Atin Maru
why
The Joy of Not Doing It
There is much to own. There are many things we want to own and accomplish. Personal space is small, and the distance between us and our neighbors is short. There is no doubt that in more than any other country, the lack of what we desire increases. It is a result of being forced to engage more frequently with the eyes and lives of others, due to a social structure where we have no alternative. Can we not inhibit it artificially and consciously? Cell phones are frequently fiddled with, excessively flicking through photos of friends at restaurants, trendy spots, and news information that are difficult to identify. If you are seeking solitude, you can enjoy the feeling of being restored by doing nothing, away from what is close to you. In fact, you can go entirely in the opposite direction. You can make your way to a cabin in the forest. To the place called Atin Maru.
The word ATIN is a combination of the words "AT," which means "place or time," and "IN," which refers to "inside." MARU (Maru), which follows the phrase ATIN, is the Korean word that means "sky, best, high, and mountain." Atin Maru is an experience involving four cabins named spring, summer, autumn, and winter, as well as a tall building in a public area, which is situated on a steep mountain ridge. Within moments of entering that establishment, the doors to the outside world, the news, and the convenience are closed firmly. Within moments of closing the doors, they become solidly stacked walls. Thus, the experience of being in a solitary forest, where only nature and you are present, begins.
The word ATIN is a combination of the words "AT," which means "place or time," and "IN," which refers to "inside." MARU (Maru), which follows the phrase ATIN, is the Korean word that means "sky, best, high, and mountain." Atin Maru is an experience involving four cabins named spring, summer, autumn, and winter, as well as a tall building in a public area, which is situated on a steep mountain ridge. Within moments of entering that establishment, the doors to the outside world, the news, and the convenience are closed firmly. Within moments of closing the doors, they become solidly stacked walls. Thus, the experience of being in a solitary forest, where only nature and you are present, begins.
people
A Cabin in The Woods That Invites You to Lose Yourself in Contemplation
The co-founder of Atin Maru co-founded 100A in 2013, based on his experience of majoring in indoor architecture and working in a design office that handled domestic space. Later in 2016, he stepped out on his own, and found the company, BK Architecture. With the experience of having built dozens of houses combined with the skills gained from traveling, he built his own brand themed as 'Stay in the Forest' and built four sparsely located cabins, Atin Maru.
By finding the land he dreamed of for an extended period of time, designing it himself, and coordinating construction, he attempted to realize his vision. The process of opening up only took about a year since he depicted a clear picture with firm faith. Within the public space, there is a small wooden bed that his daughter used when she was a child and a wooden swing that has been on her wish list since she was three years old. Guests are expected to fully embrace a stay in the cabin in order to appreciate the offering of the place, which is a complete cut-off from the complex and consumeristic world. Chairs were arranged in each of the four rooms, in search of the most pleasing location, to enjoy the forest view. It is most ideal for guests to sit on the chair and contemplate the appearance of the forest, the movement of the tree, the sound of nature, the wind brushing the cheeks, and the calmness of the day's weather and season, hoping that guests will be lost in their contemplation.
By finding the land he dreamed of for an extended period of time, designing it himself, and coordinating construction, he attempted to realize his vision. The process of opening up only took about a year since he depicted a clear picture with firm faith. Within the public space, there is a small wooden bed that his daughter used when she was a child and a wooden swing that has been on her wish list since she was three years old. Guests are expected to fully embrace a stay in the cabin in order to appreciate the offering of the place, which is a complete cut-off from the complex and consumeristic world. Chairs were arranged in each of the four rooms, in search of the most pleasing location, to enjoy the forest view. It is most ideal for guests to sit on the chair and contemplate the appearance of the forest, the movement of the tree, the sound of nature, the wind brushing the cheeks, and the calmness of the day's weather and season, hoping that guests will be lost in their contemplation.
location
The Closest and Farthest Way Out of Seoul
Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi-do is a town in the heart of the country where you will feel as if you are far from the bustling city of Seoul. Could it be that you are able to experience the vast and beautiful nature that is physically close to Seoul but yet feels a sense of freedom? Yangpyeong has the highest number of second homes among those living in Seoul. Seojong-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, borders Cheong-myeon, Gapyeong-gun to the north, Namyangju to the west, and Seorak-myeon, Gapyeong-gun to the east, and is said to have been named Seojong-myeon because it is located to the west('Seo' in Korean) of Yangpyeong-gun. Besides being an extremely popular driving course, it also connects the Gyeongchun National Road, a local road along the Bukhangang River, and the national highway between Gangneung and Seoul. In spite of leaving Seoul for only about an hour, you will be able to encounter the open rivers, mountains, and ridges. As for Munho-ri, Seojong-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, it is widely known as a rural neighborhood close to downtown Seoul and has become an attractive area in which many people have built or have been looking for houses since a few years ago.
