Rethinking
the Tourist Rest Area

Creativity Turns Hwangmaesan Mountain¡¯s
Rest Area into a Local Landmark

Hwangmaesan Mountain in Gyeongsangnam-do Province gets more than 700,000 visitors a year. Many people visit the mountain in the spring and fall. In the spring, rhododendrons cover the mountain, while in the fall, silver grass takes over its wide-open plains.

There is a famous spot at Hwangmaesan Mountain just as popular as the area¡¯s rhododendrons and silver grass: a recently opened ¡°tourist rest area¡± called Between the Rhododendrons and Silver Grass. How did a tourist rest area become as popular as Hwangmaesan Mountain itself?

Another Reason
to Visit Hwangmaesan Mountain

There was a locally run two-story restaurant sitting on the spot Between the Rhododendrons and Silver Grass now occupies.

The restaurant was demolished last year, and local residents used their own money along with funds from Hapcheon County to build the new tourist rest area.

The demands of the local people were clear: They wanted to construct a facility that would be as practical as existing tourist rest areas. From their perspective, they wanted to build something they could make a profit from.

Government representatives and the architects, however, had a different idea. Rather than something simply practical, they wanted to build a beautiful and refined building that would mesh with Hwangmaesan Mountain¡¯s natural environment. They were certain that, despite losses in the short term, the tourist rest area could offer visitors other kinds of experiences over the long term. Following several debates and meetings, the government representatives and architects succeeded in convincing locals of their plan.

A Structure in Harmony with Nature

Between the Rhododendrons and Silver Grass was designed with the clear goal of ¡°harmony with Hwangmaesan Mountain,¡± starting with its appearance to even the materials used in the construction process. The building was designed as a one-story, flat-roofed structure that would not obstruct views of the mountain and plains. It was built with a concrete frame, and finished with metal and glass.

The metal used on the structure¡¯s exterior was designed to ¡°corrode¡± away with the passage of time, just like its natural surroundings. The dark brown metal achieves harmony with the pink rhododendrons in the spring and the green silver grass in the summer, presenting a palette of complementary colors. In the fall, the shimmering silver grass helps accentuate the structure¡¯s soft colors and, in the winter, the building becomes an unmissable feature in the snow-covered plains.

Visitors take in Hwangmaesan Mountain from the rest area.

A Local Landmark

Between the Rhododendrons and Silver Grass has grown popular for breaking the existing paradigm surrounding tourist rest areas, which have generally focused on convenience and practicality. Just as the architects and local government officials predicted, the structure has become a local landmark. It was even a winner of The Good Place Award in 2021, along with two other architectural awards that recognized its significance, philosophy and beauty.

It is more than just a sight-to-see, but a landmark highlighting local culture. Local markets are held there, along with cultural events and other activities organized by local residents. Local pride in the rest area is high given that the structure is both a meaningful and beautiful addition to the area.

Between Rhododendrons and Silver Grass

In July, the colors of the rhododendrons fade, while the silver grass has yet to bloom. People may think it¡¯s not a great time to visit Hwangmaesan Mountain; however, July is actually the best month to feel how splendid the tourist rest area¡¯s structure looks. The month also highlights the sense of presence given off by both the green silver grass and the dark red building.

July is the best time to visit the green slopes and plains of Hwangmaesan Mountain, where a unique-looking building that ties together the beauty of rhododendrons and silver grass awaits.