Sihaon, a new cultural space in Cheonjeon-ri, Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, is the product of years of careful planning and dedication. Officially completed in May 2024 after nearly three years of construction, this multi-purpose venue blends the functions of a wedding space and a café. The development, which began in April 2021, was designed with both aesthetics and practicality in mind, offering a variety of spaces for different events and experiences.
The building is divided into several distinct areas: the Sihaon House and Sihaon Cafe on the first floor, dedicated to wedding ceremonies and café operations; Sihaon Avil on the second floor, which serves as a waiting room for brides and a venue for intimate family gatherings; and Sihaon Garden on the underground level, featuring a spacious lawn perfect for outdoor weddings. Each area was thoughtfully designed to contribute to the venue’s overall ambiance and functionality.
One of the most striking features of Sihaon is its exterior, which draws heavy inspiration from the owner’s personal experiences. Having worked in the wedding industry for years, the owner frequently traveled to Barcelona and sought to infuse the building with the same passion and romance that the city is known for. The red color of the building’s facade is a direct reflection of this influence. Through careful experimentation, three different shades of red were chosen, each varying in temperature, saturation, and brightness. The final color was selected with consideration for the local climate in Ulsan and the building’s long-term aging process, ensuring it would remain visually striking for years to come. This unique exterior is intended to serve as a dramatic backdrop for significant life events, such as weddings, offering a memorable setting for photographs and celebrations.
In addition to its bold exterior color, Sihaon features a series of architectural elements that enhance its overall aesthetic. One notable detail is the varying heights of the “ribs” attached to the building’s outer walls. Designed to respond to the intense, direct sunlight of the region, these ribs create a dynamic visual texture while reflecting the natural environment of the site. The design also aims to represent life’s journey, with the building symbolizing a place of rest and reflection. The owner’s vision was for Sihaon to serve as a “landing” — a space for both personal respite and a place where couples can pause before continuing their journey together. This philosophy extends to the concept of marriage, with Sihaon reflecting the idea of finding someone with whom to climb the remaining stairs of life.
The theme of transitions and moments of pause is further explored through a significant feature of Sihaon: the pond in Space Cha. Originally, the café building was meant to occupy the area, but budget constraints led to a change in plans. To honor the original concept, a pond was introduced to the space, bringing a sense of rhythm and vitality to the design. This lively feature is echoed in the café’s design, where skylights above the baristas’ work area create a celebratory atmosphere, capturing the rhythmic movements of the staff and transforming them into a performance-like experience.
The architectural design also includes a variation in height and sightlines to enhance the overall experience of visitors. Space Cha, in particular, is carefully crafted to offer diverse visual scenes by incorporating varying wall heights and slits where they meet. These intentional sightlines allow visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, creating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape within the space. The design of Sihaon ensures that the interior remains vibrant and full of life, with an array of sightlines and spaces that offer fresh perspectives and avoid a monotonous experience.
Inside the Sihaon House, visitors are greeted by a tall window that frames a stunning view of the Yeongnam Alps, almost like a living painting. This dramatic vista is complemented by smaller windows that offer views of the pond and landscaped areas, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The abundant natural light flowing through the space reduces the need for artificial lighting, fostering a sense of physical comfort and enhancing the overall experience of those who visit.
Sihaon, with its thoughtful design and unique features, is more than just a wedding venue — it is a place where significant life moments can be celebrated, captured, and remembered. The fusion of aesthetic appeal and functionality makes it a distinctive and memorable space in Ulsan, where architecture and design come together to create a lasting impression.