karuna
why
Space of Healing and Emptiness Allowing Us to Face Ourselves
We sometimes need a travel that spares us of any over-stimulating activities. Instead of indulging in excess with something new to feel and see, it’s a trip where we are free to do nothing and stay in the tranquility within us. Away from all the distractions, we can be solemnly submerged in ourselves. Pico Iyer called it “The art of stillness,” asserting “Adventure is going nowhere.” in his book.
When we look closely into ourselves and discover the inner voice taking a break, it gives us the time of stillness where nothing seems to happen, yet it’s simultaneously the time we face the power of change. While we embrace and take care of ourselves, we enter the wider and deeper potential and self-awareness. That experience, however, doesn’t always turn out to be the pleasant one; it sometimes requires us to bring up past memories that have been deeply buried or inner wounds to our consciousness. This process initiates the healing. We can take one step closer to who we really are, retreating in self-healing and transformation.
Karuna, located on Ingu Beach of Yangyang-gun County of Gangwon-do Province, holds a magnificent view of the ocean in its large windows. It is a space of emptiness that allows its guests to indefinitely watch the sea and serenely look into themselves. As the name speaks for itself, Karuna, meaning compassion in Sanskrit, it presents the wish for guests to stay compassionate to themselves. We can let the ocean seize our sight, while bringing attention to the present.
Karuna’s message, “presenting the moment of healing,” comforts and resonates with anyone, instead of provoking the sense of weariness. It is only made possible by the owner of Karuna, Kim So-young’s sincere approach, “It makes me happier this way.” She created the space for nobody else but herself, to heal herself and craft her life again. As Pico Iyer said in the same book, Ingu Beach is the place where “retreating one step backwards, it allows us to see the world with clarity and to deeply love.” To share the moment of healing and beauty, she took a step forward. Sincere wishes for people to have only the good, Karuna has a stylish touch of emptiness, inviting us to its space when time for ourselves is needed the most.
When we look closely into ourselves and discover the inner voice taking a break, it gives us the time of stillness where nothing seems to happen, yet it’s simultaneously the time we face the power of change. While we embrace and take care of ourselves, we enter the wider and deeper potential and self-awareness. That experience, however, doesn’t always turn out to be the pleasant one; it sometimes requires us to bring up past memories that have been deeply buried or inner wounds to our consciousness. This process initiates the healing. We can take one step closer to who we really are, retreating in self-healing and transformation.
Karuna, located on Ingu Beach of Yangyang-gun County of Gangwon-do Province, holds a magnificent view of the ocean in its large windows. It is a space of emptiness that allows its guests to indefinitely watch the sea and serenely look into themselves. As the name speaks for itself, Karuna, meaning compassion in Sanskrit, it presents the wish for guests to stay compassionate to themselves. We can let the ocean seize our sight, while bringing attention to the present.
Karuna’s message, “presenting the moment of healing,” comforts and resonates with anyone, instead of provoking the sense of weariness. It is only made possible by the owner of Karuna, Kim So-young’s sincere approach, “It makes me happier this way.” She created the space for nobody else but herself, to heal herself and craft her life again. As Pico Iyer said in the same book, Ingu Beach is the place where “retreating one step backwards, it allows us to see the world with clarity and to deeply love.” To share the moment of healing and beauty, she took a step forward. Sincere wishes for people to have only the good, Karuna has a stylish touch of emptiness, inviting us to its space when time for ourselves is needed the most.
people
Kindling Feelings with Space
“What brought me here was the day I saw the waves and the moonrise of the fall.” Incidents become a turning point of our life, knocking on the door without notice. Nobody knows what shape, what moment to expect. It all relies on our fate. Even trivial and small moments fundamentally shake up the entire landscape of someone’s life. We call it “incident,” not “accident,” because we can’t take it back. The moonrise hanging above the sea was the pivotal incident for Kim.
When Kim came to Yanyang with her husband who enjoys diving and surfing on the East Sea, she was captured by the inexplicable sensation of intensity. She felt liberated, as if her boundaries had been expanded at the scene of the waves that were about to engulf the surroundings but simply broke up into bubbles. It was that moment of resonance she believed in, the moment one grasps when finally reaching their destination. The magnified moon glistened in the orange hue, giving sparkles to the reflecting ripples in the sea, as if it were trying to say something: she wanted to seize this magnetic sensation that made her shudder in her body and mind.
Kim’s attitude to life didn’t slip but caught the scene of the moon rising, which became her “incident.” She likes using words like wolchul (moonrise), haemu (fog above the sea) or mulbit (light blue), which explains her sensitive awareness that catches even the most subtle changes. With this ability, she explores nature with profound insight and discovers the beauty as it is. Comparing the grand operation that is nature, she looks into her soul, letting even trivial moments turn into opportunity to transparently reflect on herself.
Desire to create a space only for herself where she can set herself free initiated Karuna project. She wrote on her journal “This space is created for me. It’s my playground and laboratory,” while she patiently created a blueprint by herself. In the naturally simple building, she hangs the landscape of her favorite things, sells goods at a small store and creates a space that embodies her taste, presenting the moment of healing she herself was granted here. She started this job, thinking if something I’ve done for myself, because I like it, and helps others, that will be enough.
“You are precious and beautiful as you are now,” implied in the logo in the shape of a lotus that Kim designed. It is said that creating space means learning about life. She is experiencing a change in her interactive life as she greets guests and has conversations with them. She doesn’t hold back sharing her story and she has seen more guests coming who gain comfort and consolation by her story. She couldn’t be happier to witness her guests experience the image, action and spatial sequence she envisioned creating.
She said she wants to plant a memory, a seed that will last in someone’s life. She also hopes to stay here at Karuna and naturally blend into the flow of time. Karuna is a place of Kim’s sincere story, provoking the feeling and awareness that moves one’s heart.
When Kim came to Yanyang with her husband who enjoys diving and surfing on the East Sea, she was captured by the inexplicable sensation of intensity. She felt liberated, as if her boundaries had been expanded at the scene of the waves that were about to engulf the surroundings but simply broke up into bubbles. It was that moment of resonance she believed in, the moment one grasps when finally reaching their destination. The magnified moon glistened in the orange hue, giving sparkles to the reflecting ripples in the sea, as if it were trying to say something: she wanted to seize this magnetic sensation that made her shudder in her body and mind.
Kim’s attitude to life didn’t slip but caught the scene of the moon rising, which became her “incident.” She likes using words like wolchul (moonrise), haemu (fog above the sea) or mulbit (light blue), which explains her sensitive awareness that catches even the most subtle changes. With this ability, she explores nature with profound insight and discovers the beauty as it is. Comparing the grand operation that is nature, she looks into her soul, letting even trivial moments turn into opportunity to transparently reflect on herself.
Desire to create a space only for herself where she can set herself free initiated Karuna project. She wrote on her journal “This space is created for me. It’s my playground and laboratory,” while she patiently created a blueprint by herself. In the naturally simple building, she hangs the landscape of her favorite things, sells goods at a small store and creates a space that embodies her taste, presenting the moment of healing she herself was granted here. She started this job, thinking if something I’ve done for myself, because I like it, and helps others, that will be enough.
“You are precious and beautiful as you are now,” implied in the logo in the shape of a lotus that Kim designed. It is said that creating space means learning about life. She is experiencing a change in her interactive life as she greets guests and has conversations with them. She doesn’t hold back sharing her story and she has seen more guests coming who gain comfort and consolation by her story. She couldn’t be happier to witness her guests experience the image, action and spatial sequence she envisioned creating.
She said she wants to plant a memory, a seed that will last in someone’s life. She also hopes to stay here at Karuna and naturally blend into the flow of time. Karuna is a place of Kim’s sincere story, provoking the feeling and awareness that moves one’s heart.
location
Quiet Seaside Village on Ingu Beach
Karuna is located on Ingu Beach of Yangyang-gun County of Gangwon-do Province. In proximity to Jukdo Beach, it’s a surfer’s haven where surfers throughout the country gather, giving birth to an exotic local culture. However, when Kim first came here, it was only a quiet and small seaside village. Small shops gathered across a small road reminding her of the charm of Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil in Seoul from her past.
The village holds a healthy energy and vigorous vibe of the surfers during the busy season, and reclaims its peace and tranquility afterwards. To Kim, looking for the area where she can set herself free away from the city, Ingu Beach meant something special.
Considering Jeju Island and the South Sea, she was looking around a number of places, only to find nothing appealing to her. That’s when she faced the moonrise moment. Since the property she liked and examined for years was in the barren corner of an area where the wind blasts, nobody took interest. But it didn’t matter to her.
