St. Isidore Retreat House rests among the pastures of Hallasan Mountain in Jeju, Korea —
founded on the love of the Missionary Society of St. Columban.
"Very early in the morning, Jesus got up and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." — Mark 1:35
St. Isidore Retreat House is a place to lay down the weariness of daily life before the Lord and to pray surrounded by God's creation. The Saemi Garden of Grace — with its Rosary Lake, the Stations of the Cross, the Path of the Life of Jesus, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, and the Trinity Cathedral — embraces the retreat house on all sides.
Opened in November 1981 within the St. Isidore Ranch, the house has welcomed pilgrims from Jeju and all across Korea. It is named after St. Isidore the Farmer (1070–1130), the patron saint of farmers, honoring the land's history of faith and labor.
An Irish Columban missionary who came to Korea in 1953. He founded the St. Isidore Ranch in 1961, transforming the poverty of post-war Jeju through farming, and was lovingly called "the blue-eyed pig priest." He passed away in 2018 and rests here beside the Clara Convent.
An Irish veterinarian who first came to the ranch in 1978 — and returned as a priest. Ordained in 1986, he has served the parish of Geumak since 2004 and leads the Isidore Foundation as chairman since 2011.
A Columban priest ordained in 2000, experienced in Ignatian spiritual exercises and 40-day directed retreats. Director of the retreat house since January 2024, he personally guides silent and healing retreats.
Walking retreats through Jeju's volcanic landscapes and holy sites, including round-trip flights from airports across Korea. Group schedules can be arranged.
Small-group silent retreats with personal spiritual direction by the director, held throughout the year.
A retreat of healing and blessing with Mass at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, praise and talks.
Walk Jeju's forests, volcanic hills and coastal paths together — praying, staying and sharing fellowship. For anyone who can walk 10km a day.
A monthly dawn prayer gathering (5:30 AM, second Saturday, May–October) walking the Stations of the Cross as the sun rises.
A long-stay program: live at the retreat house for a month, walking the prayer paths daily in silence and meditation.
Schedules and fees vary by season — please contact us. Korean-language schedule calendar: application page.
Single rooms (bed, desk, private bathroom) and twin rooms of the same size are available. A laundry room with detergent and two shared kitchens are free to use. Please bring your own toiletries.
