Seven Island Café: Busan’s Architectural Marvel Earns Prestigious Prix Versailles Award
In a remarkable feat for South Korea’s burgeoning café culture, the Seven Island Café located on Gadeokdo Island in Busan’s Gangseo-gu District has achieved international acclaim by winning the prestigious Prix Versailles award in the restaurant category for 2025. This accolade, often dubbed the “Oscars of Architecture,” recognizes outstanding architectural design across the globe, and Seven Island has notably become Busan’s first establishment to receive this honor.
The café, which opened its doors in July of the previous year, has swiftly transitioned from a tranquil coastal retreat frequented by locals to a celebrated architectural landmark. The Prix Versailles, organized under the auspices of the French Ministry of Culture and UNESCO, seeks to highlight exceptional design in various categories, including hotels, museums, and restaurants. Competing against high-profile contenders such as Ducasse Baccarat in Paris and The Smoked Room in Dubai, Seven Island Café has distinguished itself with innovative design that harmonizes with its breathtaking coastal environment.
The architectural inspiration behind the café arises from the seven small islands that surround Gadeokdo, with each segment of the café meticulously crafted to frame a unique and picturesque coastal view. The café’s design features two distinct stories: the first floor, enveloped in rich black tones, embodies the essence of a submerged island, while the second floor, characterized by its light and airy white hues, symbolizes openness and the expansive sea. This evocative design allows visitors to feel intimately connected to the surrounding landscape.
One of the most striking elements of the Seven Island Café is its integration with nature through thoughtful landscaping. The property’s design includes strategically placed trees and natural features along the cliffs, creating a seamless transition between the café and its stunning coastal environment. This natural aesthetic is a reminder of how architecture can enhance rather than detract from the beauty of its surroundings.
The collaborative expertise of Irim Architecture and ANG Architecture, along with the interior design work of Mttb, culminated in a meticulous four-year process from conception to completion. The resulting structure is not just a café; it functions as a vibrant cultural venue, hosting an array of local art exhibitions, live jazz performances, and interactive drawing events.
To cater to diverse culinary tastes, the Seven Island Café has plans in motion to introduce its own signature coffee brand, utilizing premium imported beans. Additionally, a locally operated artisan bakery within the café aims to complement the gastronomic experience. The café is further enhanced by its scenic sunset terrace, which has garnered significant attention from both locals and visitors, thereby boosting its popularity as an essential stop for both architectural and culinary enthusiasts.
With the recognition from the Prix Versailles, there is a growing trend of architectural tourism emerging as a key attraction for Busan. This shift is evident in the increasing number of international visitors, including architects from Taiwan and other countries, drawn to the café’s esteemed design and its rapid rise to fame on social media platforms. The descriptor of “award-winning café” has quickly resonated, elevating Seven Island Café into a symbol of modern architectural achievement.
In conclusion, the Seven Island Café exemplifies how a thoughtful intersection of architecture, culture, and nature can create an extraordinary experience for visitors. As architects, designers, and culinary experts increasingly converge on this site, the café is poised to remain at the forefront of architectural innovation and community engagement in Busan.
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