing multiple booking sources in one dashboard is convenient. I'm using it well. ### **Q Finally, any hidden gems or favorite restaurants near the property?** Sipri-po Beach is 15 minutes away—great for watching (and feeding) seagulls, even in winter. Families with kids love the horseback riding center nearby. It's run by a German, so the horses are large and well-kept. Adults and kids can ride, and you can feed them carrots. The yacht marina hosts international regattas, and Glass Island Art Museum offers glass-blowing workshops. The Yeongheung Fisheries Wholesale Market has a cruise that circles the island for about an hour—worth a visit. I recommend dining out rather than BBQing at the pension. Rest is what matters, and preparing food can be tiring. For lunch, try stir-fried wild octopus or *yeonpo-tang* (octopus soup) at the wholesale market or nearby restaurants. Add wild octopus to clam noodle soup for an incredible health boost. Wild-caught sashimi is pricey but rare elsewhere—definitely try it. I'm cautious about restaurant recommendations because tastes vary, but my go-to is *Chingu-ne* (Friend's Place), a raw fish restaurant at the market run by a young woman. It's the busiest, so I trust it. The closest noodle shop to us is *Teolbo-ne* (Hairy Guy's Place) by Mokseon—great taste, and you eat with a view of the island. Lastly, the Western restaurant on the second floor of Sihwa Observatory. They serve American-style beer steak. Tables 4 through 8 face the ocean, and the table edges are right by the water. I always book those seats. Have steak and wine on the second floor, then walk to the observatory's edge—you'll see the entire West Sea and the bridge. Highly recommended. (Laughs) ## [**View full magazine >>**](http://bit.ly/magazineon36) ## [**Subscribe to the magazine >>**](http://bit.ly/magazinesub) --- ⚠️ All rights reserved. Cite this piece as 'ONDA' when quoting.