Korean Restaurant
Design & Experience
A Korean-inspired restaurant that draws from the mystique of Korea's mountains, the fluidity of water, and the intimate bond between nature and culture. The design embraces subtlety and depth, exploring light, shadow, and texture to craft an atmosphere that is both immersive and ephemeral—evoking the quiet, lingering mist over Korea's sacred peaks.
An organic, immersive space defined by fluid forms and natural materials, where light and shadow create moments of discovery. Korean craft, culture, and art are central, shaping both materiality and atmosphere. The lightweight, eco-conscious structure harmonizes seamlessly with its natural surroundings.
From Research to Realization
Research
Korean Crafts & Culture
Research was conducted into Korean craft and culture, including the delicate layering of bojagi and the crumpling technique Joomchi in Hanji paper, the spiritual connection to nature found in shamanism, and the symbolic importance of water as a source of life and purity. These influences informed a design approach that is fluid, immersive, and harmoniously integrated with the environment.
Inspiration
Concept & Atmosphere
The concept creates a mystical, immersive atmosphere through the interplay of light and soft shadow. Gentle, diffused illumination moves across the interior like reflections on water, which serves as the guiding motif. This treatment enhances a sense of calm and quiet mystery, while fluid, organic forms reinforce the impression of flowing movement and a deep connection to nature. Inspiration was drawn from immersive installations and exhibitions working with water and light, as well as experiences that preserve and express Korean culture, exploring how these elements shape atmosphere, perception, and emotional connection.
Materials
Cultural Symbolism
The material palette draws from Korean cultural symbolism and atmospheric expression. Stone was selected for its grounding presence, echoing the spiritual significance of mountains in Korean shamanism. Glass blocks were introduced for the way they catch and diffuse light, creating shimmering reflections reminiscent of water gliding across a surface. Korean textiles inspired by bojagi add layered translucency and crafted elegance, softening the interior. Natural wood completes the palette, bringing warmth and authenticity while reinforcing the connection to nature that lies at the heart of the concept.
Color Palette
Two Atmospheres
The color palette was divided into two distinct atmospheres. The first, used in the entrance and the planned immersive experience zone, embraces dark, muted tones that evoke the spirit of caves and the depth of water, creating a sense of mystery and anticipation. The second shifts toward a slightly more vibrant palette, inspired by the subtle hues found in bojagi textiles, introducing gentle color accents that bring softness, cultural richness, and a crafted quality to the space.
Form Exploration
Organic Meets Geometric
The design process involved a careful study of the stone and how it could be integrated with architectural elements without directly replicating it, preserving its natural geometry. Cubic and arched forms were introduced as architectural contrasts to the organic shapes of the stone, creating a dynamic interplay between natural irregularity and refined geometric structure. This approach allowed the architecture to respond to the material while maintaining a harmonious balance between organic and constructed forms.
Mockup
The Rainy Room
A mockup of the restaurant entrance was created using stone, rain, and collected water to evoke the interior of a cave, forming part of the exhibition called the "Rainy Room." The space creates an intimate and mystical atmosphere, immersing visitors in a sensory experience where natural elements and architectural design converge.
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