Owol school
why

A Long Time Can Be Spent with Family

These days, most people spend an inordinate amount of time with individuals other than their family. This includes time spent with colleagues and friends, as well as free time, social events, etc. We typically spend more time with other people than family members because we believe they will always be there for us when we need them. Therefore, we do not spend sufficient time with family members. Despite this, the competitive reality always forces us to focus on achieving a better future, rather than savoring the moment with family during the present. We tend to overlook our most intimate relationships with family. In hindsight, it is regrettable and disappointing that we have to suffer today and now to be able to enjoy family in the future. Let's take a step back from everyday life, get out of the busy city, and take a few moments to appreciate the present moment spent with family.

Owol-ri's, Owol School, is a complex cultural space containing a place where visitors feel at home, a cafe, a restaurant, and a Carpentry Shop designed to enable families to spend quality time together in an outdoor setting. Each individual's rest is of the utmost importance, and while staying here children can spend time with their parents in nature, parents can drink tea, and even enjoy a warm and healthy meal prepared with local products. It is a place that is essential for modern families who have lost time with their families. In 1982, the school was closed, and it was reborn recently as a place that utilizes a large playground and spaces from the original school. It is a place where you can encounter a variety of experiences, run, look at one another, hear the sounds of nature and the sounds of mountains that vary seasonally. It is a true gift to everyone. There is no doubt that what is most valuable to us is right now, and happiness is just around the corner. In that warm place that leads you back to your family in nature, you may be able to look at your beloved family for a moment longer in the arms of nature.
people

Aspiring to Become a True Resting Place for Everyone

Sang-hee Choi, CEO of Owol School and chairman of furniture brand Bplusm Furniture, used to deliver furniture directly to homes for more than a decade. After watching one of his newlywed customers giving birth to children, becoming parents, as well as continuing to develop in their lives, he became intrigued by the idea of adding something else to the Bplusm Furniture line. That is how he envisioned Owol School. He, too, was once a young man and now the father of a child and husband of his wife, so he believed it was the right time to develop a relationship with customers. As a father, he believed that he could achieve more sincere sympathy with customers, which will naturally come through in the creation of the Owol School.

He envisioned a family-oriented space where fathers and children could build bonds. During this time of friendly interaction between fathers and children, mothers can relax while drinking a cup of coffee. It is also open to all, and anyone can focus on things they enjoy and have a restful day. His passion for coffee led him to open a café, and his desire to feed healthy meals to children led him to open a restaurant. A Carpentry Shop at Owol School was established so fathers and children may be able to have an experience together with trees and safe tools provided by nature and to fulfill many people's dreams, a playground was established along with private caravans and large tents for overnight guests. As a result of being exposed to nature, it encourages children to learn about many things and rest in a different environment with their parents. The only place he could think of to accomplish what he intended to achieve was in a school.
Owol school
location

Chuncheon Owol-ri, the Hidden Arms of Nature

CEO Sang-hee Choi, who has been making furniture for many years, realized that an ideal place for fathers and children to bond and learn and rest in nature would be a "school". His plan required a substantial area of land. He considered many aspects of which space would be suitable, from the geographical aspect to the shape of space and the arrangement of the land. In his view, the school could be a very effective tool for conveying the message of fatherhood, as the bond between a father and his children. As there were no remaining schools near Gyeonggi-do, he had to find a suitable place a little further away. During this time, he was able to found Jiam Elementary Branch School, Owol-ri in Chuncheon, which was opened in 1969 and closed in 1982. At first, he considered the West of Seoul as a suitable location for commuters but quickly realized that most people prefer to travel to the East and South of the city.

