NUWA
why
A Space of Solitude Lies Beyond the Secret Door
The word ‘enjoy’ refers to the act of taking pleasure in your life to the fullest. From a dictionary perspective, the words "to the fullest" and "in life" stood out. In our current culture, where we do not know what to do when we take a break after working hard, enjoying and taking pleasure in our life to the fullest can be seen as a luxury or ideal. Our ancestors, however, have enjoyed playing and relaxing in style since a long time ago which is called Pungryu. A literal translation of Pungryu is 'flowing like a wind', however, it can also be described as reciting poems, singing, drinking, being out in nature, and dancing. One of the ways of Pungryu is called Wahyu, which is interpreted as lying down and sightseeing. This is a metaphor for relaxing and enjoying the sight of paintings of scenic spots or historic sites in everyday life. The word 'enjoy' appears here again. There is a place in the alley of Seochon in the city where you can experience modern interpretations of Pungyu and Wahyu away from the bustling city life.
There is a village to the west of Gyeongbokgung Palace, called Seochon. In this neighborhood, where modern buildings with low heights, shopping malls, multiplex housings, villas, and classic hanoks coexist, you will find both old and new architecture. This is the oldest neighborhood in Seoul. At the end of a narrow alleyway that takes a long time to find, there is an unusual area of isolation where you can be immersed in the feeling of Pungryu. A sense from unconsciousness that is linked to daily life leads to the front of the gate, the entrance to the space, and the sense of unconsciousness becomes more apparent as each step is taken. Beyond the heavy and old gate that seems to conceal a secret, there is Nuwa. By interpreting the experience of Wahyu, lying down and sightseeing, a way which our ancestors followed, you can enjoy the large countryside, nature, and the world that surrounds you right now. In Nuwa, you can discard everything you consider to be vulgar and enjoy relaxing. Entering the secret gate at the end of an alley in Seochon, which preserves the life of Seoul will allow you to embrace your rest to the fullest.
There is a village to the west of Gyeongbokgung Palace, called Seochon. In this neighborhood, where modern buildings with low heights, shopping malls, multiplex housings, villas, and classic hanoks coexist, you will find both old and new architecture. This is the oldest neighborhood in Seoul. At the end of a narrow alleyway that takes a long time to find, there is an unusual area of isolation where you can be immersed in the feeling of Pungryu. A sense from unconsciousness that is linked to daily life leads to the front of the gate, the entrance to the space, and the sense of unconsciousness becomes more apparent as each step is taken. Beyond the heavy and old gate that seems to conceal a secret, there is Nuwa. By interpreting the experience of Wahyu, lying down and sightseeing, a way which our ancestors followed, you can enjoy the large countryside, nature, and the world that surrounds you right now. In Nuwa, you can discard everything you consider to be vulgar and enjoy relaxing. Entering the secret gate at the end of an alley in Seochon, which preserves the life of Seoul will allow you to embrace your rest to the fullest.
people
Maximizing Seochon's Experience
The Z Lab, which is responsible for Nuwa's planning, design, branding, and renewal, pursues total design solutions by integrating planning, architecture, interiors, branding, furniture, and styling based on space. To date, G-Lab has branded and renovated several hanoks in Seochon, but the hanoks of the existing project had limitations in giving the full meaning of the design they pursued not long after they were built or refurbished. Nuwa's client had previously worked with Z Lab and asked to create the first project (after the first hanok project that adopted Z Lab's total design: Waon in Jocheon, Jeju) that contained the full meaning of JiLab's total design.
While Nuwa is a space for two guests, the project originated as a space for one. This space was completed by imagining, simulating, and considering various elements of Seochon's culture and arts within an isolated, thoroughly alone space. Nuwa is designed in a way that takes into account the keywords that immediately spring to mind when thinking of Wahyu: literature, art, music, tea, alcohol, nature, and water. Inwangsan Mountain, calligraphy, leisurely, the mountains, water, relaxation, tea, and traditional hanok were embodied in this small space. The essence of Pungryu and Wahyu can best be experienced in Nuwa.
