Sseuim: A Versatile Furniture Design for Korean Saunas

Enhancing the Sauna Experience with Innovative Posture Support

Kihyun Ahn, a renowned designer, has created a remarkable furniture piece called Sseuim, which means "to use freely" in Korean. This innovative chair is specifically designed to assist with various postures performed in Korean saunas, offering a new level of comfort and relaxation.

Sseuim provides users with the freedom to experience different postures such as lying down, sitting, leaning, and even sleeping, according to their will and purpose. It creates a private space within the open environment of a Korean sauna, allowing individuals to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

What sets Sseuim apart is its incorporation of natural elements inspired by the spatial characteristics of Korean saunas and the convergence of various cultures. The design features elements reminiscent of mountain ranges and stones, providing a sense of balance and harmony.

One of the key strengths of Sseuim is its versatility in saunas and spas. It enables users to adopt the free postures commonly practiced in Korean spas, offering a unique and comfortable experience. The chair's shape, resembling natural mountains and stones, enhances the overall aesthetic appeal and complements the heat and ambiance of the sauna.

The realization of Sseuim involved a combination of traditional Korean woodworking techniques and modern technology. The pieces were meticulously crafted using CNC machines and then assembled to achieve the desired results. This intricate production process seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary manufacturing methods.

With dimensions of 2300mm x 850mm x 650mm, Sseuim is designed to accommodate individuals of various sizes, ensuring optimal comfort for all users.

The project, led by Kihyun Ahn, in collaboration with Lee Yechan and Choi Jun Hyun, commenced in Gongju City, Korea, in March 2021 and was completed in December 2021. The finished design was exhibited at the prestigious Korea Craft Trend Fair, garnering attention and acclaim.

Prior to the creation of Sseuim, extensive research was conducted to understand the diverse postures and preferences of individuals in Korean saunas. Visits to various saunas and surveys were conducted to gather insights on the most rejuvenating forms of rest. The design team incorporated these findings, integrating the natural elements of Korea's mountains and rocks into the sauna experience, resulting in a chair that caters to all postures.

The design process presented several challenges, particularly in capturing the essence of Korea's national identity. Finding a shape that harmoniously blended ergonomic comfort with the unique aesthetics of a Korean space proved to be a demanding task. However, through perseverance and creative problem-solving, the team successfully overcame these obstacles, resulting in the exceptional design of Sseuim.

Sseuim has been recognized for its outstanding design and creativity, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2022. This prestigious accolade acknowledges the incorporation of best practices in art, science, design, and technology, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

Experience the ultimate relaxation and comfort in Korean saunas with Sseuim, the innovative furniture design that combines functionality, aesthetics, and cultural elements.