Sol Beach Namhae serves up Mediterranean flair on Korean shores

An aerial view of Sol Beach Namhae, Sono International's new resort property that opens on Friday / Courtesy of Sono International

NAMHAE, South Gyeongsang Province — Perched on the windswept cliffs of Namhae, a remote southern county, the newly opened Sol Beach Namhae commands sweeping views of emerald waters that stretch toward a horizon scattered with tiny islands.

With its blend of Mediterranean-inspired architecture and nods to local culture, the resort is poised to help transform the region into a premier destination for travelers.

Sono International, Korea’s largest resort operator by room count, opens the doors Friday to its newest luxury property, Sol Beach Namhae — a debut expected to invigorate the regional economy and draw visitors from across the country and abroad.

The resort’s architecture evokes a sense of the exotic while remaining grounded in the local landscape. Its pastel-toned, terraced design draws inspiration from the iconic Italian village of Positano and the rice paddies that have long defined Namhae’s hillsides.

Seen is "Darangi Village" in Namhae, South Gyeongsang Province, featuring traditional terraced rice paddies, June 27. Korea Times photo by Lee Hae-rin

Sol Beach Namhae features 451 rooms, including 366 hotel rooms and 85 themed villas, all designed to offer unobstructed ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Each room is furnished with Sono Season’s premium mattresses and amenities from Swiss luxury brand Chopard. Inspired by the lemons of Positano, the Lemon Dulci fragrance line, which evokes Namhae’s yuzu with its signature bright yellow color, is available exclusively at this resort in Korea.

The villas, offered in four styles — Mare, Sole, Stella and Luna — feature private terraces and pools, accommodating groups of up to 12. These spaces cater to families and premium travelers seeking privacy and luxury.

Presidential suite at Sol Beach Namhae / Courtesy of Sono International

For year-round recreation, Sol Beach Namhae unveiled Korea’s first beachfront outdoor skating rink, Ice Beach. Crafted from high-density polyethylene, the eco-friendly surface requires no electricity or water, allowing guests to glide across the rink while taking in panoramic ocean views — even in summer.

The resort offers a variety of swimming pools, including a kids' pool, a family pool, a hot tub and the Sono International signature, infinity pools designed to blend seamlessly with the horizon.

Dining options at Sol Beach Namhae celebrate Korean coastal culture and Mediterranean flavors.

The main buffet restaurant, Ristorante Chef’s Kitchen, is themed around southern Italian cuisine with a local twist, using fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables from Namhae. The casual fusion dining venue Bare offers a menu that centers on Namhae’s local seafood. “Bare” is a local Namhae dialect word referring to the traditional method by which mothers would gather seafood in tidal flats to support their families.

Meridione Bakery and Cafe serves fresh bread baked with French flour and butter, served alongside the resort’s signature coffee and a variety of drinks themed around the beautiful nature of Namhae and featuring local yuzu.

Cocktails featuring local ingredients and themed around Namhae's natural landscape are displayed at Sol Beach Namhae's Meridione Bakery and Cafe, June 26. Korea Times photo by Lee Hae-rin

Bistro Gemi is a highlight among the dining facilities. Modeled after Namhae’s terraced rice paddies and decorated with traditional bamboo fishing nets used for anchovy fishing, it evokes the rustic atmosphere of a traditional Namhae home. Here, cocktails and small plates featuring Namhae yuzu, omija and herbs are served.

Beyond leisure and luxury, Sol Beach Namhae is designed as a cultural complex. Modern art installations — including works by Jean-Michel Othoniel and Jean Jullien — are displayed throughout the property, while the immersive media zone Sphere in the multicultural space See More Sea offers guests a multisensory experience of Namhae’s waves, light and tranquility.

The opening of Sol Beach Namhae marks a significant milestone for the region, which has long struggled with an aging population and limited tourism infrastructure.

The project, which began with an investment agreement in 2013 and entered full-scale construction in 2023, is expected to attract up to 800,000 visitors annually — including 110,000 Sono Hotels & Resorts members — according to Namhae County officials. Sono International projects that figure could range from 600,000 to 1.1 million, a significant increase for a region that sees around 5 million annual visitors.

Sol Beach Namhae's main buffet restaurant Ristorante Chef's Kitchen / Courtesy of Sono International

About two-thirds of the resort’s staff are Namhae residents, reflecting the company’s commitment to local hiring and economic revitalization. The opening is projected to generate at least 31.7 billion won in new tax revenue and inject more than 23 billion won into the local economy.

“Sol Beach Namhae is designed as a complex resort space that harmonizes nature, architecture and culture, going beyond a simple accommodation facility,” Kim Deok-won, executive director of Sono International, said during a press conference at the property, June 27.

“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. We hope Sol Beach Namhae will be a catalyst for revitalizing local tourism and the economy,” he said.

A visitor rides a swing at Seolli Skywalk, an attraction near Sol Beach Namhae in Namhae, South Gyeongsang Province, June 27. Korea Times photo by Lee Hae-rin

However, the property’s accessibility remains a challenge to address.

Namhae currently lacks both a train station and an airport, requiring visitors to journey more than an hour by bus from Suncheon Station a three-hour KTX ride from Seoul already. Alternatively, travelers can fly from Gimpo Airport to Sacheon Airport in South Gyeongsang Province in about an hour, followed by an additional hour’s drive to reach the resort.

To improve accessibility, Sono International is exploring several options, including operating shuttle buses, partnering with rental car services and coordinating with budget carrier T’way Air on flights.

Sono International, which operates 20 resort and hotel properties nationwide, recently acquired the local budget carrier. The company also runs properties abroad in Vietnam, the United States and France, with further expansion planned in Indonesia and Japan.