It was not easy for the landlord to let go of the land. She respected his attachment to the land and showed him how much she loves it without any pretension. Despite the rare chance everyone was telling her, her attitude convinced the landlord. As the land had called upon her, everything went smoothly without any troubles.
The village holds a healthy energy and vigorous vibe of the surfers during the busy season, and reclaims its peace and tranquility afterwards. To Kim, looking for the area where she can set herself free away from the city, Ingu Beach meant something special.
Considering Jeju Island and the South Sea, she was looking around a number of places, only to find nothing appealing to her. That’s when she faced the moonrise moment. Since the property she liked and examined for years was in the barren corner of an area where the wind blasts, nobody took interest. But it didn’t matter to her.
It was not easy for the landlord to let go of the land. She respected his attachment to the land and showed him how much she loves it without any pretension. Despite the rare chance everyone was telling her, her attitude convinced the landlord. As the land had called upon her, everything went smoothly without any troubles.
MAKING STORY
Linus Design took charge of the construction. They purely used the construction materials and added a sophisticated touch on contact points and sides where different materials meet. Though making space is an artificial act that goes against the law of nature, distinguishing the inside from the outside and setting boundaries, in Karuna, the space remains boundless by holding the interaction between the boundaries through empty space. In order to make it happen, in the reserved structure of the building, concrete was intentionally used to accentuate the rough texture and aesthetics of concrete on both inside and the outside of the building. The exterior of the building utilized mono-wide bricks and a wooden ceiling to offset the cold and rough quality of concrete, while the guestroom applied concrete only one side considering its contact with skin.
The owner carefully selected interior material, lighting and color. To prevent the glossy surface from interrupting the soft light coming into the room, she chose matte for everything from walls, floors and ceilings to the bathtub, faucets, switchboxes and other objects. Wishing to present only the good to her guests, she chose Quadro Design’s faucet and Saturn bath, Forbo’s eco-friendly Linoleum flooring, and Benjamin Moore paint. To provide a quality night sleep, she chose all the products that she has used and liked: Connected Blank’s mattress, Mamanges’ goose bedding, Youandus’ fabric curtain.
The owner carefully selected interior material, lighting and color. To prevent the glossy surface from interrupting the soft light coming into the room, she chose matte for everything from walls, floors and ceilings to the bathtub, faucets, switchboxes and other objects. Wishing to present only the good to her guests, she chose Quadro Design’s faucet and Saturn bath, Forbo’s eco-friendly Linoleum flooring, and Benjamin Moore paint. To provide a quality night sleep, she chose all the products that she has used and liked: Connected Blank’s mattress, Mamanges’ goose bedding, Youandus’ fabric curtain.
Choi Jun-seok and Cha Hyun-ho of Naau Lab Architects took charge of Karuna’s architectural design. Kim’s fate with Naau Lab Architects has begun with Choi’s photo and short writing. Moved by the warmth of the view and attitude in every paragraph, Kim was able to send an honest email and the photo of the moonrise. It intrigued the two architects to learn more about her story. Not surprisingly, they were the architects who labeled themselves as a “guide” and try to reach the deepest wish of an owner.
The direction of the building that Kim wanted to build was quite clear: structure of Dumbeong Buncheong (traditional Korean stoneware), the place where the light is simmered and provokes reviving feelings and actions through the unique sequence. Her request included a space that is not supposed to be used for any purpose and an unpredictable view that neither architect nor owner intended to deliver. She dreamed of a building, with its blankness and quiet presence that stands in harmony with the surrounding.
The direction of the building that Kim wanted to build was quite clear: structure of Dumbeong Buncheong (traditional Korean stoneware), the place where the light is simmered and provokes reviving feelings and actions through the unique sequence. Her request included a space that is not supposed to be used for any purpose and an unpredictable view that neither architect nor owner intended to deliver. She dreamed of a building, with its blankness and quiet presence that stands in harmony with the surrounding.
SPACE
Empty Space Embracing Yangyang’s Sea, Mountain and Waves
Karuna, with reserved elegance, is the embodiment of effort of those who are involved. It embraces the sea and nature, its serenity blending into the surrounding. Karuna vertically places the owner’s house on the top floor and guestrooms, shared kitchen, and café below. Karuna lounge, The Everyday Art Store, reflects the tastes of the owner, facing the sea. The shared kitchen for the guests and yard with bean bags are stretched wide in the back.
