HAEAHN architecture: seoul memorial park

hidden in a valley among the woo-myun mountains, korean practice HAEAHN architecture has erected the ‘seoul memorial park’. the crematorium sculpts the landscape with a new ethos to conclude life’s journeys in a peaceful and natural environment. the path to the building is deeply rooted in the site, gradually growing and peeling out of the ground so as not to disrupt the serenity of the topography, eventually leading to a descending winding roof structure.

aerial view
image © park youngchae

the progression through the sequence of spaces marks the different stages of passing, all focused around a comforting black-stone reflecting pool. the long exterior entry driveway opens to the procession hallway, clad in neutral polished marble tiles. large vaulted ceilings and indirect lighting create a spiritual ambiance with a dramatic crescendo at the crematorium hall and finally a meandering garden brings one back to nature, to be reminded of the natural cycle of time as is present in the surrounding panorama.

reflecting pool
image © park youngchae

arrival driveway
image © park youngchae

procession path
image © park youngchae

(left) farewell room
(right) cremation hall
images © park youngchae

aerial view

site plan

floor plan / level 0

elevation

elevation

elevation

model
image © park youngchae

model
image © park youngchae

project info:

date of completion: 2012
site area: 36,000 sqm
gfr: 18,000 sqm
client: seoul municipal facilities management corporation 2009 winning competition entry and 2012 built project by HAEAHN architecture.