Individuals are volunteering for confinement, seeking solace in seclusion, detachment from everyday life for a fee.
In the quiet hills of Hongcheon, South Korea, a unique wellness facility named Prison Inside Me has been attracting visitors since its opening in 2013. This one-of-a-kind retreat offers guests a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life by simulating a prison experience in voluntary confinement [1][2].
For a fee of around $88 to $90 per night, guests can immerse themselves in a minimalistic 5-square-meter cell, where they are provided with basic toiletries, a yoga mat serving as a bed, and a small tea set on the windowsill [1][2]. Upon arrival, all digital devices, including phones and watches, are surrendered, and guests are dressed in a simple blue prison uniform.
The central idea at Prison Inside Me is that time does not matter; only stillness and self-discipline do. Before going into isolation, guests participate in a group meditation session, then enter solitary confinement where interaction with others is strictly forbidden [1]. Meals are simple and delivered to the cell, to be eaten silently alone [1].
The retreat has gained attention beyond its local area, with some hailing it as a genius sanctuary in an overstimulated world. On social media platforms like Reddit, the unusual retreat has sparked intrigue and debate, with users expressing curiosity, skepticism, and humor [1]. Some have even humorously suggested a three-year stay at the retreat, with the expectation of emerging with a degree and physical fitness [1].
One Reddit user, who used to work with a woman who went on annual silent retreats, initially found the idea unpleasant but now expresses curiosity. Another user, a YouTuber, found the retreat at Prison Inside Me to be immediately restorative [1]. The viral thread on Reddit about the retreat has generated widespread interest and discussion [1].
So why do people willingly pay to experience this solitude and isolation? In today’s hyper-connected world, quiet and uninterrupted time for reflection, mental detox, and mindfulness has become a rare luxury. The retreat offers a stark contrast to the constant connectivity and noise that permeate everyday life, allowing guests to confront their thoughts, deepen self-awareness, and find peace in stillness [1]. It is essentially a form of mental and emotional cleansing through self-imposed discipline and silence, which many find deeply restorative and therapeutic.
In sum, Prison Inside Me provides a deliberate, controlled environment for digital detox and solitude, attracting those seeking a profound break from the chaos, stress, and distractions of modern life [1][2]. Whether you're looking for a unique experience, a chance to disconnect, or a chance to reflect, Prison Inside Me may just be the retreat for you.
[1] Lee, S. (2019, March 11). Prison Inside Me: South Korea's Unique Wellness Retreat. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2019/mar/11/prison-inside-me-south-korea-wellness-retreat [2] Kim, J. (2018, September 17). Inside South Korea's Prison Retreat. CNN Travel. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/prison-inside-me-wellness-retreat-south-korea/index.html
In the sphere of home-and-garden ideas, one might contemplate the incorporation of Prison Inside Me's minimalistic cell design for a unique, self-discipline-focused living space, embodying the essence of sustainable-living and mental detox through isolation.
The rise of Prison Inside Me, a popular wellness retreat in South Korea, not only showcases an innovative approach to disconnecting from modern life, but also highlights the growing interest in sustainable-living and home-and-garden concepts that emphasize mental and emotional well-being.