To him, the most important thing was to obtain the best view of the picture he envisioned in his head. He needed to find a place that was accessible and not so far away from the living area. The moment he entered Chuncheon Owol-ri's entrance, a picturesque landscape that resembled something out of a painting rendered all other options irrelevant. The entire plan could have also been implemented in Seoul, but he considered the charm of being able to communicate with others, and the message he wished to convey, would be more effective here. It is believed that a visit to Owol-ri in the lovely surroundings will leave you with something better, full of energy, and a long-lasting impression.
MAKING STORY

Originally, the main building, which is now used as a cafe, was composed of two classrooms and one auditorium. Those plans that had no other choice but to be modified were altered, but the remaining floor in the auditorium was intended to be reused. Though the floor of the auditorium could not be described as high-quality wood, it was worthwhile to factor in the significance of reusing the floor of that era and using some of the traces of the school as an important indoor finishing material. However, it was not a smooth process. Removing all floors, removing nails embedded in each piece, and reprocessing the surface was a monumental task. Perhaps purchasing new wood could have saved time and money. However, the meaning of reuse was similar to that of philosophy, and the owner of the building fully understood that concept. The concern regarding the movement between the parking lot and the playground was accompanied by the initial impression of meeting Owol School. The intention of adding more movement from the parking lot to the playground is clear. Owol School seemed the most attractive from the location of the monument and the signboard of the school. Hence, it was intended that visitors gain a sense of the school's entire space. As a result of these concerns, the path to the playground was created a little further away, allowing visitors to fully take in the environment as they enter.

Although the accommodation space is small, a family of four will be able to stay together comfortably. As opposed to having a separate bedroom, the place is designed to be able to enjoy various spaces, comfort, and fun simultaneously through the change of one space. Some rooms are arranged in such a way that families can sleep next to each other and some rooms serve as attic spaces for children to develop their spatial sensitivity. In addition, it was necessary to think of a place where the family could interact with other families as well. The lounge area was designed to provide a place where families can interact and meet one another, which is a refreshing experience. All the rooms at Owol School are designed to provide a family-friendly environment. In the majority of the accommodation, there are two double bedrooms, but because the Owol School strives to create a family environment, the bedrooms were separated by sleeping together on a large mattress or by changing the sense of space through an attic or a lightweight wall in one space. By laying in bed and feeling the colors and light of the forest outside, parents can restore vitality and children can feel nature. By incorporating the texture of a tree into the interior space, the intention was to create a comfortable and natural ambiance. Additionally, each room was designed taking into account the structures, windows, and views of the old branch school. As the accommodation area serves as a link to conclude the day's experience for the family, other programs will be in charge of the foundation of Owol School.
    
Owol School's cafe and restaurant are profit centers and a key part of the school's sustainability model. While the cafeteria complements the space of the main building of Owol School, the restaurant was originally a cafeteria for students at the branch school, and turning it into a restaurant makes it very significant. Finally, the Carpentry Shop is the cornerstone of Owol School. With respect to the project previously described, this woodworking facility is an extension of the spirit of the design furniture company that operates the space as well as a family-friendly place where parents and children can spend time together. The woodworking experience makes children feel special about Owol School, and the Carpentry Shop allows parents to discover their children's talents and potential. The Carpentry Shop at Owol School is a unique feature that is difficult for other accommodations to duplicate.#
The head of the planning office of the building, Sang-hee Choi, commented in an interview that he wanted each end of the building to be open and spacious. In addition, attempts were made to indirectly display Bplusm's furniture. He started by considering what kind of space he wanted to create for families, what kind of things children visiting Owol School would enjoy, and how to convey this in the design.

He envisioned five rooms as being a double-decker room after much consideration. The idea was to recreate a dream that adults had as children, where they could have a small attic, a bunk bed, and a special place that is still a dream for children today. Although ascending stairs or climbing unusual structures may seem risky at times, it started out as a way to prove to children that dynamic movement, and experiences, can be memorable experiences. The ability to observe parents from a different angle and perspective must have made it more enjoyable for children. Z-Lab was selected to handle the entire design and the details were also incorporated into the color scheme of Bplusm Furniture, resulting in an excellent balance between the two. Despite the decision to save the existing school building, it proved to be a challenge to construct a structure that won't collapse due to the original layout of the building. This was particularly true in the multi-play room among the five rooms. Although at the same time, owing to its irregular layout, this could be a very interesting space. Due to his long experience in making furniture, he was unwilling to compromise on high-quality woods and materials.

Z-Lab interviewed the owner of Bplusm Furniture, a furniture manufacturer who is proud of his craft, and aspired to create a space that the entire family could enjoy together, centered on woodworking and workshops. The first impression he received when he first visited Owol School was that it was very Owol-ri like. At first, the name of this school was not Owol (Meaning "May" in Korean) School, however, due to the surrounding natural beauty of Owol-ri, with its lush greenery and beautiful springtime scenery, the name was changed. May is the peak of spring, and the warmth, clarity, and vitality of the season, along with the completed Owol school made him envision a season in which parents and children will run together in May. The project started with the name Owol School. An important aspect of the Z-Lab remodeling project was determining what could be left and what needed to be changed. It is not remodeled if it is not left, but if it is not altered, it is just a simple copy of the past. Owol School desired to accentuate the simple yet repetitive elevation effect of the school building. Therefore, the separation of space became the standard for the elevation window in order to protect the existing elevation. With regard to the internal functions and characteristics of the program, the arrangement to observe the playground from the window was considered. Although the accommodation area might feel relatively small, three-dimensional space gives children who will spend their evenings here will be able to experience a new sense of space.#
SPACE

A Carpenter's Interpretation of Nature

The Owol School presented its nature in the manner of a carpenter. Several details were carefully arranged, including windows that allow you to see the stars in the night sky, terraces overlooking the forest, and trusses (structures that are woven into triangles or pentagons and used as rings for roofs or bridges). The space is sensuous and somewhat feels small, but, by securing a sense of space with high ceilings using a double-decker structure and the addition of the weight of the white oak material, it has the feeling of spaciousness. In the accommodation area, there are five rooms named Square, Woodbury and Margarine, Asone, and Multi-Play. The Square room is intended for families with young children. Families with young children may find it more convenient and safe to stay in rooms with two queen-sized beds side by side rather than in a double-decker room that is divided into the first and second floors. It is designed so that both children and parents can sleep in the same area, and you can enjoy a view of a private forest that changes in appearance seasonally from the terrace overlooking the mountain, as well as a clear night sky full of stars in Chuncheon's mountain area. In both Woodbury and Margarine rooms, there is a double-decker structure with the same symmetrical design and, when you are staying with a partner or friend, there is a seating area under the double-decker bed where you can enjoy refreshments.
                                           
Both the Margarine room and Woodbury room will be furnished with bedding if the family stays, and both rooms will be able to enjoy a view of their own private forest while relaxing. These are the rooms where children can have the joy of sleeping in an attic and adults can fulfill their nostalgic needs while feeling as if they are sleeping in nature. The Asone room is large enough for a family of five, with a round table where the family members can enjoy a relaxing time, along with a spacious double-decker floor. The white color that expands throughout space and the furniture of the Bplusm are perfectly harmonized, and it is a room in which the stars in Owol-ri can also be seen in the night sky. Finally, the multi-play room is a space that has the most variables because of the existing school structure and is one that I would like to recommend to couples who visit Owol School. There is a beautiful garden designed by 'Slow Pharmacy', which has the slogan 'Prescribing plants in the mind and in space'. Here you will have the best view of the stars among all of the rooms, and you will be able to lie side by side and gaze at the stars.

A lounge is a place where furniture manufactured and designed by Bplusm is arranged, which serves as a waiting area before guiding guests into the main room. Although there are limitations for cooking in the rooms, basic cooking equipment is provided in the lounge so that guests can prepare a quick meal or heat up take-out meals from the Owol School restaurant. The cafe is the most authentically school-like space, with fresh desserts prepared by patissiers and sparrow lattes, a signature drink developed by Owol School. With the walls that have been recreated from the floor, chairs that seem to be part of the cathedral, and the limited number of tables and chairs in relation to their size, you will be relaxed and comfortable as you observe the natural scenery through the windows and the active presence of children in the playground. Additionally, having short children's doors and adult doors makes the entrance even more attractive.

