An Asian Restaurant with a Contemporary Twist in Seoul

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.