Banyan Tree Namsan Staycation — Chuseok Calm Above the City

Chuseok’s golden holidays finally arrived, and for once our group chat agreed on something: no airports, no traffic, no stress. Seoul never really stops — it glitters, hums, and occasionally wears us out. Even shopping can feel like a sprint, and holidays aren’t much better. Between family visits, gift lists, and polite messages to mentors, it’s easy to forget that rest is also part of celebration.

Chuseok escape at Banyan Tree—calm above a glittering Seoul.

Then one of my closest friends offered an escape: “Let’s just slow down together.” She’s a Banyan Tree member, and her suggestion sounded like a small miracle. The membership includes access to private club facilities — spa, pool, bakery, and sometimes even overnight suites. In other words, exactly the kind of calm we’d been craving.  That was all I needed to hear. I packed a small overnight bag and headed up the hill toward Namsan.

The hillside setting adds instant quiet before you even check in.

Useful Info — Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul

• location :60 Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (Official site: banyantree.com)
• Membership perks: access to club facilities (spa/sauna/pool), selected F&B discounts, member-only areas. Check current details on the official site.
• Best time: weekday stays or rainy-season escapes for maximum calm
• Member bakery tip: cheese bread around 9 a.m. — limited batches, sells out fast

The Calm Side of Seoul

Banyan Tree might not be the newest hotel in town, but it still has that unshakable aura — the kind that instantly quiets your mind. There’s something about its perch on Namsan that feels ancient. In Korean geomancy (pungsu jiri), Namsan is seen as a protective mountain that shelters the city.  Maybe that’s why both Banyan Tree and The Shilla chose this slope. Two luxury sanctuaries, same mountain, different moods: Banyan’s tropical spa warmth versus Shilla’s polished poise.

Rain-washed windows and a quieter Seoul below — Namsan’s soft magic.

A private onsen vibe — bigger than it looks and perfect for rainy days.

That afternoon, rain poured endlessly, washing away any plan for a walk.
So instead, we floated between the indoor pool and our room jacuzzi — a surprisingly huge one that felt more like a private onsen than a bathtub. The sound of rain outside and warm water inside created that rare Seoul silence.

By evening, the rain turned heavier — the kind that feels cinematic — and all I wanted was something simple and comforting.
We ended up at Pyeongyang Myeonok, Jangchung Main Branch, famous for its naengmyeon and bulgogi. The mix of cold noodles, rain, and soft neon light from the street felt like the Seoul version of therapy.

Rain outside, cold noodles inside. Jangchung’s classic never misses.

Thin-sliced bulgogi for sharing — Seoul comfort on a wet night.

Eat Nearby — Pyeongyang Myeonok (Jangchung Main)

• Location : 207 Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Hours: Daily ~11:00–21:30 (go early for shorter waits)
• What to order: cold naengmyeon + warm broth, bulgogi for sharing
• 🔗 Info: MICHELIN Guide

A Movie Night Above the City

Back in the suite, we poured champagne, slipped back into the jacuzzi, and put on the 2014 film 5 to 7. It’s a love affair movie — tender, flawed, bittersweet — and somehow it matched the night perfectly.  The music was soft and jazzy, the story slow and emotional. Maybe not everyone’s cup of tea, but to me it felt like a perfect mirror of the mood: calm, intimate, slightly melancholic, and full of glow.

Movie night after the jacuzzi — we watched 5 to 7 with champagne.

Sure, the humidity later made sleeping a little sticky, but honestly? Worth it.
Seoul glittered below the window, rain tapping on the glass, the air warm and heavy with comfort. For once, the city felt like it belonged only to us.

A Few Tips If You Go

• If you’re lucky enough to know a member, their bakery corner is a hidden gem — especially the cheese bread baked fresh around 9 a.m. It sells out almost instantly.
• Member spa suites are fantastic if you’re a jacuzzi lover — and yes, they’re massive. Bring a small dehumidifier if you plan to sleep in, as things can get steamy.
• Best pairing for a rainy night: 5 to 7,

Why This Staycation Felt Different

Maybe it was the timing, or maybe it was the rain, but this Chuseok felt slower in the best way.
No airports, no check-ins, no holiday chaos — just Seoul breathing quietly under the mountain.

Sometimes luxury isn’t about flying somewhere far. It’s watching rain fall over your own city from a hot tub on a mountain that’s been guarding Seoul for centuries.

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