The staircase of the courtyard connects to the guestrooms on the 2nd and 3rd floor, adding excitement between arriving at Karuna and stepping into the room. It’s the ultimate place to surround the guests with Karuna’s unique atmosphere. The spatial awareness and beauty of the structure from the simple space creates a special resonance, more than any luxurious offering can provide. Small lights pouring between the cracks of the bricks embroider the concrete wall. The bricks, metaphorically adopted the element of Kolumba Museum, bring the warmth of the light and flow of the tome.
The guestroom is a space of emptiness designed to let the guests fill it with themselves as the phrase of Karuna “You complete Karuna” says. Kim didn’t miss any detail to invisible elements in which the view of the sea fills the large window and captivates anyone who enters the room.
A no-frame glass fence vivifies the unique color of the sea. She adjusted the size and placement of the windows on account of angles of the light, while not forgetting to put care into the element of lighting, color, texture and quality of the room.
Bedroom and bathroom are adjacent to the outside terrace holding a view of the sea or the mountains, minimizing the separating section of walls. The open space enables people to walk freely while leading the eyes to the ocean. Guests can enjoy a shower or bath in the open space where they can see the sea or can get fresh air whenever they want to, comfortably resting on the wooden deck.
Designers’ furniture and minimalistic objects chosen with the elaborate taste of the owner vitalizes the room and allows guests to get away from their distracting and hectic life for time alone. Every room is a unique showcasing of different items, furniture, lamps, tables, and chairs. The owner also adequately placed her collection of classic furniture and craftwork in each room. She wanted to provide only the good, and wish for her guests to feel the unusual beauty found wherever their eyes rest or skin touches in the room. Karuna’s sense of artistic taste is melted into the air and the scenery causes one’s heart to tremble, suggesting a different view on ourselves and the world around us.
The staircase of the courtyard connects to the guestrooms on the 2nd and 3rd floor, adding excitement between arriving at Karuna and stepping into the room. It’s the ultimate place to surround the guests with Karuna’s unique atmosphere. The spatial awareness and beauty of the structure from the simple space creates a special resonance, more than any luxurious offering can provide. Small lights pouring between the cracks of the bricks embroider the concrete wall. The bricks, metaphorically adopted the element of Kolumba Museum, bring the warmth of the light and flow of the tome.
The guestroom is a space of emptiness designed to let the guests fill it with themselves as the phrase of Karuna “You complete Karuna” says. Kim didn’t miss any detail to invisible elements in which the view of the sea fills the large window and captivates anyone who enters the room.
A no-frame glass fence vivifies the unique color of the sea. She adjusted the size and placement of the windows on account of angles of the light, while not forgetting to put care into the element of lighting, color, texture and quality of the room.
Bedroom and bathroom are adjacent to the outside terrace holding a view of the sea or the mountains, minimizing the separating section of walls. The open space enables people to walk freely while leading the eyes to the ocean. Guests can enjoy a shower or bath in the open space where they can see the sea or can get fresh air whenever they want to, comfortably resting on the wooden deck.
Designers’ furniture and minimalistic objects chosen with the elaborate taste of the owner vitalizes the room and allows guests to get away from their distracting and hectic life for time alone. Every room is a unique showcasing of different items, furniture, lamps, tables, and chairs. The owner also adequately placed her collection of classic furniture and craftwork in each room. She wanted to provide only the good, and wish for her guests to feel the unusual beauty found wherever their eyes rest or skin touches in the room. Karuna’s sense of artistic taste is melted into the air and the scenery causes one’s heart to tremble, suggesting a different view on ourselves and the world around us.
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INTERVIEW
Interview with Kim So-Young
stayfolio
karuna
I’d like to know how you started Karuna. How you led your life, your life story that led you here.
I didn’t consider creating a stay when I first begun this journey. I deeply thought about what kind of parent I wanted to be for my child who was soon to become an adult, which led me to the time of soul searching that had me reflect on myself. In result, I discovered myself at my 17 years old, and never grew up since then. I spent 20 years of my life as a wife and a mom, but I hadn’t realized what I wanted to do nor what I could do in my life. To my child, I wanted to be an example of a “real” adult who takes initiative in her own life and to show that age doesn’t matter in taking on a new challenge, along with my desire to learn more about myself.
In order to make it happen, however, I thought I needed a place and a space where I can live more bravely and flexibly: somewhere I can let myself sprout into a new form every day. As I would choose the clothes that look good and fit well on me, I wanted to find a place where I can feel free and comfortable. In that sense, Karuna was born for solely for myself: it’s my playground, workshop and a laboratory. When I accidentally bumped into this place and saw the moon glowing in the orange shade at my eye level, I knew it was the place I was looking for and that I had to come here. I didn’t want to miss out on the resonant and vibrating sound from within.
In order to make it happen, however, I thought I needed a place and a space where I can live more bravely and flexibly: somewhere I can let myself sprout into a new form every day. As I would choose the clothes that look good and fit well on me, I wanted to find a place where I can feel free and comfortable. In that sense, Karuna was born for solely for myself: it’s my playground, workshop and a laboratory. When I accidentally bumped into this place and saw the moon glowing in the orange shade at my eye level, I knew it was the place I was looking for and that I had to come here. I didn’t want to miss out on the resonant and vibrating sound from within.
Is there any reason you wanted to create a stay with a house?
There’s one moment deeply ingrained in my memory. When I was a child, my family went on a trip to the East Coast and stayed at a B&B. But my sister got a stomach ache. The old lady, who was the owner of the B&B, made abalone rice porridge and for my mom to feed to her. I was also eating the same food while my mom fed my sister. I liked it a lot so I was really into the food. That moment, the old lady, sitting next to me, patted me on my back and said “You eat so well. What a good girl.” It was such a beautiful and warm moment that I captured it and recall it occasionally. She taught me a lesson that although we’re not related, we can plant a seed of memory that will last for the rest of someone’s life. If that’s the case, I thought, I want to present a special moment or warm words to other people. As the old lady at the B&B, who was unacquainted with my family, warmed our hearts, I wanted to give warmth to others and share the beauty of this place through the space I created.
I found the name of the place quite unique and liked it a lot. Especially the phrase “I hope you stay compassionate to yourself during your stay” was impressive. Is there any reason you wanted the place to have a meaning “compassion”?
I hoped our guests to use their time at Karuna to take care of themselves and comfort them. Since the moment I watched the moonrise at this place, I, myself, was able to look deeply into myself and brought myself to the world. I wanted to share that moment of consolation and healing. We don’t get to learn how to explore what we like and what we want to do. Uniform education system only urges us to be a “good child” or “good student.” Code of ethics requires us to sacrifice our freedom instead of teaching us that respect and care for others can be achieved in the condition where we are placed above anything else and our own freedom should be secured first. We are taught to restrain ourselves to the point where it becomes a pain, and we often oppress our own feelings and self-expression. So it makes sense that we’re lost when we take a journey on a desperate search for ourselves, not knowing where or how to start. So instead of being reproachful to myself, I wanted to convey the message that everyone has his or her first experience, which can be awkward, but it’s okay to make mistakes. I wanted to encourage people to listen to their heart and honestly look into themselves at Karuna, meaning compassion in Sanskrit where people can hold compassion for themselves.
I assume the Karuna’s lotus logo has significant connection with what you just said. I heard you made the logo yourself.
Lotus grow in mud but stay untainted by it. Besides that, it contains the flower language I want to tell not only to myself but guests who come here: “You are beautiful.” The life of lotus flower is incredibly sturdy, even 700-year-old seed sprouted once before. I believe when patient enough, we can also sprout into our own form. To keep that message, I wrote “You complete Karuna.”
When our guests stay at Karuna, sitting at a table with their chin on their hand or standing in the balcony, I want them to look as beautiful as Edward Hopper’s painting. Particularly, as they step into the room, I want the view of the sea between the empty spaces to seize their attention, which will allow the guests to feel their own existence. They can have time to listen to their heart and focus on themselves. I know that it would be exaggerated to say that one night will allow them to discover themselves or look closely into who they are, but at least I wanted to give it a try.
When our guests stay at Karuna, sitting at a table with their chin on their hand or standing in the balcony, I want them to look as beautiful as Edward Hopper’s painting. Particularly, as they step into the room, I want the view of the sea between the empty spaces to seize their attention, which will allow the guests to feel their own existence. They can have time to listen to their heart and focus on themselves. I know that it would be exaggerated to say that one night will allow them to discover themselves or look closely into who they are, but at least I wanted to give it a try.
I found it interesting how you got to choose Naau Lab Architects. I heard you were attracted by the architect’s writing and sent a message to him. What writing moved your heart?
