Inus Opens 'Huam Byeolchae Inus,' an Urban Bathroom Retreat

Inus, 'Huam Byeolchae Inus'.
[Photo by The Inus]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] Bathroom specialty brand Inus is opening 'Huam Byeolchae Inus,' an urban resort in Huam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, with the concept of 'Bathcation (Bath+Vacation) in the city.'

Huam Byeolchae Inus is collaborating with the 'Urban Sympathy Cooperative Architects Office (Urban Sympathy),' which is carrying out an urban regeneration project centered on Huam-dong, where the appearance of Seoul from 60 to 70 years ago is still preserved despite the busy city.

Since 2016, Urban Sympathy has been renovating old houses in Huam-dong to create shared spaces where single-person households can enjoy the joy of home that they have not fully experienced. They have introduced Huam Byeolchae, Huam Kitchen, Huam Study, and Huam Living Room in different buildings within Huam-dong.

Inus prepared 'Huam Byeolchae Inus' with the concept of a bathroom resort in the city by combining the sanctuary 'Huam-dong' in Seoul with the bathroom as a space for rest and healing in daily life. Huam Byeolchae Inus is largely composed of a bathroom space with the atmosphere of a natural rock cave and, in contrast, a minimal and bright-toned resting space. From the entrance to various indoor spaces, everything is connected like a single painting, allowing visitors to feel the quiet and sensuous atmosphere of Huam-dong even indoors.

In particular, the bathroom space reflects the interior trend of preferring 'comfort of nature' indoors in the pandemic era by creating a rock cave atmosphere. Tiles that preserve the rough texture of stone and a bathtub arranged to show green landscaping filled with nature give the feeling of enjoying a spa outdoors. Additionally, a Hinoki (Japanese cypress) bathtub from the Spasis Hinoki Edition is placed, offering the feeling of forest bathing with the unique scent of phytoncide, a natural antibacterial substance.

Conversely, the resting space is decorated with a bright and calm minimalism interior using white color and a deep orange color that captures the feel of earth. This space is equipped with multifunctional furniture inspired by a traditional Korean floor table that can be used as both a table and a bed, a mini kitchen, tea, and utensils.

Considering that the bathroom at home is purely a personal hygiene, rest, and healing space, only one person can use 'Huam Byeolchae Inus' per day. It operates on a 100% reservation basis, and reservations can be made from 9 a.m. on the 15th through the Naver reservation page. Usage time is available for up to 6 hours between 1 p.m. and midnight the next day. The entrance fee is 53,000 KRW on weekdays and 60,000 KRW on weekends.

Ma Jung-san, Executive Director of Marketing at Inus, said, "As fatigue of body and mind has accumulated due to the long-lasting COVID-19 pandemic, we prepared this project to provide an opportunity to heal in a safe and sensuous space," adding, "We hope visitors take time to rest in the bathroom as if traveling in the warm atmosphere unique to Huam-dong."

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