[Insta Walk] Breathing in the Scent of Trees in the Heart of Seoul

Workshop + Cafe 'Rudiment'
Furniture designers united 2 years ago
Opened a wood workshop and cafe in Seongsu-dong
Two-story building with no large signboard
Make everyday items like cutting boards on the 1st floor
Enjoy coffee and emotional play on the 2nd floor
Engrave drawings on wooden coasters to create memories

Rudiment 1st floor. Woodworking bench. /Photo by Joohee Kang kjh818@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Wood is one of the most familiar and comforting materials to us. Wood, an indispensable resource for people to live their daily lives, has been used for various purposes throughout history. Just as each person's appearance is different, the shape and use of wood vary greatly depending on the environment in which it grew and the time it has experienced. Even though there are many materials that are harder and more resistant to deterioration, there are still many who deliberately seek out wood. Is it because we are instinctively drawn to the unique characteristics of wood, that is, the natural beauty engraved by the passage of time?

There is a place where you can fully experience the charm of wood. It is the story of ‘Rudiment’ located in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. Rudiment is a group formed by designers who used to make furniture, and in August 2019, they opened a wood workshop and caf? here. If you exit Seongsu Station on Subway Line 2 from Exit 1 and walk about 10 minutes along a street lined with restaurants, you will reach a two-story building that was remodeled from an old house. Since there is no large signboard hanging to catch your eye, you might easily pass by, but it stands out with a serene atmosphere among the stiff modern buildings.

The first floor of the building is where Rudiment’s woodworking classes take place. It can be seen as a workshop equipped with machines and various tools for carving and finishing wood. The second floor is a caf? where general customers can enjoy coffee and desserts. Wooden products made on the first floor are displayed throughout the caf?. They are diverse enough to arouse the curiosity of visitors. The harmony of the warmth of wood and the stylish interior makes you want to stay here for a long time.

Inside the Rudiment 2nd floor cafe. /Photo by Joohee Kang kjh818@asiae.co.kr

CEO Kim Irae, who used to work at a furniture studio, said that Rudiment was established with the idea of letting people directly participate in the design and production process of wooden products. It is a suitable course for city dwellers who are interested in wooden products but find it difficult to muster the courage to try designing or making them. The reason for choosing wood as a material was primarily because it is familiar to people and relatively easier to process than iron or stone. The woodworking class was created for these people. It is a class where participants make small items such as cutting boards and spoons, which are frequently used in daily life and relatively easy to experience woodworking with. Kim, who mainly produced high-end products when working at a furniture studio, said, "There was a time when I felt somewhat tired of making assembled furniture," and added, "I wanted to share the production of practical items and lifestyle designs that are more accessible to many people."

As seen in the name Rudiment, which means ‘basic’ or ‘foundation,’ the classes are designed so that even those without design experience can participate and complete a product. Kim said, "The process of carving and finishing wood by hand is physically demanding, but more people than expected focus well during the class," and added, "It feels rewarding to see people gain confidence along with the completed product after going through the tough process."

Kim also has a strong attachment to the caf? on the second floor, as it reflects the ideas about furniture and small items that Rudiment pursues. From the time the building, originally a daycare center, was remodeled, Kim participated in all processes and planned the caf?. Most of the small items placed in the caf?, such as animal carvings, forks, and spoons, as well as tables and chairs commonly used in daily life, were made by him. Even without special promotion, customers who visit the caf? naturally experience the design and sensibility Rudiment pursues and want to learn the production know-how. He explained, "I wanted to let people know that anyone can design and create the living space they want," and added, "Both the caf? and the classes we run are based on this idea."

Rudiment 1st floor. Tools placed on a wooden display shelf.
Photo by Joohee Kang kjh818@asiae.co.kr

At Rudiment, they also hold events where caf? visitors can have their drawings or handwritten letters laser-engraved onto wooden coasters. It may be a small and trivial item to some, but it is part of their sincere effort to provide memorable experiences to customers visiting the caf?. Those who take the coasters home will likely cherish the meaningful time they spent at Rudiment for a long time.

Kim pointed out that the charm of the Rudiment workshop lies in visitors making the items they will use themselves and feeling the sense of accomplishment when completing them. Although it is still much more common and convenient to buy things rather than make them, items made with time and effort tend to be especially cherished.

Kim said, "Beginners usually make cutting boards, not for any particular reason, but because the shape is simple and easy to make," and added, "Also, since they are used daily in the kitchen, people often come into contact with them and enjoy the fun of feeling their own touch again." The process of wood and people coming together to create a ‘special item’ means that the effort, sweat, and care of the maker are fully embodied. The passage of time engraved in the wood deepens as it passes through human hands, and that lingering impression will likely continue to be the driving force that draws people to Rudiment.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.