While Nuwa is a space for two guests, the project originated as a space for one. This space was completed by imagining, simulating, and considering various elements of Seochon's culture and arts within an isolated, thoroughly alone space. Nuwa is designed in a way that takes into account the keywords that immediately spring to mind when thinking of Wahyu: literature, art, music, tea, alcohol, nature, and water. Inwangsan Mountain, calligraphy, leisurely, the mountains, water, relaxation, tea, and traditional hanok were embodied in this small space. The essence of Pungryu and Wahyu can best be experienced in Nuwa.
NUWA
location
Harmonious Surroundings that Eliminate Desolation
Seochon is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Seoul, along with Gyo-dong to the south of Changdeokgung Palace or Bukchon between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. During the Joseon Dynasty, the royal family and the gentry resided in Seochon. Seochon became a social gathering place for writers and painters after the end of the Japanese colonial era. The lives and breaths of painters such as Jeong-hee Kim, Jung-seop Lee, Sang-beom Lee, Seon Jeong, and No-soo Park, and poets and novelists such as Sang Lee, Jeong-ju Seo, Dong-ri Kim, and Dong-ju Yoon still remain, which naturally immerse into the lives of modern artists. There are spaces for artists, writers, and architects who are passionate about Seochon and who lead modern art and architecture. It also works as a museum in the alleys of Seoul that illustrates life from the past to the present.
Within Seochon, a village with a long history and a variety of cultures, modernity, and tradition coexist in a traditional alley where hanoks are concentrated as well as multiplex housings. As well as small private galleries, there are also galleries owned by large corporations. Moreover, there are many old stores loved for many years, trendy cafes, and various restaurants where you can experience unique and different gourmet experiences leading to Seoul's culture of dining. It is a place where office workers at large companies and public institutions, artists and designers of the Atelier, people that have long lived in Seochon, and travelers live in harmony. Seochon is the western village next to Gyeongbokgung Palace, where culture, people, time, and life vary. Most important of all, this diversity is Seochon's biggest attraction and a source of joy. It is also next to Inwangsan Mountain, which is well known as the
subject of artist Seong Jeong's painting
'Four seasons - Drawing of colours for Inwang mountain', and is a valuable location for experiencing all four seasons in the center of Seoul. As an old town and a treasure-like place that should be cherished and conserved for many years to come, Seochon makes you forget about the desolation of the city's image.
Within Seochon, a village with a long history and a variety of cultures, modernity, and tradition coexist in a traditional alley where hanoks are concentrated as well as multiplex housings. As well as small private galleries, there are also galleries owned by large corporations. Moreover, there are many old stores loved for many years, trendy cafes, and various restaurants where you can experience unique and different gourmet experiences leading to Seoul's culture of dining. It is a place where office workers at large companies and public institutions, artists and designers of the Atelier, people that have long lived in Seochon, and travelers live in harmony. Seochon is the western village next to Gyeongbokgung Palace, where culture, people, time, and life vary. Most important of all, this diversity is Seochon's biggest attraction and a source of joy. It is also next to Inwangsan Mountain, which is well known as the
subject of artist Seong Jeong's painting
'Four seasons - Drawing of colours for Inwang mountain', and is a valuable location for experiencing all four seasons in the center of Seoul. As an old town and a treasure-like place that should be cherished and conserved for many years to come, Seochon makes you forget about the desolation of the city's image.
MAKING STORY
In the Z Lab interview/ Nuwa project had many concerns and difficulties with the materials. I have attempted to use the simplest finishing materials in order to emphasize the beauty of the furniture and elements, as well as the spatial experience of a small hanok. Contrary to popular belief, it is quite challenging to use a single material for heated floors, walls, water-based spaces, and door finishes. In terms of durability, elasticity, and strength, each material has limitations. In the course of careful research and consideration, the desired materials were found and used satisfactorily, but maintenance was required after completion. We are still searching for the ideal material. It was also difficult to establish stone tools in various locations in Nuwa, and most of the methods for using stone were made of wood and paste. The board, however, has limitations in terms of reviving the awkwardness caused by its exposed cross section and the weight of the stone.
