Seven Island Coffee: A Serene Retreat on Gadeokdo Island

Located on Gadeokdo Island, Busan, South Korea, Seven Island Coffee by mttb is more than a cafe, it is an immersive architectural experience. Completed in 2024, this 1,467 m² space unfolds across three floors and seven connected buildings, each aligned along unique axes to face the surrounding seven islands. This deliberate arrangement captures the ever-changing landscapes, offering visitors a distinct perspective at every turn.

Architecture Inspired by Nature

Unlike South Korea’s east coast, Gadeokdo Island is scattered with islands, providing a dynamic coastal landscape. The architects embraced this context, designing each building to respond individually to its immediate surroundings while remaining part of a cohesive whole. This approach creates a fluid experience where indoor and outdoor spaces merge, inviting exploration and contemplation.

Spatial Experience

The cafe’s interior is conceived as a journey through the island’s story. Visitors can wander through tranquil corners, discover hidden spaces filled with unexpected delights, or gather in communal areas. Each building’s axis offers a unique view and spatial narrative, allowing patrons to feel connected to both the natural environment and the broader architectural ensemble.

Light and Shadow as Narrative

The design employs a subtle yet powerful visual identity. The light-colored second floor evokes the image of the island floating above the sea, using minimalist forms to convey independence and serenity. In contrast, the dark-colored first floor symbolizes the part of the island beneath the water, creating a dramatic three-dimensional interplay of light and shadow. This contrast reinforces the duality between exterior and interior, surface and depth.

A Humanistic Island

At its core, Seven Island Coffee explores the balance between connectivity and independence. It emphasizes human interaction, forging emotional connections between people and the spaces they inhabit. Visitors experience a narrative that intertwines the natural surroundings, architectural design, and social engagement, making every visit a memorable journey.

All photographs are works of  Yongjoon Choi