There is a modest walking trail on this land near Seooreung in Goyang City It is gentle
stroll for those who, after visiting the five royal tombs of Seooreung and enjoying a light meal. The architect named the grand structure situated at the starting point of this
walking trail "The Oreum”
In the concrete jungle and the weariness of everyday life, people often turn to nature in
search of respite. This is likely because nature offers us new experiences and diverse
emotions, instilling in us a sense of awe and tranquility. Café Oreum (The Oreum) was
conceived to embody the client’s desire, telling a story that extends beyond just a café. It was designed as a cultural space where one can experience the multifaceted sensations
of nature.
The word "Oreum" literally holds significant meaning that the sensory and emotional
experience, and changing landscapes one encounters while ascending a small hill.
The aim was to create an emotional and experiential space true to its name, offering a
blend of natural experiences and complete relaxation. The designer envisioned with these core elements in mind, comprises three floors and a rooftop, each designed to evoke different sensations.
Ascending floor by floor, visitors are intended to experience varying narratives and
environments, enhancing both visual and sensory engagement.
The designer believed that only when everyone could empathize with the story behind
the creation of this space, could both the visual and sensory experiences be maximized.
"Path of Reflection"
The journey begins in a vast field of reeds, representing the prelude to the ascent of The
“Oreum”. Visitors can feel the soft touch of the swaying reeds as they meander through
the field.
The ceiling and walls, with their sunset, hues and reflective finishes, endlessly expand the space. Within this warmly enveloped environment, the scent of fresh bread made from
natural ingredients mingles with the tactile sensation of the reeds, creating a sense of
comfort and peace.
"Contemplation of the Gaze"
One side of the space features a large central staircase leading to all parts of The “Oreum”. To address the previously unstructured framework and the differing concepts
on each floor, the designer focused on functional aspects and symbolically reinterpreted a tall, straight birch forest in their design.
The skylight installed in the ceiling frames the blue sky, clouds, and light as if in a painting, while the large front window captures the forest and trees in their natural state, infusing the entire space with the essence of nature.
As visitors ascend the floors, visitors can take a moment to rest on the benches placed
along the way. Here, in the 'Contemplation of Gaze' space, visitors can sit and watch the
white birds freely flying against the backdrop of nature. This invites visitors to fully absorb the view into visitors heart (contemplation) and reflect on the significance of what visitors eyes perceive (contemplation).
"Illusion of Water" & "The silence of splendid"
The second floor reveals a cave-like space within The Oreum. At the entrance of the cave, somewhere along the mountain ridge, water flows down, creating ripples and a gentle sound of droplets that welcomes visitors with an illusion of water.
In a section of the entrance, there appears a space resembling a crystal cave, where
beautiful and dazzling substances quietly illuminate the area, creating a “The silence of
splendid." Depending on the perspective, this crystal cave shines brightly or dims in the repetition of light and flow of water, blending into another phenomenon, silently rested.
The various gems within the dark cave shine brilliantly, conveying the inherent emotion of beauty through light penetration and reflection, evoking feelings of emotional richness and fulfillment.
"Dance of Mist" & "Painter of Time"
Following a narrow path of flowing water, visitors will be reached a space where mist rises continuously from the ground. The floor, designed at varying heights like a cave, ensures unobstructed views of the surrounding nature. The dance of the mist creates a dynamic, ethereal atmosphere. Large gray stones and lush green moss, illuminated by the subtle light, blend together harmoniously.
Through the front window, the boundary between inside and outside blurs, bringing the natural scenery indoors. Reflective materials on the ceiling amplify this effect, allowing visitors to view the changing natural landscape in the "Painter of Time" space.
The designer intentionally crafted to reflect the tranquility amidst the deep shadows and low-lit areas, this space juxtaposes serenity with splendor. It's designed to encourage contemplation, offering not just familiar views of nature but also presenting them in a new light for introspection.
"Narrative of Stone" & "Feast of the Forest"
In this darker space, a stone and a dark glass table become the focal points around which people gather to share stories. The setting sun gently imbues the area with a soft, red hue.
Opposite, branches and leaves of a nearby Japanese zelkova tree seems to get quite
close to touch. The abundant leaves and the repeated patterns of the ceiling leaves
expand the space, making it feel like the outdoors. Here, people enjoy the special
ambiance of the forest, resting under the light filtering through the leaves.
"Cloud Garden"
Ascending to the third floor, a pristine white space unfolds, resembling a sea of clouds on a mountain. Billowing white fabrics sway gently, creating the illusion of being within clouds. These fabrics, serving as semi-transparent partitions, offer private rooms to guests.
"MEDIA GALLERY: Roslyn"
This area showcases media art that abstractly expresses the essence of nature. The
space, finished in reflective materials, creates an infinite environment. The artworks,
inspired by the concept of the “Oreum”, modernize the cycles of light, temperature, and
the four seasons, reflecting the constant creation and dissolution of organic life. The everchanging colors and structures stimulate contemplation on the myriad forms and
possibilities of nature.
"Drifting Clouds"
Along a corridor, a space filled with cloud-like objects emerges. White benches and
tables, along with a ceiling adorned with tens of thousands of cloud-like objects at
varying heights, create a scene reminiscent of drifting clouds. The nacreous cloud
objects, swaying in the breeze, produce a refreshing rustling sound. The floor, covered in moss resembling small hills, enhances the atmosphere with mist and green hues. In this space, surrounded by clouds and mist, visitors can relax, feeling as if they are floating amidst the clouds.
"Breath of Time"
After passing through the clouds, another ascent appears. This final space offers an
unobstructed view of the surrounding mountains and the blue sky, changing with the
seasons, time, and weather. At the end of the path stands a large mirror, symbolizing the culmination of the ascent and a reflection of oneself immersed in nature. Here, amidst the sounds of insects, birds, and the scent of the surrounding environment, visitors can lie back and feel the breath of nature, finding peace and rest.
THE OREUM
True to its name, “Oreum” aims to deliver stories filled with sensory and dramatic
experiences. Through diverse sensory experiences, visitors, who have become accustomed to the gray city, can feel the completeness of nature, finding perfect rest and tranquility amidst their busy and tiring daily lives.