Atin Maru is located at the top of Gamabong Peak, where a dense forest of pine trees covers the area, creating a quiet, rural atmosphere that is distinct from Munho-ri, where there is a high density of people.
Atin Maru is located at the top of Gamabong Peak, where a dense forest of pine trees covers the area, creating a quiet, rural atmosphere that is distinct from Munho-ri, where there is a high density of people.
MAKING STORY
The host, Choi Bong-guk, who designed the Atin Maru by himself, had the idea of building a rest area at the end of his trip to Eurasia with his wife and daughter in order to relax after a long journey. Originally, he envisioned a collection of trailers parked in the middle of a quiet forest that could be hung behind the car for quick mobility when needed. For this reason, the initial design emphasized mobility. Moreover, it was a DIY package form. Consequently, if you load it into the truck, it will be delivered flat, which means if you have flat land, you can simply build it yourself with foundation stones obtained from local hardware stores, much like the way people in some countries construct their homes. In case of challenge, he contemplated offering a service to assemble, but materials available at ordinary hardware shops posed many functional limitations. Additionally, it ought to be easy to move, yet in terrain such as this, the cabin must be placed horizontally; therefore, it faced several unrealistic scenarios and drew a cabin in the forest that is permanently attached to the ground. It is, however, pictured in the form of floating along the ridge. In consideration of the functions and roles of the cabin, he designed a space that was completely different from the average house in the world. An isolated place in the forest where travelers can reminisce and visualize past experiences and scenes. Apart from the space where guests stay, it was also designed with a lounge space and a building that acts as a front desk.
It was designed to initially have a double bed for two people, but the cabin had been transformed into two single beds in order to ensure that even if two people come, they may have their own privacy. He created the intentional inconvenience of being compelled to think, as there is no internet connection in any of the four cabins, not even in a public space. Considering the current trend, it is not common to see CD players with Bluetooth connectivity that are not well used. An environment in which you can only see the forest from every angle. Despite the abundance of food in the world, the environment in which you can prepare meals is absent from the room. During a stay in the forest, it is recommended to stay for a few days to experience deficiency and discomfort.
It was designed to initially have a double bed for two people, but the cabin had been transformed into two single beds in order to ensure that even if two people come, they may have their own privacy. He created the intentional inconvenience of being compelled to think, as there is no internet connection in any of the four cabins, not even in a public space. Considering the current trend, it is not common to see CD players with Bluetooth connectivity that are not well used. An environment in which you can only see the forest from every angle. Despite the abundance of food in the world, the environment in which you can prepare meals is absent from the room. During a stay in the forest, it is recommended to stay for a few days to experience deficiency and discomfort.
SPACE
A Place That Becomes Part of A Forest
Originally, the four cabins were named roughly, but CEO Choi Bong-guk named them spring, summer, autumn, winter, and four seasons on his wife's recommendation. The cabin was named after the discovery that the forest viewed from the cabin resembled the sides of each season. The moment you enter the cabin, you feel as if you have entered a tree in the forest. Choi Bong-guk, the CEO, believed if he went into a tree he would be able to see the outside world through the cracks in the trees, so he carved a narrow and long window for every cabin. When lying on the bed you can look out across the forest and see long horizontal and narrow windows, such as vertical gaps in trees, so that the forest looks stable and you can see the green trees and the forest or ridges facing mountains in the distance. You can see a dense forest from the spring cabin, whereas, from the summer cabin, you hear only the sound of water flowing down from the mountain crest. When you are in the autumn cabin, you can observe the fallen leaves and the orange-colored wooden pillars set in autumn, while in the winter cabin, you will view a scene that looks like a movie as you can reach far beyond the leafy trees.
