A resting place nestled between ridges
At an elevation of 1,172 meters, the Pass Observatory at Jeongnyeongchi peak offers a panoramic view of the ridges and peaks of Jirisan Mountain. This observatory replaces an old wooden structure that had stood here since 1995. The original rest stop was built on land formed by soil and rocks excavated during the construction of a parking lot south of the site. Thirty years later, the facility was deemed at risk of collapse following a seismic performance assessment and was subsequently dismantled.
The new Pass Observatory, constructed at a different location within the site, does not stand tall on flat ground but settles gently on a sloping terrain. Its roof has transformed from a dome to a flat surface. Visitors do not immediately encounter the surrounding mountains upon entering the site. Instead, they descend a set of stairs, gradually immersing themselves in the landscape. This design brings the mountains closer, offering a more intimate experience than from the entry point.
The observatory’s segmented structures, functioning as restrooms, a rest stop, and an administrative office, extend horizontally. Each unit exists independently, freely arranged to create diverse outdoor spaces. The varying heights of these structures dictate the roofline, which overlaps and aligns horizontally, mirroring the layered contours of the mountain ridges. These buildings harmonize with nature, embracing it with humility and blending in seamlessly.
The use of a gray-toned finish ensures that the structures remain unobtrusive in the natural setting. Efforts to minimize visible joints result in a monolithic form that resembles a singular rock. The exposed beams under the roofline echo the image of wind-bent pine trees on Jirisan, evoking the quiet presence of a secluded mountain temple.
The site of the dismantled rest stop has been designated a conservation area and will undergo eco-friendly restoration to regain its natural form. The parking lot has also been upgraded to an environmentally friendly facility. Equipped with comfortable restrooms, the new observatory invites visitors to pause and take in the breathtaking ridges of Jirisan.
Jeongnyeongchi Pass Observatory, adorned in the ever-changing hues of Jirisan, now stands as part of the landscape. It offers a tranquil resting spot for those embarking on the arduous traverse of Jirisan’s ridges, providing a place to marvel at the grandeur of the scenery and prepare for the journey ahead.
Project: Jeongnyeongchi Pass Observation / Location: 1523, Jeongnyeongchi-ro, Sannae-myeon, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do, Republic of Korea / Architect: Kaeul Architects (Kaeul Chae) / Project team: Moon Sang Yoo, Ki Ryun Lee, Dasom Kim, Jin Sil Heo, Yena Seo / Supervisor : Raum Architects Firm (Dong Young Kang) / Construction : Dohwa General Construction Co. / Structural engineer : I Engineering Co., Ltd / Mechanical & Electrical engineer : Daesin Inc. / Client: Jirisan National Park Jeonbuk Office / Use: Public Works Facilities / Site area: 8,919m² / Bldg. area: 397.27m² / Gross floor area: 179.32m² / Bldg. coverage ratio: 4.45% / Gross floor ratio: 2.01% / Bldg. scale: one story above ground / Structure: Reinforced Concrete / Design: 2022.9.~2023.6. / Construction: 2023.8.~2024.5. / Photograph: ©NamSun Lee (courtesy of the architect)