I coincidentally read something that Mr. Choi, head of Naau Lab Architects, posted with a photo with his wife. It was a short writing that begins “What I liked most about my wife was her boyish look without makeup.” I loved the meaning of the photos and every paragraph. Before I came to Yangyang-gun, I was afraid of meeting new people and didn’t like it. But I had no doubt, if he can reflect on the feeling at the picture of his wife taken 7 years ago and looks at people with this point of view, he must be capable of showing who I am. So I gathered my courage. Not surprisingly, though, even when we met for the first time, I caught myself pleasantly chatting with him with my heart wide open. I completely exposed myself and showed who I am. I can’t think of any better explanation than I embraced them in my heart. They tried to understand as I am and didn’t mind honestly sharing their own struggles. So I can say Karuna holds my story, and stands here to capture the time waiting in the future.
What is the most crucial value you prioritize when narrowing down the direction of the construction of Karuna? I’d like to know specifically what taste and way of life you wanted to embody in the place.
I wanted to express my interaction with this property. I wanted the structure to look like Dumbeong Buncheong (traditional Korean stoneware). In the email I wrote to the architect, I said it would be great if he can make “quality paper I can draw on.” A painting where the sight of moonrise is captured and light is simmered; simple yet natural place, I hoped. I felt like if I want to go extravagant, I would impose harm.
Most importantly, I wanted to exhibit the landscape and things I like. I basically wanted to have a small shop in a small village. But since it’s far from the main city, I thought having a place to stay the night would be great. My shop showcases frames that are constantly changing and moving unlike other regular shops, so I thought the guests should be able to stay at any time they wish. One friend of mine, who knew well about my plan, named the place “The Everyday Art Store,” adding that my pursuit of meaning and style even in small and trivial actions makes me an art enthusiast. I found the “landscape,” so I needed to find “things,” which I’m working on at the moment. The metal crafter, Yeonhee Ryou’s artwork, ordinary items that I selected, Trifolium and Karuna’s scent that I bottled myself are exhibited and here for sale. I want to gradually fill the shop that holds the view of the sea in the large window, with things I like and want.
Most importantly, I wanted to exhibit the landscape and things I like. I basically wanted to have a small shop in a small village. But since it’s far from the main city, I thought having a place to stay the night would be great. My shop showcases frames that are constantly changing and moving unlike other regular shops, so I thought the guests should be able to stay at any time they wish. One friend of mine, who knew well about my plan, named the place “The Everyday Art Store,” adding that my pursuit of meaning and style even in small and trivial actions makes me an art enthusiast. I found the “landscape,” so I needed to find “things,” which I’m working on at the moment. The metal crafter, Yeonhee Ryou’s artwork, ordinary items that I selected, Trifolium and Karuna’s scent that I bottled myself are exhibited and here for sale. I want to gradually fill the shop that holds the view of the sea in the large window, with things I like and want.
Is there any inspirational architecture or space? I wonder if you go visit places that inspire you.
I’m a big fan of shadow of lights. I think concrete is the best material that maximizes the effect of the drawing that light creates. The contrast between the cold quality concrete and the warm light and its movement gives a volume. It brings awareness to the space. For that reason, I like architects who have talent in interpreting the communication between the concrete and light. My favorite among them is Peter Zumthor and his work, Bruder Klaus Field Chapel and Kolumba Museum. I haven’t seen his buildings in person, but I felt the same vibration from these two places as I was watching the moon light. Karuna has metaphorically adopted the element of Kolumba Museum’s scattered bricks. It’s a shame that the finishing didn’t come out as I intended but as I watch pouring lights through cracks and holes of the bricks embroider the concrete wall of the court yard’s staircase, I gain the speechless sensation that leaves me deeply touched. It’s the scene I want to share the most with Karuna’s guests.
I heard you inevitably had to decide to make Karuna no-kids stay, why is that?
It was actually a quite difficult decision. I got a lot of inquiries about that, too. I didn’t take stay into account when I first built this building; it was rather a space that puts my life in the center. Besides, a low fence without window and the size of the bath tub, the bathroom door is quite large and heavy, which takes strengths to open but closes abruptly by the weight of the material. Accidents can happen anywhere anytime, so it took me a lot of thought to make a decision on now allowing children. When I get questions, I try to explain why the place is not friendly for children. But when I apologize, people usually understand why I had to make such a decision. It could have been an uncomfortable situation for both sides, but we listen to and support each other. It’s actually an incredible experience. At Karuna, I learn more about myself and others, experiencing the resonant moment.
I’d like to learn more about your future plans and the identity of Karuna you wish to preserve.