By looking through both horizontally and vertically pierced windows, as well as through thin and long wooden gaps in the trees, you are able to view different aspects of nature that change with the seasons and slowly become an integral part of the forest. As you gaze through the gap in the cabin at the forest and natural surroundings for a period of time, you will feel obliged to seek entertainment outside. Each building contains a chair located at a place where the most beautiful scene can be witnessed. Inevitably, you will sit down and walk through the forest again once you arrive. There is no cabin located in the forest, yet the cabin becomes part of the forest. Hence, it is like staying in the forest, whether inside or outside the cabin. In contrast to the world flooded with objects, desires, and wind, there is only a minimalistic and concise relationship. The intention can also be found in the bathroom. Three mini soap bars are provided for guests. They are eco-friendly soap bars that the host has designed and manufactured; the bars are small and can be used within a few days of arrival. There is an appropriate level of detail and concise calculation. The scent of nature can even be perceived while using soap. It plays a very big role in becoming a part of the forest without doing anything.
In contrast to low and simple cabins, dignified and high-standing public spaces contribute significantly to easing the feeling of narrowness associated with cabins. The lounge's original purpose was as a lounge of comfortable hospitality where music could be enjoyed. This area is also used as a reception area to facilitate the check-in process and to prepare breakfast. On the first floor, there are minimal amenities for heating up food or drinking coffee. Aside from that, there are several CDs available, so you can borrow the music you wish and listen to one CD in peace. On the second floor, tables and chairs made from minimal pine trees originally located here are placed. At 8 p.m. in the dark, the host will turn on one of his favorite movies, and guests are invited to sit comfortably and enjoy the film.
By looking through both horizontally and vertically pierced windows, as well as through thin and long wooden gaps in the trees, you are able to view different aspects of nature that change with the seasons and slowly become an integral part of the forest. As you gaze through the gap in the cabin at the forest and natural surroundings for a period of time, you will feel obliged to seek entertainment outside. Each building contains a chair located at a place where the most beautiful scene can be witnessed. Inevitably, you will sit down and walk through the forest again once you arrive. There is no cabin located in the forest, yet the cabin becomes part of the forest. Hence, it is like staying in the forest, whether inside or outside the cabin. In contrast to the world flooded with objects, desires, and wind, there is only a minimalistic and concise relationship. The intention can also be found in the bathroom. Three mini soap bars are provided for guests. They are eco-friendly soap bars that the host has designed and manufactured; the bars are small and can be used within a few days of arrival. There is an appropriate level of detail and concise calculation. The scent of nature can even be perceived while using soap. It plays a very big role in becoming a part of the forest without doing anything.
In contrast to low and simple cabins, dignified and high-standing public spaces contribute significantly to easing the feeling of narrowness associated with cabins. The lounge's original purpose was as a lounge of comfortable hospitality where music could be enjoyed. This area is also used as a reception area to facilitate the check-in process and to prepare breakfast. On the first floor, there are minimal amenities for heating up food or drinking coffee. Aside from that, there are several CDs available, so you can borrow the music you wish and listen to one CD in peace. On the second floor, tables and chairs made from minimal pine trees originally located here are placed. At 8 p.m. in the dark, the host will turn on one of his favorite movies, and guests are invited to sit comfortably and enjoy the film.
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INTERVIEW
Choi Bongguk, ArchitectㆍHost Interview
stayfolio
Atin Maru
What inspired the name Atin Maru?
The portrait photographs from the trip do not allow me to recall the atmosphere and events. Oddly enough, if there is a background in the photograph, I can remember how I and my family felt during that time. I thought there was a very important role given by the place. Therefore, as we know the word "at" in English has the meaning of "at" in the place and time, and "in" may have the meaning of indoors or the inner side of a person as I am someone who deals with space. Atin Maru is a Korean word and as it is located at the top of Gamabong Peak, the highest point in the area, I named it Atin Maru.
The phrase “Invites you to lose yourself in contemplation” is particularly impressive.
It is a phrase from the movie that I have slightly modified. It is from a Japanese film called "Glasses," and the word contemplation appears frequently. Even though I am still young, contemplation is not something I did when I was young. Here I am talking about focusing on one thing without being distracted by anything else. A time to think about nothing other than myself without being distracted by work or worries, just zoning out. I believe that this is an essential element of contemplation. However, I know that in today's society, it is not easy for people to just zone out.
This is something I often do when I travel. I made preliminary plans before my first trip. How do we spend our time, where do we go, and what do we eat? Nevertheless, after a month, I learned that it was of no significance. My freedom was limited, and there are situations where I have to look at my cell phone in order to determine whether the restaurant is open or not. Communication was also a problem. Upon assessing the energy level of my family and myself, I started going with the flow. At some point, I was likely the only one who enjoyed the scenery, whether it was because of the unfamiliar scenery. While my wife was caring for the child, I was the only one who was entitled to free time in exchange for driving. I wanted my guests to have some time like this.
This is something I often do when I travel. I made preliminary plans before my first trip. How do we spend our time, where do we go, and what do we eat? Nevertheless, after a month, I learned that it was of no significance. My freedom was limited, and there are situations where I have to look at my cell phone in order to determine whether the restaurant is open or not. Communication was also a problem. Upon assessing the energy level of my family and myself, I started going with the flow. At some point, I was likely the only one who enjoyed the scenery, whether it was because of the unfamiliar scenery. While my wife was caring for the child, I was the only one who was entitled to free time in exchange for driving. I wanted my guests to have some time like this.
What is the story behind the current cabin's shape and structure?
The first design was focused on mobility, and it was in the form of a package that could be easily assembled. So if you load it in a truck, it will be delivered flat and it's based on flat land, you can buy something that's easily available at a hardware store and build it yourself as people do in some countries. If that's not enough, you can create a service to assemble. But I thought there were many functional limitations to make solely based on materials that are sold at hardware stores. Whether it's insulated, structural, or durable, new materials must have to be met, but at that point, it was already out of the original intention. I was hoping it would be raw and natural, but it was hard to get the wood itself imported from abroad.
In the end, I thought it would become something I was not intending it to be, and I was not confident about the timeline. It should be convenient to move, but in such a ridge terrain, the cabin should be placed horizontally, so it is impossible to place it horizontally or the construction changes, so I was hoping the original ridge would be preserved and the structure would float on the ground. That's why I changed it to be a stationery structure rather than mobile.
In the end, I thought it would become something I was not intending it to be, and I was not confident about the timeline. It should be convenient to move, but in such a ridge terrain, the cabin should be placed horizontally, so it is impossible to place it horizontally or the construction changes, so I was hoping the original ridge would be preserved and the structure would float on the ground. That's why I changed it to be a stationery structure rather than mobile.
What is your recommendation for enjoying Atin Maru?
Two guests borrowed two wine glasses and stayed in the room until breakfast the following morning. I believe they kept taking pictures inside the room. Although that could be an enjoyable time, there are many other things that you can do here. There are some people who do not enter the cabin at all and spend the entire day outside. Stay here and there, and lie down in the hammock for an hour. It seems to me that those who stay in such large spaces are better able to enjoy the experience. It seems to me that they are making good use of the public areas. There are many public spaces in other countries. Swimming pools are commonly used by guests. However, many guests seem to be uncomfortable using these public spaces. I try not to be present when visitors are in the building. You are welcome to go down to use public spaces. I hope you can make full use of the Atin Maru.
Would you like to say anything to those who come here?
In my opinion, one time will not be sufficient. I recommend that you come often if you wish to experience the essence of this place. I recommend spending four seasons in a cabin that has been named for each of the four seasons. If you listen to the stories of those who stayed for one night and those who stayed for two nights and were satisfied, you will find the reviews of those who stayed for one night and those who stayed for two nights very different. On the first day, guests are busy unpacking, eating, sleeping, and waking up. However, two nights of the stay will enable you to enjoy your time at the cabin for a full day. Everyone has a hometown, and I hope this place will feel like a home to my guests as well. No matter if it is a playground or a bench where you can sit and contemplate. Please feel free to bring any books you need to catch up on.
