Swimming into infinity

There are pools, there are infinity pools, and then there’s the pool at the Parnas Hotel Jeju. At 360 feet, the Estuary is the longest in any hotel in Korea. Located at the southern tip of this small volcanic island, the pool’s edge is within a stone’s throw of the green-blue waters of the East China Sea, and its ingenious design creates the sense of it merging with the open water and the skyline beyond.  

Early swimmers can watch the sun rise over the stunning facade of the hotel; by night, gaze through the steam that rises from the heated waters at the lights of passing ships. There’s also a “sound therapy” program, where waterproof headphones are supplied so you can listen to soothing music and eco-ambient sounds as you paddle.

None of this is to denigrate Parnas’ neighboring beach—a cove of cream-white sand overlooked by a pair of traditional statues—but it’s unlikely you’ll be able to move much farther from the warm waters of the estuary than its poolside cabanas and daybeds. With unimpeded views of the sea from its waters (plus from many of its 307 rooms—including six Presidential suites), the hotel has become popular both as a short-haul getaway from the Korean mainland and a unique wedding destination. The imposing, multilevel atrium of the Fondmer Lounge will also be familiar to viewers of Korean drama King the Land. 

Other attractions include the multinational cuisine at in-house restaurant Confetti (the expansive breakfast here is locally renowned), the Club Lounge for quiet working, and a family lounge with a woodchip “beach.” Children’s activities range from traditional cookie-making to mango picking.

Through the day there’s a full range of local dishes, including those inspired by haenyeo, the fabled female free divers who collect local sea urchins, abalones, octopus, and more. Fondmer Lounge also sells its eponymous coffee blend. And at all points, the Parnas’ discreetly attentive staff make sure you enjoy a relaxing, frictionless stay.

Previously little known outside of the Korean travel market, Jeju itself is growing in popularity, referred to locally as “Korea’s Hawaii,” and increasingly drawing overseas visitors. And its dramatic nature is present throughout the hotel: From the palms that fill the grounds and courtyards to the atrium garden, supersize water features and the hotel’s bespoke botanical scents, this is a property that feels completely grounded in the environment around it. And nowhere more so than in the infinity pool. So, check in and drift off, in a pool like no other. 

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What guests say

The property was beautiful and really well maintained, particularly the outside areas, the landscaping and the pool, but I think the best feature about the hotel was the staff. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a resort-like hotel that is more than just a place to sleep.
Tal, four-night trip 


Thank you for leadership on disability access… Parnas Hotel welcomed my blind wife and her guide dog. We all enjoyed our stay and would recommend Parnas Hotel to everyone.
Jeffrey, four-night family trip 


The service at this hotel was exceptional—the anticipation of our needs really surprised me. The facilities and the view are fantastic.
Sylvia, one-night trip