There is a program being planned by CEO Sang-hee Choi to make connections between acquaintances and those who will serve as mentors to Chuncheon students, not just sell coffee from the point of view of someone who operates the brand in a cafe. In order to facilitate the exchange of practical advice between mentors and students, the area is terraced, and chairs without backrests are available. In his sincerity to give more, he created this space. Menu items change seasonally in restaurants. As he began planning a restaurant, he was unaware of the ingredients that were available in Chuncheon, so he intended to sell food that was not available there. Gradually, he became familiar with the crops that are grown in Owol-ri and began to prepare menus using healthy local ingredients. Salads are prepared with vegetables from Jiam-ri, as well as asparagus from Mayor Owol-ri and locally grown potatoes. In designing this space, the hope was that neighborhood residents would be able to benefit from the space. In addition to delicious food, the manager's warm hospitality will make you feel welcome and comfortable. Owol School is the original site of the Carpentry Shop where the color of the Bplusm is most prominent. The designer of this space interpreted the bond between father and child within this space. It is true that some parents do not let their children use tools that appear potentially dangerous, but father and child working together creates a secure and trusting bond between them. Making something with the father is much more than just crafting time. It forms a lasting memory and connection between the father and child. With the exception of the accommodation areas and playgrounds for overnight guests (caravan and big tent), the remainder of the premises is always open to all. Cafés, restaurants, and the Owol Carpentry Shop are also accessible to everyone.
INTERVIEW

An interview with Sang-hee Choi, director of Owol School

stayfolio
Owol school
Please tell me about the Owol School.
The Owol School was closed and abandoned in 1982. It has been reborn with a unique setting where visitors are welcome to relax and take in the beauty of nature surrounding them. It is a multi-functional space designed using characteristics and aesthetics derived from the Bplusm and Z-Lab platforms.
What inspired you to start Owol School?
For more than 10 years, I have made furniture and delivered it to my customers. I saw one of the customers, who was recently married, having children, becoming parents, and continuing to grow, which made me think "Isn't there something more I can do for those who enjoy our furniture?" That's what inspired me to plan Owol School. Since I am a father to my child and a husband to my wife, I felt it was the ideal time to communicate with customers I have seen so far, and I believed my sincerity would be reflected and communicated through the process of creating this space. I believed that I could sympathize with customers and approach them honestly.
As far as I know, Owol School consists of not only accommodation areas, but also cafes, restaurants, and a carpentry shop. Tell me why you decided to include auxiliary facilities as well.
It is a place where fathers and children can form bonds and an area where the family is at the center. Mothers can enjoy a cup of coffee in a relaxed environment during a time when fathers and children develop close bonding relationships. Due to my love of coffee and my desire to feed healthy food to my children, I have created this space. I have always enjoyed camping, but when I married my wife, I discovered that she does not enjoy camping as much as I do. I wanted to provide memorable moments of camping beyond the inconveniences associated with washing and sleeping. My goal is to convey the essence of Owol school as it is while staying here. I have a number of caravans that I have personally owned and used, and I provide them to guests only who stay overnight for their comfortable time. My intention was for guests to feel comfortable eating while sitting in front of the caravan and conversing about their daily lives. Most Owol School guests eat dinner at restaurants or in caravans.
Owol Photo Studio and its contents are also very interesting. If possible, I would like to know more about them.
Owol School operates the Owol Photo Studio so that beautiful memories may be cherished for a long time to come. Among the numerous photographs, there are always some that stand out particularly, such as photos of first birthdays and graduations. At Owol Photo Studio, we strive to help you capture precious moments. Also the Owol Photo Studio offers its own frame with white oak material to put photos in it. Anyone who visits Owol School can be part of this experience.
What would the ideal Owol School look like in your mind?
I hope everyone can take a breather at Owol School. In Owol School, people relax in their own ways, as it can be an old school for some, a cafe where you can relax with a cup of coffee or a playground for children. It is my hope that all visitors will have the opportunity to rest adequately and to create memories that will serve as a source of motivation in their daily lives. The idea of a graduate student of the school visiting this place has long been in my mind, and one day, a daughter and mother who graduated from Jiam Elementary Branch School (the school that preceded Owol School) visited this place, and it really made my day.
It is interesting to see how restaurant and cafe spaces are designed.
In order to preserve the feel of the school, I wanted the cafe to maintain a somewhat school-like atmosphere. The existing floor was retained and chairs were arranged as if they were in the cathedral. Moreover, the floor was designed in such a way that it looks like a school by using the Japanese technique known as 'togidashi'. People may not be aware that the floor has been refinished since the existing form has been well retained. It has an overall school-like atmosphere, but some components have been omitted due to a lack of contemporary style. As opposed to just selling coffee, I wanted to run a program that would connect acquaintances and many students in Chuncheon to become mentors.
   
