Chompi Brings Material Clarity to Hannam-dong
In Hannam-dong, Seoul, Chompi is a poke restaurant designed by 817 Design Space, led by Kyubum Lim, that explores clarity through material restraint and controlled daylight.
The interior unfolds as a continuous spatial sequence, where pale timber surfaces and white planes establish a calm material field from entrance to seating areas. Full-height glazing draws daylight deep into the plan, dissolving the boundary between inside and outside while maintaining a quiet, contained atmosphere.
At the centre, the open kitchen becomes an extension of the dining space. Preparation is fully visible, and movement, colour, and texture from the ingredients subtly shape the atmosphere around the seating areas.
Beneath a central skylight, a circular staircase introduces a vertical pause within the otherwise horizontal layout. Light gathers here and falls through the space, softening the material discipline and shaping a slower rhythm between levels.
Seating shifts in character throughout the restaurant, from brief counter moments to longer communal tables. The J39 Mogensen Chair by Fredericia introduces a warm, familiar presence that offsets the restrained palette and reinforces a sense of permanence within the contemporary setting.
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