Aesop Hannam Street is an ode to Seoul’s cityscape at its most brilliant time of day: dusk. The golden hues from the sinking sun wash over the busy metropolis and imperceptibly slow down time. This soft illumination merges the historical and contemporary layers of the city’s built environment in a single glorious moment.
Taking cues from the glimmering façade of the 63 Building, designed by Helen W Som and Harry D Som and completed in 1985, our collaborators Marsollier Villacorta LLC employed finely brushed brass within the store—the radiant material greets visitors via shelving units and light sconces glimpsed from the street.
Traditional dwellings (hanok) are found throughout Seoul and offer a welcoming presence that modern typologies often lack. Several hanok style artefacts were found in the shopfront during the design phase and guided the incorporation of domestic qualities within the store. Richly lacquered timber panels offer warmth and softness while intricate metal hardware references traditional Korean dresser chests. Ample seating throughout the space adds to the leisurely atmosphere.