Reinterpretation of Korean Narratives Embodying Regional Characteristics

The term "Seoripul" in Seocho-gu, is derived from the phrase meaning an auspicious grass. During the Goguryeo period, it was called "Seolitbal," meaning a plain where water gathers and flows, which eventually evolved into "Seoripul."

Today, it is the site of the Supreme Court, serving as a legal district. The space, originally the Lawyers Tower designed for legal professionals, aims to bridge past memories with the current location. 

The concept was inspired by the story of Seoripul and the Haetae, a mythical creature symbolizing water, law, and justice, seen also at the Supreme Court. The space embodies the brand's desire for a beneficial path, showcasing the aesthetic of refined lines in concrete, representing directionality and the accumulation of time. The overall unity of the space through emptiness aims to encapsulate natural phenomena. The characteristics of the Haetae, representing water, fire, clouds, and wind, were phenomenologically expressed through the movement of waves, the sound of water, the shadows of fire, and the touch of mist.

The first floor features a central courtyard and a connected basement, reflecting the architect's intent to be close to nature and embrace light. Like Korean gardens, the design respects the surrounding environment and harmoniously integrates with humanity through a garden of nonchalance, with a small well connecting to the basement to allow light and water to interact. Descending to the basement, a small Haetae statue welcomes visitors, symbolizing entrance into a new world akin to a temple's main gate. Though invisible, the sound of water leads to the next space, entering through a transitional area where one faces a stream of water falling in the sunken garden, a visual and auditory link between humans and space.

The space aims to offer office workers a place to empty their minds, utilizing elements of the Haetae such as the sound of water, the movement of light, water responding to light, and mist to achieve mental and physical relaxation.

Reading the context of the region and existing architecture, the space finds its answer in the location and region. The space left empty will be filled with the seasons and time.

Underground Floor 1 Exhibition Space

"Yeopgyeong (業鏡)"  A mirror reflecting one's karma

This space, symbolizing the Haetae's bead, allows visitors to interact with moving light waves, offering an experience of quiet introspection and an opportunity to question oneself.

Outdoor Courtyard Kinetic Object

"Haeyju (獬珠)"

A piece symbolizing the Haetae's bead, believed to be eaten only by immortals. The upper part reflects, while the lower part is translucent, visualizing the movement of wind and capturing the phenomena of light and nature, encouraging self-reflection.