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An Asian Restaurant with a Contemporary Twist in Seoul

ByMyProperty Life

Gastronomes with discerning palates appreciate settings that make dining out as memorable as the food on offer. Yet a modern aesthetic in an eatery can appear cold and uninviting. Design2tone’s vision for a new spot was all about the balance of ingredients, much like the contemporary Asian dishes on the menu.

Modern restaurant interior viewed through large glass windows, featuring wooden tables and chairs, exposed brick, and illuminated green strip lighting along the floor.

A vertical column with a wood grain pattern stands next to a brick wall; a small, flat, rectangular metal shelf extends from the column.

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Located in the Seongsu district, SSOC sits in an area dubbed the “Brooklyn of Seoul,” dotted with renovated warehouses that are now shops and exhibition spaces. A fixture installed beneath the metal and glass facade produces illumination that subtly changes color in response to the shifting atmosphere of the exterior, and captures the vibrancy of the streetscape.

A modern, dimly lit interior with wooden chairs and tables, a sleek illuminated counter, and minimalistic decor.

A row of wooden chairs lined up against a long, angular counter with a smooth, light surface in a minimalist interior setting.

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Once inside, guests see contrasting materials that echo the melding of East-West cuisine that chef Lee Jong-wook is known for. Commercial-grade stainless steel in the front-of-house area is not only easy to clean, it also provides just enough sheen. A wood-look veneer, recomposed to showcase an abstracted natural grain, complements exposed brick.

A bottle of white wine sits in a metal ice bucket filled with ice cubes, built into a wooden table.

Minimalist bar interior with wooden chairs and tables, soft lighting, glassware on the counter, and bottles arranged on a shelf behind the bar.

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Custom tables with integrated buckets ensure that diners can savor their favorite vintage throughout their meal, from appetizer to dessert. A freeform bar counter with edges seems to move through the space, a perfect spot for individuals, while groups sit at four-tops.

A modern wooden dining table with matching chairs, a square tray, and a small lamp on a dark tabletop in a minimalist interior setting.

Modern minimalist dining area with wooden tables and chairs, soft lighting, and a sleek bar counter in the background.

The open kitchen boasts a backsplash with ebony-colored tiles, plus shelves with wine bottles on display. Strategically placed chairs give every patron a full view so they can watch as their food is prepared.

A modern black wall-mounted reading lamp is attached to a wall with a light wood grain pattern, illuminated by soft ceiling lighting.

Three chefs in white uniforms work in a modern, stainless steel restaurant kitchen with various appliances and utensils visible.

Ambiance is created via lighting to create a casual or elevated feel. During the day, the sun’s rays highlight varied textures and shapes. At night, illumination is lowered, and focused beams introduce visual depth, always with an emphasis on the fare itself.

A modern, glass-fronted restaurant with minimalist wooden furniture and the text

Modern interior of a building with wooden tables and chairs, seen through glass walls displaying the text

With “new harmony in diversity” as a guiding principle, SSOC includes layered flavors and interior elements that are truly a feast for the senses.

A modern gray exterior wall with a single closed door and a poster in a lit window reading “NEW HARMONY” at night. Concrete steps lead up to the entrance.

A modern storefront with large windows, minimalist signage, and interior lighting highlighting a bar and shelves inside. The exterior features clean lines and subtle green lighting.

To see this and other work by the daring studio, visit design2tone.space.

Photography courtesy of Design2tone.

Anna Zappia is a New York City-based writer and editor with a passion for textiles, and she can often be found at a fashion exhibit or shopping for more books. Anna writes the Friday Five column, as well as commercial content.

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