The Modulor, 3 apples tall
Korea catches cabin feverA weekend getaway, in every sense of the term, is finally a concept that Koreans can discover in the form of bed-and-breakfasts, or colloquially known as 'pensions.' These new lodges are modeled after summer and winter homes of the rich in various countries of the world.
Some 500 establishments have been built in Korea so far. And their waiting lists stand at about two months. Besides breathing life into a stale tourism industry, the architecture is improving the landscape and spurring creativity. In the competition, one such pension was creatively themed after the Smurfs. A cluster of six mushroom dwellings squat in a valley of pension stays on Anmyeon Island - a rapidly growing nest for these getaways. Rooms are named after characters from the show: Papa Smurf, Baby Smurf and Smurfette. Inside the clay structures are a double bed, TV, table and kitchen. The round walls are an alarming earth-yellow, but give the room a warmth that is hard to find in a high-rise hotel. The point is to be cozy for two days, and then return to the monotonous cubicles of your office.
* Ray, 12/11/2003 10:19:19 AM
