Cafe Gaebang by Design Studio SSong

A space that brings the past into the present, offering guests a vivid sensory experience. The space centers around the madang (yard), which, in traditional Korean architecture, exemplifies openness.

Surrounded by key areas such as the daecheong, toe-maroo, low fences, and the anchae (main room) and sarangchae (guest room), the madang is designed to be visible from all directions. Combining the openness of the madang with the playful, performative spirit of madangnori, we sought to create a space that brings the past into the present, offering guests a vivid, sensory experience. In Café Gaebang, the coffee bar is placed at the center of the space, so guests seated around the perimeter can view the entire café at a glance. To highlight this central area, the ceiling was designed as a canopy, evoking the festive mood of a madangnori celebration.

Narrative elements tied to Korean culture continue throughout the design. The mother-of-pearl furniture subtly reveals traces of the past through its decorations, handles, and patterns, inviting curiosity and storytelling.