Consequently, the majority of the stone stools in Nuwa were made of cut stones. There were many different uses for stone, such as a faucet in a bathtub, table support, a stepping stone, etc. While the outcome was very pleasing, the process was challenging. The construction process during which people gathered and carried into the narrow alleyway one by one is still dizzying to think about. A lot of equipment could not pass through the narrow alleyway to bring people to work. Nuwa's gate, the barrier that separates daily from non-daily life, was too old for the original gate to be used in its original form, so the old gate was reformed and used again.
Consequently, the majority of the stone stools in Nuwa were made of cut stones. There were many different uses for stone, such as a faucet in a bathtub, table support, a stepping stone, etc. While the outcome was very pleasing, the process was challenging. The construction process during which people gathered and carried into the narrow alleyway one by one is still dizzying to think about. A lot of equipment could not pass through the narrow alleyway to bring people to work. Nuwa's gate, the barrier that separates daily from non-daily life, was too old for the original gate to be used in its original form, so the old gate was reformed and used again.
In the Z Lab interview/ The name Nuwa can be interpreted in multiple ways. Nuwa is located in an older neighborhood called Nuha-dong in Seochon, implying that it is a small tiled house in Nuha-dong. In addition, it implies the concept of 'Wahyu', where our ancestors enjoyed the arts in the house, so it can be seen as the meaning of Wahyu enjoyed under the pavilion ('Nugak' in Korean). Until now, Z-Lab has been branding and renovating several hanoks in Seochon. Having just renovated newly constructed hanoks, there was a limit on what could be contributed to the total design. 'Waon' in Jeju island is the first hanok that is applying the concept of total design, the most important design principle of Z Lab. A client of Nuwa worked with Z Lab previously and commissioned us to develop the first project containing Z Lab's total design in Seochon.
Nuwa was initially an alleyway, not a house. Nuwa is hidden in a small alleyway that is not familiar to even residents of Seochon. At the entrance to the alley, there is a narrow road that can be referred to as a gap between two buildings rather than a road. Nuwa can be seen if you traverse between the gaps and corner into the alley twice. Nuwa's design begins and ends in this entry alley, with a sequence of anticipation and excitement. It is in this alley that planning began. Access alleys serve as a gateway to daily and non-daily life. Nuwa is a space for two guests, although the project began in a room for one. Nuwa provides a unique environment in which to enjoy the peak of the day in Seochon through an unusual space and provides a new, dense leisure experience.
Nuwa was initially an alleyway, not a house. Nuwa is hidden in a small alleyway that is not familiar to even residents of Seochon. At the entrance to the alley, there is a narrow road that can be referred to as a gap between two buildings rather than a road. Nuwa can be seen if you traverse between the gaps and corner into the alley twice. Nuwa's design begins and ends in this entry alley, with a sequence of anticipation and excitement. It is in this alley that planning began. Access alleys serve as a gateway to daily and non-daily life. Nuwa is a space for two guests, although the project began in a room for one. Nuwa provides a unique environment in which to enjoy the peak of the day in Seochon through an unusual space and provides a new, dense leisure experience.
SPACE
The Modern Interpretation of Pungryu
Within the narrow space between buildings, there is a tea ceremony and leading space, a literary space, a tree space, and a Wahyu space arranged according to the elements of Pungryu. At the end of a narrow alleyway that suddenly appears on the main road, there is an old doorway that leads into a secret space. As you pass through this gate, featuring oriental beauty at its best, you will come face to face with the tree and the circular window for the first time. An initial impression of Nuwa begins with a simple background such as a small tree, and a circular window that resembles a full moon. It is not uncommon for circular windows to be used in traditional Chinese architecture, but they are also prevalent in traditional Korean architecture, such as Nakseonjae of Changdeokgung Palace and Sehando of Jeong-hee Kim. Circular windows are rare, so their concentration and subtlety make them feel particularly special and are one of the most representative scenes of Nuwa.
