Old Ferry Donut Café by Studio GIMGEOSIL – A Modern Korean Twist on the Classic Donut Shop

Located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, the Old Ferry Donut Café by Studio GIMGEOSIL is more than just a dessert destination—it’s a cultural statement. While the name might suggest a purely American influence, the space delivers a distinctly Korean aesthetic, blending tradition with contemporary design. This 86 m² café, completed in 2022, reinterprets traditional Hanok-inspired elements to create an inviting, Instagram-worthy environment for locals and tourists alike.

Design Concept – Fusing Tradition with Modern Café Culture

The client envisioned a café that could showcase Korea’s own version of delicious donuts to a global audience. The design brief was clear: incorporate traditional Korean architecture and design elements while keeping the space fresh and modern for today’s café-goers.

From the foundation stones and folding screens to folk paintings, the design team wove heritage into every detail. Materials like lauan plywood, walnut, brass, and stone add natural warmth and a timeless feel. The diamond-shaped cornerstone at the coffee bar draws inspiration from the foundation stones of Hanok houses, while Moru glass—designed to mimic Hanok-style wooden slats—cleverly conceals storage spaces.

The moving partition with shelving echoes the aesthetics of a traditional folding screen, while also functioning as merchandise display space. Silk wallpaper adorned with printed folk paintings humorously integrates donuts into classical Korean imagery, creating a perfect blend of playfulness and nostalgia.

Maximizing Space in a Unique Layout

Despite its modest floor size of around 50 square meters, the café’s standout feature is its soaring 7-meter-high ceiling. This vertical space amplifies openness while allowing for creative lighting and ventilation solutions.

To ensure that natural light and the panoramic street views remain unobstructed, custom-made 7-meter-long lighting fixtures were installed above the bar and on the opposite wall. Air conditioning units were discreetly placed at three separate locations to minimize exposed pipes and visual clutter.

Furniture – A Subtle Nod to Donut Shapes

The furniture breaks away from the stereotypical round donut shape, opting instead for subtle variations. Stainless steelwas chosen for its durability, easy maintenance, and sleek modern appearance. Seating incorporates the café’s signature blue, with cushions and backrests in sky blue and mint tones to stand out against the exposed concrete exterior.

All outdoor furniture was designed to withstand UV rays and rain, ensuring longevity. The combination of strong materials and vibrant colors reinforces the brand’s identity while providing a playful contrast to the raw industrial backdrop.

Brand Identity – Casual Yet Iconic

The Old Ferry Donut brand identity carries through every design choice. From the bold blue seating to the traditional-inspired interior features, the café manages to feel casual while still holding an unmistakable visual personality. This is a space where Korean tradition meets café culture—ideal for both everyday coffee breaks and memorable tourist experiences.

A Contemporary Cultural Landmark

In an era where café culture thrives in Seoul, the Old Ferry Donut Café sets itself apart through storytelling design. It not only serves freshly made donuts but also offers visitors a journey through Korean craftsmanship, heritage, and modern lifestyle—all in one bite and one glance.

All the photographs are works of Donggyu Kim