Sono International, which leads the hotel and resort business of Daemyung Sono Group, will officially open the premium resort 'Sol Beach Namhae' in Namhae, Gyeongsangnam-do, on the 5th. Sol Beach Namhae is the fourth Sol Beach location following Yangyang, Samcheok, and Jindo and is a new resort launched after six years. Namhae County expects up to 500,000 visitors annually. It is anticipated to contribute to the revitalization of tourism and the economy in Namhae, a representative aging region.

I visited Sol Beach Namhae ahead of its opening. Located in Songjeong-ri, Mijomyeon, Namhae County, it takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by vehicle after taking the KTX from Seoul to Suncheon Station to arrive there. The total travel time is expected to be around 4 hours and 30 minutes to 5 hours. For residents in Gyeongsangnam-do, it is accessible within 2 hours by private car.

The view of Sol Beach Namhae. /Courtesy of Sono International

The exterior of the terrace-shaped building extending along the coastal cliffs harmonizes with the stepped structure reminiscent of Namhae's terraced rice fields and evokes the Italian town of 'Positano.' The deluxe hotel room where the reporter stayed featured a floor-to-ceiling window that provided a spectacular view of the sea. All rooms are designed to have an ocean view, allowing guests to appreciate the changing colors of Namhae throughout the day. Of the 451 rooms (366 hotel rooms and 85 villas), many are targeted towards family customers.

◇ Introduction of pool villa rooms, outdoor skating rink for all seasons… emphasizing 'premiumization'

Sol Beach Namhae emphasized a more premium concept by introducing stand-alone villa rooms for the first time in the brand's history. The single-story and duplex villas offer private terraces, pools, and sea views simultaneously, with membership rates ranging from 1.1 million won to 1.7 million won per night. They are designed to accommodate a minimum of 9 people and up to 12, catering to the demand from customers seeking a premium resort.

The pool view of Villa Mare at Sol Beach Namhae. /Courtesy of Sono International

The amenities stood out for their thoughtful arrangement for family travel throughout the year. The infinity pool, which is adjacent to the sea, is one of the resort's signature spaces, providing a sense of continuity with the horizon. Additionally, various facilities such as a family pool, children's pool, fitness center, sauna, spa, banquet hall, and ocean view observatory are available.

The outdoor skating rink 'Ice Beach' at Sol Beach Namhae. /Courtesy of Sono International

In particular, the outdoor skating rink 'Ice Beach' can operate without electricity or water, making it impressive in terms of sustainability. The flooring of Ice Beach is made from environmentally friendly high-density polyethylene, allowing for skating even in the middle of summer.

◇ Food and beverage selections reflect the characteristics of Namhae

The food and beverage offerings also reflected the characteristics of the Namhae region. At the buffet restaurant 'Ristorante Chef's Kitchen,' dishes using locally sourced seafood and seasonal vegetables were served in a live kitchen format, and the view of the sea while dining at sunset was impressive.

Meridione Bakery & Cafe at Sol Beach Namhae. /Courtesy of Choi Hyo Jeong

The casual fusion dining venue 'Bare' offered a menu that combined Korean and Western cuisine, while the outdoor annex 'Bistro Gemi' showcased various side dishes that paired well with alcoholic beverages. The third-floor Meridione Café was designed as a leisurely space to enjoy coffee and desserts.

Cultural content was also diverse. Works by world-renowned contemporary artists Jean-Michel Othoniel and Jean Julien were installed throughout the resort, and the immersive media zone 'Sphere' within the complex cultural space Seymour Sea was designed to provide an audiovisual experience of Namhae's waves, light, and tranquility. This content is suitable for family customers who value artistic experiences.

The artwork 'Permanent Gift' by contemporary artist Steve Harrington installed at Sol Beach Namhae. /Courtesy of Choi Hyo Jeong

Sol Beach Namhae is positioned as a key value for coexistence with the local community beyond being a mere tourist destination. About two-thirds of the hired staff is from Namhae. Future strategies for expanding local partnerships include seafood supply collaboration with fishermen and farmers and job creation linked to universities and organizations.

Kim Deok-won, executive director of Sono International, stated, 'Sol Beach Namhae is designed as a complex resort space that harmonizes nature, architecture, and culture, going beyond a simple accommodation facility,' and explained, 'We aimed to elevate the status of the premium resort with an ocean-view structure for all rooms, stand-alone pool villas, and facilities for all seasons.'

He added, 'Through collaboration with Namhae County, we will establish a sustainable coexistence model with the local community by hiring local talent, utilizing local ingredients, and linking cultural content,' expressing hope that 'Sol Beach Namhae will be a catalyst for revitalizing local tourism and the economy.'