When entering the indoor space, one is immediately struck by the harmony of warm-toned colours, a calm and static mood, organic texture, woody texture with a sense of time, and a modern setup. The first space incorporates furniture containing the meaning of Pungryu, Korean living furniture with a sedentary style, and traditional elements. Along with the rectangle shape structure of Nuwa, there is a sitting tea table made lowly in the old lifestyle and a closet with tea utensils behind it, where the peak experience of Nuwa begins. A carefully selected tea and tea balls are essential to the Nuwa experience. There is also a small stone bath that connects easily with the floor and resembles the nature of Inwangsan Mountain. Functionally, you can enjoy a bath or foot bath that gently dissolves the fatigue of guests during their stay. Before that, you can hear the sound of gentle waves crashing on the shore which has been intentionally played. There is a distinct difference even in sound when one enters a non-daily space as opposed to a daily space. Due to the sound effect, if you sit at a tea table in the living room and drink your favourite tea, it will make you feel like you are under the shade of trees in a deep valley, surrounded by nature, sipping tea, observing scenery or simply feeling good.
On the other side of the space, there is a daybed where one may sit, choose one of the few books that were selected after much consideration, read, and jot down a few thoughts. While sitting on a daybed, it is impressive to witness Nuwa's most profound sense of space. A refrigerator and a small sink can be found on one side of the daybed, and they are redesigned and placed as an object so it does not interfere with the modern interpretation of the hanok. The most intimate space, the bedroom, features a circular window overlooking the small yard. In the background is furniture designed in the form of folding screens, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Cozy bedding gives a sense of stability and an open gaze. During the early morning hours, you can read a few books while seated at an angle in the bed, enjoying the gentle morning sun. The circular window of the bedroom and the small garden seen from the sitting table in the living room provide you with enough pleasure by reinterpreting and contemplating the scene of the Pungryu and evoke the feeling of being far away from the daily existence.
When entering the indoor space, one is immediately struck by the harmony of warm-toned colours, a calm and static mood, organic texture, woody texture with a sense of time, and a modern setup. The first space incorporates furniture containing the meaning of Pungryu, Korean living furniture with a sedentary style, and traditional elements. Along with the rectangle shape structure of Nuwa, there is a sitting tea table made lowly in the old lifestyle and a closet with tea utensils behind it, where the peak experience of Nuwa begins. A carefully selected tea and tea balls are essential to the Nuwa experience. There is also a small stone bath that connects easily with the floor and resembles the nature of Inwangsan Mountain. Functionally, you can enjoy a bath or foot bath that gently dissolves the fatigue of guests during their stay. Before that, you can hear the sound of gentle waves crashing on the shore which has been intentionally played. There is a distinct difference even in sound when one enters a non-daily space as opposed to a daily space. Due to the sound effect, if you sit at a tea table in the living room and drink your favourite tea, it will make you feel like you are under the shade of trees in a deep valley, surrounded by nature, sipping tea, observing scenery or simply feeling good.
On the other side of the space, there is a daybed where one may sit, choose one of the few books that were selected after much consideration, read, and jot down a few thoughts. While sitting on a daybed, it is impressive to witness Nuwa's most profound sense of space. A refrigerator and a small sink can be found on one side of the daybed, and they are redesigned and placed as an object so it does not interfere with the modern interpretation of the hanok. The most intimate space, the bedroom, features a circular window overlooking the small yard. In the background is furniture designed in the form of folding screens, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Cozy bedding gives a sense of stability and an open gaze. During the early morning hours, you can read a few books while seated at an angle in the bed, enjoying the gentle morning sun. The circular window of the bedroom and the small garden seen from the sitting table in the living room provide you with enough pleasure by reinterpreting and contemplating the scene of the Pungryu and evoke the feeling of being far away from the daily existence.
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INTERVIEW
An Interview with CEO Kyungrok Noh of Z LAB
stayfolio
NUWA
Please tell me the meaning of the name ‘Nuwa’.
In the Z Lab interview/ The name Nuwa can be interpreted in multiple ways. Nuwa is located in an older neighborhood called Nuha-dong in Seochon, implying that it is a small tiled house in Nuha-dong. In addition, it implies the concept of 'Wahyu', where our ancestors enjoyed the arts in the house, so it can be seen as the meaning of Wahyu enjoyed under
the pavilion ('Nugak' in Korean).
the pavilion ('Nugak' in Korean).
Could you please tell me what your main focus was when planning ‘Nuwa’?