We are also selling organic ingredients and produce from Jiam-ri. I am pleased that I am able to provide healthy and wholesome food for my family. I started using Jiam-ri's ingredients in the hope that the Owol school would benefit the neighborhood community. I have a son attending the branch school where the original school was relocated. They have two kindergarten students and 18 students in the whole school. However, they do not attend school on the weekends, so students come to play at Owol School. I hope that Owol School will become a more important part of our community.
I would appreciate it if you let me know about any future plans.
The Owol School is planning to make products that will only be available at the Owol School. My hope is that Owol School will continue to assist people by making healthy local food, desserts at the Owol Cafe, and props and furniture at the Owol Carpentry Shop.

STAY’s recommended
Local Destination

Owol Carpentry Shop

The Owl Carpentry Shop is a place where parents and children can enjoy making and playing together. This is a place where you can touch the trees that nature has created, spend time with your parents, and bond with your child.

STAY’s recommended
Local Restaurant

Owol School Restaurant

In the midst of the natural surroundings, you can experience food full of heart and soul in the Owol School restaurant. You can taste foods prepared with local ingredients close to nature.

STAY’s recommended
Local Cafe

Owol School Cafe

In the area where the classroom was located long ago, there is an old wooden truss and a cafe that reuses the classroom flooring. It is a place for you to unwind with a cup of coffee while gazing out the window at a large tree.

STAY

One Place, Many Experiences

Once you have entered Owol-ri, you will be able to remove the thick clothes of the city one by one. In the sound of birds, the mountains blend with flowing water, and the artificial noise disappears. When you arrive at Owol School you will be welcomed by the spacious playground, horizontally stretched school buildings, and the natural landscape, enhanced by the colors of the season. A cloudy sky does not dim the children's laughter or the faces of the family looking at it. People's laughter illuminates every corner of the room. Sitting in the lounge and receiving room guidance, entering an attic or a double-decker structured room, which is many people's childhood dream, and having a complete forest as your own makes you feel far away from the city. You may drink delicious coffee without having to venture anywhere, and you may run around the playground without having to leave the place. Besides relaxing and experiencing woodworking where fathers and children can share a memorable bonding experience, you can also enjoy delicious, healthy food prepared using fresh ingredients grown by local farmers at the restaurant. There is nothing better than spending a night around a campfire, enjoying a delicious barbecue with your family, and being able to experience many things in one place. As a result, you will experience a complete haven in nature, where even the smallest of things can make you happy because you are with your family, and not with someone else with whom you must spend most of your time.

4 POINT OF VIEW

ORIGINALITY

Nature's Arms, a Place to Rest

At this moment, you can return from the arms of nature to the arms of your family or to yourself. Spending time with the people who matter most to you. I can hear flowing water and birds, see the face of the forest, and feel the presence of the mountains. It is a perfect haven away from the city.

DESIGN

Experiencing a Sense of Nostalgia

Having a bunk bed and a small attic as a hideout spot is a childhood dream that everyone has experienced at least once in their lifetime. As a parent, this is the space where you can relax and have fun with your children. The harmony between bright tree tones, sensual furniture, and the terrace in the forest elicits another sense of nostalgia. You will be astonished that you are able to count the stars lying down.

Hospitality

Lost sight of the Value of Preciousness

You will be reminded of what's important in the present moment. When you take some time to consider who you need to prioritize and how you want to spend time with them, it will make you reflect on yourself. There is nothing more valuable than that.

PRICE

Memories Created with Family

Memory shines even brighter when it can be shared with others. This is a memory that is shared by a child, a father, and a mother. Families are able to create memories together at this retreat. It provides a rest for mothers and fathers, as well as a memorable experience for children. You can create memories such as children fiddling tools with dad and the beautiful night sky with your family every season in the picturesque natural scenery that varies depending on the season.

Stay Name
Owol school

Stay Type
K - Rental house

Contact information

Address
286-2, owol-ri, seo-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea

Guests / No. of Room
2~4 / 5

Price
US$ 190.97 ~ US$ 297.92

Check-in / out
16:00 / 11:00

Feature
BBQ facilities, Breakfast