Since there is no cooking facility, I suggest that you do not bring a lot of food. There are many cases in which guests go out to eat for a while. Come alone and spend some time by yourself or with someone who will be with you for the rest of your life and spend the night, even if you are a little hungry. This may be due to the fact that most people cannot afford to take long vacations in Korea, but there are many people who bring more food than they need and then abandon the surplus. Not only are there environmental issues but also the heart of the individual who produced the food is thrown away. In the case of people who brought only a little food, I suggest that if they become hungry, I can make them instant noodles. It is acceptable to eat instant foods once per day. They may also share meals with me, my wife, and my child. It would be nice if you had more time to focus on the space on the Atin Maru.
Since there is no cooking facility, I suggest that you do not bring a lot of food. There are many cases in which guests go out to eat for a while. Come alone and spend some time by yourself or with someone who will be with you for the rest of your life and spend the night, even if you are a little hungry. This may be due to the fact that most people cannot afford to take long vacations in Korea, but there are many people who bring more food than they need and then abandon the surplus. Not only are there environmental issues but also the heart of the individual who produced the food is thrown away. In the case of people who brought only a little food, I suggest that if they become hungry, I can make them instant noodles. It is acceptable to eat instant foods once per day. They may also share meals with me, my wife, and my child. It would be nice if you had more time to focus on the space on the Atin Maru.
STAY
Being in the arms of nature, forests, and seasons
Is it possible to do nothing? When the mind is not in complete control, thoughts bounce around the world and the body moves. Nature is the best place in which to escape stimulation. As you stay in the cabin, you feel as if you are part of the forest. You will not encounter any other distractions. Your only companions will be trees, forests, nature, and the weather. You have no choice but to look at the flow of the season and the passage of time, which will naturally make you reflect upon what you have postponed or never planned to accomplish. Let's gather all the old feelings and plans we have accumulated over the years, gather them in the forest, and contemplate them calmly one by one. Step out of the world where you always have to walk forward, sit down, look back at the past, and feel the present. It is a joy to feel the warmth and intensity of the wind on your cheek, to hear the birds singing in your ears, to hear fluttering leaves and the sound of falling rain, to feel the swaying wave of the forest, and to see night without a light. The only thing you focus on is doing nothing. Being in the arms of nature, forests, and seasons, away from the complex and convenient world and being a part of the forest and nature. As humans are originally part of nature, tomorrow becomes a reality that is present now, not yesterday.
4 POINT OF VIEW
ORIGINALITY
Natural Flow Through Solitude and Contemplation
The world today is filled with so many stimuli that there are few places where one can enjoy solitude. As a result, we naturally gravitate toward nature in order to intentionally block distractions. We have few things to enjoy and finding a place that is conducive to solitude and contemplation while observing the forest without doing anything is quite difficult. This place is also conveniently located near Seoul. It is the place where you can empty your mind without traveling too far.
DESIGN
The Aesthetics of Minimalism and Simplicity
When we go to a new place, we wish that it were our own. Despite our wishes for a simple and clean house, the items pile up because we need them and cannot dispose of them. The intention of this area is to encourage people to stay without doing anything, so the cabin is the peak of its simplicity, in the forest where all you can do is wash, lay down, and rest. It is the kind of place that everyone dreams about, where it surrounds you with the forest at every turn, so no matter where you glance, it will capture your admiration.
Hospitality
The Tranquility of Mind
There is not a speck of pressure to travel. You have no choice but to relax. Embrace the inconvenience of staying in the forest and experience being a part of nature in its natural state. Take a seat where the forest appears to be most beautiful and take in the atmosphere for a while. As the waves of winding thoughts and the heart of the mind calm down, the mind becomes tranquil. It will feel as if you are combing your tangled thoughts with a thick comb.
PRICE
An Opportunity in Nature's Empty Space
Without artificially cutting it off, you cannot escape the world. No one can even have a chance to look back on themselves. You may choose to retreat to a house that resembles a tree, located not far away, where you can immerse yourself in the forest and nature and have an opportunity to think deeply about the season and present, the experiences and impressive scenes you have seen so far. Having a real purpose in nature, on a natural margin, is an opportunity for contemplation that is priceless.
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- Stay Name
- Atin Maru
- Stay Type
- Camping & Outdoor
- Contact information
- Address
- myeongdal-ri, Seojong-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Guests / No. of Room
- 1~3 / 4
- Price
- US$ 128.98 ~ US$ 171.97
- Check-in / out
- 16:00 / 11:00
- Feature
- Breakfast
PHOTO BY Kihun Park | arcfactory.net