While Nuwa is a space for two guests, the project originated as a space for one. This space was completed by imagining, simulating, and considering various elements of Seochon's culture and arts within an isolated, thoroughly alone space.
Can you please describe each space in detail?
Nuwa originated from Wahyu, one of the ways of Pungryu. My idea was to place the space of tea ceremony, the space of literature, the space of trees, and the space of relaxation in Seochon, and enter the ideal form of isolated individual space through alleys. The intent was to create a non-daily space that would provide the most meaningful day in Seochon and offer a truly unique experience.
The first thing guests face is the gate of the Nuwa. As the original gate was too old for use as is, it was reformed. After passing through the gate, you will encounter the tree space and the circular-shaped window. Nuwa is based on a simple background, such as a small tree, and a circular window reminiscent of a full moon. Traditionally, circular windows have been used a lot in Chinese architecture, but they can also be found in traditional Korean architecture. Similarly, you can see it in Nakseonjae of Changdeokgung Palace and Sehando Island of Jeong-hee Kim. As circular windows are rare, the concentration and subtle aesthetics of these windows made them feel particularly outstanding.
When you enter the indoor space, the first thing you encounter is a long sitting tea table and a closet with tea utensils behind it. Here, you will experience the culmination of Nuwa. Carefully selected tea and tea balls are the most important factors of experience in Nuwa. In one corner, there is a small bathtub, which is for guests to use. But in order to enhance the effect, I intentionally turned on the sound of gently swaying drops of water before entering. The other side of the room has a daybed where one can sit, read and write down some thoughts.
Considering Nuwa's deepest sense of space was also important to me. On one side of the daybed, there is a refrigerator and a small sink, which are exposed in a way that does not disrupt the overall ambiance. And the most intimate area, the bedroom, was designed to overlook the small yard with a circular window and to create an air of calm by arranging furniture that resembled the folding screen in the background.
The first thing guests face is the gate of the Nuwa. As the original gate was too old for use as is, it was reformed. After passing through the gate, you will encounter the tree space and the circular-shaped window. Nuwa is based on a simple background, such as a small tree, and a circular window reminiscent of a full moon. Traditionally, circular windows have been used a lot in Chinese architecture, but they can also be found in traditional Korean architecture. Similarly, you can see it in Nakseonjae of Changdeokgung Palace and Sehando Island of Jeong-hee Kim. As circular windows are rare, the concentration and subtle aesthetics of these windows made them feel particularly outstanding.
When you enter the indoor space, the first thing you encounter is a long sitting tea table and a closet with tea utensils behind it. Here, you will experience the culmination of Nuwa. Carefully selected tea and tea balls are the most important factors of experience in Nuwa. In one corner, there is a small bathtub, which is for guests to use. But in order to enhance the effect, I intentionally turned on the sound of gently swaying drops of water before entering. The other side of the room has a daybed where one can sit, read and write down some thoughts.
Considering Nuwa's deepest sense of space was also important to me. On one side of the daybed, there is a refrigerator and a small sink, which are exposed in a way that does not disrupt the overall ambiance. And the most intimate area, the bedroom, was designed to overlook the small yard with a circular window and to create an air of calm by arranging furniture that resembled the folding screen in the background.
We would like to hear about restaurants, cafes, or places to visit that you can recommend.
I would like to recommend Inwangsan Mountain, Daechung Park. Moreover, Daechung Park has been designed by excellent architects and interior designers, so it is perfect. Moreover, when you sit in this park, you can see the best view of Seochon and Inwangsan Mountain. In the vicinity, there are dense hanoks and numerous multistory buildings, and in between, alleyways connect like blood vessels. The magnificent view of the Inwangsan Mountain is accompanied by all of these factors.
STAY’s recommended
Local Destination
Suseong-dong Valley
During the Joseon Dynasty, Suseong-dong Valley was called Suseong because of the clear sound of the water flowing through the valley. After the Okin apartments were constructed and demolished, a project to restore the valley's former appearance was undertaken, and their former appearance was restored
STAY’s recommended
Local Restaurant
Gongi Restaurant (Lonely Table)
Simple, home-cooked meals specializing in curry are available at this restaurant. The menu served varies according to the ingredients available on the day, therefore it is the best option for people who have difficulty making decisions because there are not many options for the menu.
