Imok Smoke Dining by Project Mark: A Subterranean Journey into Smoke, Fire, and Flavor

A New Chapter in Korean Smoke Dining Culture

Imok Smoke Dining by Project Mark is a bold reimagining of a traditional Korean barbecue experience, located in the heart of South Korea. The story behind Imok begins in the quiet village of Imok-ri, Cheongju, where a small spark, kindled by the client and close friends, ignited a journey through the barbecue world — from the famed Yoo Yong-wook Barbecue in Namyoung-dong to the creation of this sophisticated dining space. Imok Smoke Dining is the culmination of years of barbecue expertise, thoughtful preparation, and a deep passion for culinary innovation.

Collaborative Vision and Design Research

Over six months, the team at Project Mark collaborated intensively with the clients to conceptualize a restaurant that would not only reflect barbecue culture but also elevate it. Through global market research, careful planning of the smoke dining environment, and the development of a distinct brand identity, the team refined the vision for Imok Smoke Dining. This collective effort led to the discovery of a site that resonated perfectly with the restaurant's story — an old 36-year-old public bathhouse ready for transformation.

From Bathhouse to "Burn-ker": A Concept Forged in Fire

After the demolition of the existing bathhouse, Project Mark found inspiration in the rugged textures of the exposed concrete walls and the irregular alignment of the structure’s planes and columns. The ambiance evoked a secret bunker — a hidden, elemental space shaped by moisture and heat over decades.

This transformation from a space born of water to one defined by fire became the conceptual foundation of Imok Smoke Dining, leading to the creation of "Burn-ker." Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a rusted iron door that hints at an underground, secretive experience. The dim glow beyond the heavy gate arouses curiosity and sets the tone for the dining adventure ahead.

Spatial Experience: Light, Shadow, and Fire

Stepping through the iron door, visitors enter a lobby illuminated by overhead light. Behind the reception desk, a Sunken Garden offers a glimpse of the ground above, reinforcing the subterranean character of the space while introducing natural elements into the dark and moody interior.

Progressing into the main dining hall, the presence of fire is articulated in multiple ways. Red lighting and humidification effects in the hall's corridor simulate the essence of flames, while private dining rooms (PDRs) feature pixel-like candle lighting, intensifying the feeling of a concentrated, personal flame. In the Sunken Garden, a primitive fire pit brings together real, digital, and smoke-based flames, symbolizing the raw power of fire at the heart of the dining experience.

Material Palette: Burnt Tones and Textural Contrasts

The interior finishes of Imok Smoke Dining embody the stages of burning wood — from the rich browns of wood to the charcoal blacks and ashen grays. This palette mirrors the lifecycle of fire, blending the raw solitude of a bunker with the passionate energy of a barbecue pit.

Furniture, lighting fixtures, and hardware were meticulously crafted in collaboration with master artisans. Embracing extreme functionalism, Project Mark designed each piece to expose the craftsmanship and authenticity of the materials. The overall effect is a space where primal instincts and refined design coexist in powerful harmony.

A Sensory Journey Through Smoke and Story

Imok Smoke Dining by Project Mark is more than a restaurant — it is a sensory journey that connects Korea’s rich barbecue traditions with a bold, architectural narrative. By fusing rugged materiality, masterful lighting, and a compelling story of fire and transformation, Project Mark has created a smoke dining experience that is both grounded in tradition and visionary in its execution.

All Photographs are works of  Cho Dong-Hyun