It’s still being prepared, but I’d like to develop menus using locally sourced products. I want to run a lounge on the first floor with fruits and farm produce, and coffee beans roasted in the county and baked items. This is the attitude I learned from the CEO of Connected Blank, whom I respect and like a lot. His social media always includes “Let’s Coexist” in hashtag and is full of posts introducing Mangwondong’s surroundings and neighbors rather than advertising his products. Another goal is to make amenity in the room myself. Of course it will take some time but I want to do what I can do, try out new things while learning and discovering in the process. That way I can share the simple yet new with guests who want to visit Karuna again. I want to be here, as long as the time allows, with gratitude for the fact that the things I’ve liked doing can help someone.
STAY’s recommended
Local Destination
Karuna Lounge Bar
A bar located on the first floor of Karuna. It’s a café that offers a view of Ingu Beach as well as The Everyday Art Store where you can enjoy artists’ craftwork, fabric and Karuna goods.
Jukdo Pavillion
The sixth of the eight of Yangyang-county’s must-see spots. It’s a pavilion on the top of Jukdo Mountain. Surrounded by the scent of bamboo trees and the sound of waves, you can appreciate the beautiful scenery of the East Coast of Korea.
Hyunbul Buddist Temple
It’s a small Buddhist Temple in the county, not well known to the public. Giving serenity, the 1,200-year-old wooden structure is situated on an open hill that faces the mountain.
STAY’s recommended
Local Restaurant
Ingubrewing
Simple brunch café presenting aesthetics of slowing down. It’s a perfect place to enjoy hand drip coffee and brunch after check-out. It’s the extension of Karuna’s slowly moving time and rest, as well as the starting point to refresh for the day in Yangyang.
Warung Patrick
Exotic restaurant themed after Bali. The fact you can experience food items you haven’t heard before here will give you the excitement of the unfamiliar.
Farmer’s Kitchen (2nd location)
Handmade burger, highly recommended by Yangyang’s surfers, is available here. With its classic burger style, it earned its fame among the surfers and now became the must-visit restaurant for tourists.
East Pizza
Beloved by surfers, the restaurant offers a variety of pizza menus paired well with beer.
STAY
Space Where I’m Willing to Respond To Myself
Shin Hyung-cheol said, in his book Sadness Studying Sadness, “Only those who genuinely know can console others with his or her genuine knowledge itself.” It means “There is dispassionate consolation only those who have honestly faced their pain can offer.” I wondered if it’s exaggerated to say that space can offer the power of consolation and healing that literature sometimes accomplishes. Nonetheless, Karuna is the place that quietly comforted me. When I needed my own place where I can check in with myself, when the words slipped and didn’t reach me, Karuna approached me with its “genuine knowledge,” and provided me with time for consolation and healing in its physical and stylish form.
What attracted me the most about Karuna were two things: the picture of the layers of the view, from the sky to the ocean and the sand, filling out the large frame of the window like a painting, and the phrase “I hope you stay compassionate to yourself during your stay.” It was different from offering “healing” through travels like purchasing goods; its wish was pure, to be comfort to someone. Being compassionate to other people would be much easier, so to act out what the phrase says seemed difficult; yet it was exactly what I needed to hear. It was the beginning of the healing to look after myself. I’ve tried to understand other people or things that happened to me. But I’ve never put effort into understanding nor placing myself in the center.
Arriving with anticipation, I saw Karuna surrounded by gorgeous shades of sky, the daytime moon and the sea with its serenity and elegance. Passing through the spacious yard that had bean bags and climbing the small staircase that led me inside, I saw the blue ocean at the end of the long hall. I followed the stairs of the courtyard and entered the room, discovering one side of the room replete with blue skies and the sea. Wherever I rested my eyes was the ocean, with no stimulation, only comfortable feelings. Simply gazing into the sea brought me abundance. Above all, Karuna was the place where I could find beauty in looking into myself with detachment and spending time of stillness. It was a space where the host’s taste is melted into an invisible scent to be felt in the atmosphere. I found it odd that it felt warm even when the aesthetics is perfectly accomplished in this minimal space.
The night has come, allowing me to change my view on myself and the world around me. The soft glow of the moon and the dew reflecting the light knocked on the window, bringing liberating quality that digs through my heart. I was telling myself that it’s about accepting and finding peace, away from denying the law of cause and effect and interpreting in my own way. I should let my heart, not my brain, savor the phrase from the book Close yet Far, “Deeply understanding means a kind of forgiveness and love.” With the time I spent at Karuna, the time of emptiness and serenity, I was stepping closer to myself.