Punctum
The feeling of comfort you experience in an unfamiliar setting. For those looking for a clean and comfortable dining experience with a variety of curry menus that offer a taste of the exotic, this restaurant is recommended.
STAY
As if the wind were blowing
The secret door leads to Seochon's narrow alleyway and leads us into the unknown world that we imagined as children. Just take care of the aspects of non-daily life, complete isolation, and enjoy nature and time to the fullest extent. Once the round window filled with oriental beauty and the small garden welcome you, you will find yourself at the place of Wahyu, where you may lie down and listen to the sound of flowing water. While savoring tea, dipping your feet in the water, reading a book, or jotting down some thoughts, the tight tension in your body melts away. A soft, warm tone and neat arrangements will provide you with a relaxing environment. Even just looking at the garden outside from a distance is sufficient to enjoy nature for a long period of time without having to worry about the passing of time. It has been a long time since I have experienced this pleasure. Regardless of the amount of time I was given, I had lived somewhere in my daily life as a slave to time. Here, however, things are quite different. By looking out leisurely with the eyes and mind, you may be freed from the shackles of time and may flow equally with it.
Seasons can be smelled, heard, and felt. Returning to nature is possible. There is nothing that you desire, there is no need to hurry, no need to be greedy or aware of the gazes of others. You simply enjoy the moment as it passes by as if it were a breeze. There is a small hanok Nuwa located in the oldest neighborhood in Seoul, hidden deep in a narrow alley, which offers space for trees, literary and artistic spaces, tea ceremony and leading spaces, and water spaces that were once enjoyed by our ancestors.
Seasons can be smelled, heard, and felt. Returning to nature is possible. There is nothing that you desire, there is no need to hurry, no need to be greedy or aware of the gazes of others. You simply enjoy the moment as it passes by as if it were a breeze. There is a small hanok Nuwa located in the oldest neighborhood in Seoul, hidden deep in a narrow alley, which offers space for trees, literary and artistic spaces, tea ceremony and leading spaces, and water spaces that were once enjoyed by our ancestors.
4 POINT OF VIEW
ORIGINALITY
Complete Isolation and Silent Contemplation
It is possible to experience various elements of Pungryu at once in a small modern hanok with oriental design, including tea ceremony, writing, painting, water, and trees. Thus, you can enjoy total solitude and quiet reflection. An escape into a deep and secluded place can dissolve the tension of tight elasticity tethered to the pillars of daily life.
DESIGN
A Perfect Harmony
Upon entering, the sound of water dripping into the bathtub can be heard. Space and experience are designed in a manner that is modern and well balanced, aiming to achieve a sense of harmony. There are pieces of furniture that interpret the arts such as heavy tones of wood, a sink, a small garden next to a stone bathtub, and a landscape of the yard. There is tea and a gown for better relaxation. These meticulous designs of the Nuwa complete the place.
Hospitality
A Heart that Beats at the Right Rate
Even planning and moving according to the plan can be challenging sometimes. Nuwa is all about the arts and flowing like water. Taking a break does not have to be your initiative. Enjoy the tranquility and relaxation, following in the footsteps of the ancient ancestors who used to enjoy the arts while looking at nature. Having the right mental speed to spend time side by side without taking the lead or lagging behind is essential.
PRICE
The Nearest and the Farthest Place to Stay
Distance is an important factor in travel. You are not required to travel long distances in order to reach Nuwa. Therefore, it is a suitable location for Pungryu focused on relaxation since the travel time has been reduced, which reduces the substantial burden of travel. In Seoul's oldest neighborhood, the world's busiest city, a few days spent relaxing will be remembered fondly. It is the closest but furthest place where you can experience Seoul's daily customs.
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- Stay Name
- NUWA
- Stay Type
- Hanok
- Contact information
- Address
- 3-1, Pirundae-ro 5na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Guests / No. of Room
- 1~2 / 1
- Price
- US$ 153 ~ US$ 215
- Check-in / out
- 16:00 / 11:00
- Feature
- Tub (ex. Jacuzzi, Hinoki)
PHOTO BY | http://textureontexture.kr