Originally built in 1957, Bonum1957 boasts age-old imported materials like Spanish roof tiles, hardwood, and brass that are contributing to the sophisticated aura of the house. The owner had been planning to remodel the house that he inherited from his grandfather and turn it into a modern guesthouse until he realized that he had vast memories embedded within it. He then decided to conserve and revamp the space with architect Kim Chan-joong. Located in the Hanok-concentrated district of Gahoe-dong, Bonum1957 catches a stroller’s eye just with its three different types of roof tile. Exquisitely refurbished, the revived guesthouse sits beautifully, attracting a new wave of visitors.

This film is part of a series Open House Seoul is presenting for Open House Worldwide's Housing and the People. The series explores two themes. The first is the Elements of House, which delves into the housing culture in Korea and showcases emerging trends. It features two projects that offer alternatives to apartments, the dominant housing type in Korea. The second theme is Rewritten House and features two remodeling projects that not only extend the residual life of old houses but attempt to reconfigure their purpose and utility altogether.