donghoon sohn converts fish boxes from busan market into nostalgic furniture series

furniture by Donghoon Sohn repurposes fish boxes

The Fishbox series by Donghoon Sohn is inspired by the wooden fish boxes from the Busan Cooperative Fish Market, a site of childhood play for him in South Korea’s largest port city. Once used for fish auctions, these boxes are repurposed by market merchants into worktables and stools. Sohn’s design process draws on traditional manual techniques for constructing the fish boxes, addressing the challenges posed by the nails and industrial staplers typically used, which can be hazardous. He also focuses on the drying method to eliminate odors, which mirrors the fish-drying process under the hot sun. The Fishbox series collection features a chair, a high chair, and a side table. 

all images courtesy of Donghoon Sohn

The series honors the wooden Fishbox craftsmanship

Donghoon Sohn highlights the standardized characteristics of the boxes, revealing how material limitations can inspire new forms. The diverse wood species, often twisted and deformed by moisture, become elements that inform the design. Additionally, the letters and numbers inscribed during the distribution process serve as a historical record and an engaging graphic feature, adding to the Fishbox series narrative. As wooden fish boxes decline due to the rise of easier-to-clean plastic alternatives, the Korean designer’s work serves as a tribute to their craftsmanship and cultural significance. While still in use for high-value fish, many boxes are discarded, prompting a sense of urgency to document their legacy.

Donghoon Sohn delves into furniture design inspired by wooden fish boxes

once used for fish auctions, these boxes are repurposed by market merchants

sohn’s design process draws on traditional manual techniques for constructing the fish boxes

Busan Cooperative Fish Market was a site of childhood play for Donghoon Sohn

the Fishbox series collection features a chair, a high chair, and a side table.

revealing how material limitations can inspire new forms

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the letters inscribed during the distribution process serve as an engaging graphic feature

many boxes are discarded, prompting a sense of urgency to document their legacy

the Korean designer’s work serves as a tribute to wooden fish box craftsmanship

wooden fish boxes decline due to the rise of easier-to-clean plastic alternatives

project info:

name: Fishbox series
designer: Donghoon Sohn | @atelier_sohn

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edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom