Nestled within the rich tapestry of Inwangsan Mountain in Seoul, the Inwang Guard Post Forest Retreat, envisioned by Soltozibin Architects and SN Architecture, unfolds as a unique testament to historical significance, paradoxical narratives, and architectural innovation. This forest retreat, situated in Seochon, Wihang literature, reflects a paradoxical charm deeply rooted in the historical context of Inwangsan Mountain and its transformation from a military post to a symbol of connection in the contemporary era.
Historical Context and Transformation
With its distinct character shaped by the Han River, outer mountains, and inner mountains, Seoul holds a story within the folds of Inwangsan Mountain. In the historical narratives of Inwangsan and Seochon, the architects discovered the Wihang literature, a paradoxical literary form crafted by the middle class during the Chosun dynasty. This literature, born from the lower class, managed to influence the noble class society, showcasing the paradox of societal influence and class boundaries.
The history of Inwangsan takes an intriguing turn with the events of 21/1/1968 when 31 North Korean commandos attacked Cheongwadae, the presidential office of South Korea. In response, military posts were erected on Bugaksan Mountain and Inwangsan Mountain, restricting citizens in the area. Over time, many posts were dismantled, and since 2018, the region has opened up to citizens. In this context, the Inwang Guard Post Forest Retreat emerges as a symbol of transformation, converting a structure once associated with restriction and enmity into a beacon of openness.
The original structure, constructed with reinforced concrete pilotis and sandwich panels, was a hidden barrack in the valley. Soltozibin Architects and SN Architecture dismantled the upper structure above the pilotis and reimagined the space. The goal was to metamorphose the symbol of restriction into a connection hub for the new era of openness. Today, the retreat serves as a shelter for hikers and a cultural complex for nearby cultural groups, fostering harmony between nature and people.
The architectural innovation employed in the Inwang Guard Post Forest Retreat challenges traditional Korean wooden architecture principles. Departing from the conventional design of columns and beams supported by rafters, the architects opted for a tectonic scene. Wooden columns, half the size of original concrete pillars, are positioned in the front and back, sliding between two massive panels measuring 4000 mm x 10000 mm and 500mm in thickness. The deliberate placement of the columns and panels creates a visible crack, emphasizing the disconnection. Illumination is strategically used to highlight this paradoxical architectural feature.
(Photo: Yongsoon Kim)
Metaphor and Symbolism
The intentional defiance of the traditional wooden architecture principles in the Inwang Guard Post Forest Retreat is metaphorical, echoing the paradox embedded in the historical context of the middle class and Wihang literature. The thick wooden panels, seemingly floating between the columns but not above, challenge the laws of gravity, transforming the characteristic of wood from heaviness to lightness. This architectural paradox becomes a symbolic representation of the societal shifts and transformations mirrored in the history of Inwangsan Mountain.
Inwang Guard Post Forest Retreat is a beacon of architectural brilliance, seamlessly intertwining history, paradox, and innovation. Soltozibin Architects and SN Architecture have revitalized a piece of Seoul's history and transformed a symbol of restriction into a space that fosters connection and openness. This retreat serves its practical purpose as a shelter and cultural complex and acts as a metaphorical bridge between the past and the present, embodying the enduring spirit of transformation.