The name “THE CHAE” comes from a combination of the English definite article “the” and “chae” from the Korean word meaning a house to serve guests, “sarangchae”. The name expresses its identity and aspiration to promote the beauty and convenience of Korean traditional housing, hanok to the world by preserving its traditional beauty while adding a touch of the modern, just like how the two words were combined to form its name. “THE CHAE: GALLERY” is located in Seochon, the neighborhood that is ten minutes of walk away from Gyeongbokgung Palace. The village of Seochon has long been home to writers and artists where the creative minds of the time would gather. The life and art of those figures have become a part of this village where a huddle of authentic shops and art galleries are found in every corner of the alley. For a nod to the scene, THE CHAE: GALLERY was designed to bring the look of a gallery to the Korean traditional housing. The main works of artists of the past are exhibited in each room to illustrate Seochon’s artistic sentiment and inspiration.

The THE CHAE: GALLERY filled its interior with eco-friendly materials that blend in with the framework the building that consist of stone, soil and wood. The vanity cabinet in the powder room where the sink sits is made with wood by a hanok master craftsperson to resemble a daecheong – a main floored room in a Korean traditional housing - without using nails. The hangers are made with pruned branches found on the streets by shaving off the bark and trimming. The horse manger, which was rotting in the yard, is washed clean and used as a sitting table. Old and used objects are upcycled to retain their value. Studio Aeir, which interprets beauty of the East in an extraordinary way was in charge of all furniture placed in THE CHAE. The white porcelain jars that are still in style even with the passing of time are the Moon Jar series made by artist Ra Ki Hwan.

THE CHAE: GALLERY offers its own unique fragrance, sound and rest. The natural fragrance of the stones, wood and soil takes your mind and body to the most relaxing state. The sound of the singing bowl playing quietly transports the mind to serenity. The sound of the wind chime at the eaves detaches the mind from thoughts. Relax your feet in the warm foot tub and all the anguish and trouble will go away as your body begins to warm up. Meditating and contemplating in this little space will help you get reconnected to yourself. You will get to listen to your inner voice once everything turns quiet. Truly, at THE CHAE: GALLERY, you will spend time to face your innermost being.

Edited by STAYFOLIO
Designed by Lotus Design Lab, Studio Aeir
Photo by PARK KIHUN(@arc_factory)