What attracted me the most about Karuna were two things: the picture of the layers of the view, from the sky to the ocean and the sand, filling out the large frame of the window like a painting, and the phrase “I hope you stay compassionate to yourself during your stay.” It was different from offering “healing” through travels like purchasing goods; its wish was pure, to be comfort to someone. Being compassionate to other people would be much easier, so to act out what the phrase says seemed difficult; yet it was exactly what I needed to hear. It was the beginning of the healing to look after myself. I’ve tried to understand other people or things that happened to me. But I’ve never put effort into understanding nor placing myself in the center.
Arriving with anticipation, I saw Karuna surrounded by gorgeous shades of sky, the daytime moon and the sea with its serenity and elegance. Passing through the spacious yard that had bean bags and climbing the small staircase that led me inside, I saw the blue ocean at the end of the long hall. I followed the stairs of the courtyard and entered the room, discovering one side of the room replete with blue skies and the sea. Wherever I rested my eyes was the ocean, with no stimulation, only comfortable feelings. Simply gazing into the sea brought me abundance. Above all, Karuna was the place where I could find beauty in looking into myself with detachment and spending time of stillness. It was a space where the host’s taste is melted into an invisible scent to be felt in the atmosphere. I found it odd that it felt warm even when the aesthetics is perfectly accomplished in this minimal space.
The night has come, allowing me to change my view on myself and the world around me. The soft glow of the moon and the dew reflecting the light knocked on the window, bringing liberating quality that digs through my heart. I was telling myself that it’s about accepting and finding peace, away from denying the law of cause and effect and interpreting in my own way. I should let my heart, not my brain, savor the phrase from the book Close yet Far, “Deeply understanding means a kind of forgiveness and love.” With the time I spent at Karuna, the time of emptiness and serenity, I was stepping closer to myself.
4 POINT OF VIEW
ORIGINALITY
Space of Serenity Allowing Me to Have Compassion for Myself
Getting away from the routine and judgment of others, we need tranquil time to face ourselves as we really are—to respect ourselves and take care of our own heart. Adventure in nowhere, as Pico Iyer put it, means finding a place to stay still until we reach ourselves. Karuna in Yangyang-gun County in Gangwon-do Province is a stay that allows us to remain in our own tranquility, along the sea, providing that shelter of self-seclusion. The healing, giving comfort to the broken and weary soul, begins as we bring the focus on the present moment when we savor the beauty of the moonrise above the sea and the nature around us.
DESIGN
Space of Emptiness Created by Mature Taste
When taste becomes part of us, it has power to lift up the quality of ordinary life and transform us. Karuna has aesthetics of that taste existing within itself, presenting the moment of healing to the travelers in need of tranquil time. Lighting, color, quality of the room, and construction materials were all thoughtfully used to remove distraction and to let the sea capture their eyes. It’s a place where spending time alone or together itself can be beautiful.
Hospitality
Space and Attitude to Life, Rousing Sensation
Karuna contains the host’s wish for her guests to heal and comfort themselves with time of facing themselves. Karuna’s message doesn’t vanish but remains intact because it is from the person who has honestly faced her own pain and tries to send the comfort with her “genuine knowledge.” The owner Kim So-young created Karuna to share the moment of healing and comfort she herself has experienced watching the moonrise on Ingu Beach. She added her thoughtful touch to every corner of the place, even the invisible, so her guests can have compassion for themselves while watching, feeling only the good thing during their rest. She believes it will let them regain their energy to look after themselves.
PRICE
Time of Tranquility: Indefinitely Watching the Sea, Mountains, and Moonrise
With a bird’s eye view of Yangyang’s Ingu Becah, Karuna is the embodiment of artistic sense and taste, more than what a luxury hotel can offer. Undisturbed by anything, staring into the sea offers a moment of healing, time devoted to solely looking into ourselves. Just spending time alone or together itself can be beautiful, a one day stay will be a worthwhile and a reasonable investment.
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- Stay Name
- karuna
- Stay Type
- Pension
- Contact information
- Address
- 36, Ingu-gil, Hyeonnam-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
- Guests / No. of Room
- 2~2 / 5
- Price
- US$ 93.09 ~ US$ 259.08
- Check-in / out
- 16:00 / 11:00
- Feature
- Projector or TV
PHOTO BY Texture on Texture | textureontexture.kr