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NEWS
MVRDV design gold-tinged Paradise City entertainment zone for South Korea's Winter Olympics
POSTED 20 Jul 2016 . BY Kim Megson
A golden 'sunbeam' can be seen by passengers flying into nearby Incheon Airport Credit: MVRDV
MVRDV have revealed their design for Paradise City; a 9,800sq m (105,500sq ft) entertainment plaza in Seoul, South Korea.

Located close to Incheon Airport, the complex will feature a boutique hotel, food-court, galleries, a spa, retail space and a nightclub. It will open in time for the 2018 Winter Olympic games, and will act as a tourist hotspot for visitors to the city – with a mono-rail link connecting it directly with the airport.

Local studio Gansam Architects have designed the wider masterplan for the complex, while MVRDV have created two buildings – called the Sandbox and Nightclub – which will house the bulk of the amenities.

The windowless structures have been described by MVRDV as “fluid but monolithic,” with the flowing façades designed to emulate “draping curtains” that entice visitors inside.

The buildings share an architectural language with the surrounding urban landscape, with concrete castings that reflect the exteriors from the surrounding structures.

A golden spot floats over the Nightclub building and the plaza in front, creating “a blast of light before the contrasting dark interior.” MVRDV co-founder Winy Maas described this feature as “a sunbeam that makes its presence known even from the air and the landing planes at Incheon airport.”

Glass flooring inside the buildings will reveal the inner-workings of the site, including the underground service areas and car park.

Construction is expected to begin in September 2016.

An interview with MVRDV founders Jacob van Rijs, Nathalie de Vries and Winy Maas – in which they discuss their architectural philosophy and drive “to do things differently”features in the newly released issue of CLADmag.
Construction on the project is set to begin in September Credit: MVRDV
The flowing façades designed to emulate draping curtains that entice visitors inside Credit: MVRDV
The complex will feature a boutique hotel, food-court, galleries, a spa, retail space and a nightclub Credit: MVRDV
The windowless structures have been described by MVRDV as 'fluid but monolithic' Credit: MVRDV
The buildings will share an architectural language with the surrounding urban landscape Credit: MVRDV
RELATED STORIES
  FEATURE: In conversation: MVRDV


From flooding old shopping malls to revolutionising housing, MVRDV’s founders like to do things differently
  MVRDV's new library features a giant reflective 'eye' at its heart


MVRDV are nearing completion on a reflective “hollowed-out” library in Tianjin, China.
  'Vagueness should be killed': MVRDV's Winy Maas calls for more clarity in architecture


MVRDV co-founder Winy Maas has said architects should do more to instil clarity and purpose into their work.
  Could MVRDV's transparent Infinity Kitchen revolutionise restaurant design?


Restaurants of the future could look a lot lighter because of Dutch architects MVRDV’s latest creation: a fully transparent glass kitchen.
MORE NEWS
One in three spa practitioners have considered leaving the industry due to concerns about their own wellbeing
A new survey of UK and international spa practitioners shows that stress, burnout and wellbeing concerns have caused one in three respondents to consider leaving the industry.
UK updates physical activity guidelines with focus on daily movement
The UK's four Chief Medical Officers have published a refreshed edition of Physical activity guidelines: UK Chief Medical Officers' report, updating the evidence that underpins the nation's physical activity recommendations and placing greater emphasis on strength, balance, reducing sedentary behaviour and, for the first time, supporting people taking weight loss medications.
Sauna advocate Becky Pelkonen drafts global public sauna-bathing charter
Becky Pelkonen, the sauna advocate and researcher, has unveiled the draft of a global public sauna-bathing charter.
Marriott International partners with Fitwel for wellness solutions across its residential portfolio
Marriott International has partnered with Fitwel, a healthy building certification system that aims to optimise occupant health.
+ More news   

FEATURED SUPPLIERS

HPO Tech brings design-led hyperbaric systems to the spa floor
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has moved well beyond the clinic and spa operators represent the fastest-growing market for the technology. [more...]

Elemis launches its first Red Light Mask, lighting the way to advanced skin health and restoration
Elemis has branched into LED skincare with the launch of its breakthrough Red Light Mask. [more...]
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COMPANY PROFILES
BC Softwear Ltd

Founded in 2002 by Barbara Cooke, we provide expertise in crafting premium spa linen, towels, bath [more...]
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Founded in 2009 as a Dutch family business, Bellezi brings more than 20 years of experience in treat [more...]
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CATALOGUE GALLERY
 

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DIRECTORY
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DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
10-12 Sep 2026

ASEAN Patio Pool Spa Expo 2026

MITEC Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia, Malaysia
+ More diary  
 
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©Cybertrek 2026
Uniting the world of spa & wellness
Get Spa Business and Spa Business insider digital magazines FREE
Sign up here ▸
News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
NEWS
MVRDV design gold-tinged Paradise City entertainment zone for South Korea's Winter Olympics
POSTED 20 Jul 2016 . BY Kim Megson
A golden 'sunbeam' can be seen by passengers flying into nearby Incheon Airport Credit: MVRDV
MVRDV have revealed their design for Paradise City; a 9,800sq m (105,500sq ft) entertainment plaza in Seoul, South Korea.

Located close to Incheon Airport, the complex will feature a boutique hotel, food-court, galleries, a spa, retail space and a nightclub. It will open in time for the 2018 Winter Olympic games, and will act as a tourist hotspot for visitors to the city – with a mono-rail link connecting it directly with the airport.

Local studio Gansam Architects have designed the wider masterplan for the complex, while MVRDV have created two buildings – called the Sandbox and Nightclub – which will house the bulk of the amenities.

The windowless structures have been described by MVRDV as “fluid but monolithic,” with the flowing façades designed to emulate “draping curtains” that entice visitors inside.

The buildings share an architectural language with the surrounding urban landscape, with concrete castings that reflect the exteriors from the surrounding structures.

A golden spot floats over the Nightclub building and the plaza in front, creating “a blast of light before the contrasting dark interior.” MVRDV co-founder Winy Maas described this feature as “a sunbeam that makes its presence known even from the air and the landing planes at Incheon airport.”

Glass flooring inside the buildings will reveal the inner-workings of the site, including the underground service areas and car park.

Construction is expected to begin in September 2016.

An interview with MVRDV founders Jacob van Rijs, Nathalie de Vries and Winy Maas – in which they discuss their architectural philosophy and drive “to do things differently”features in the newly released issue of CLADmag.
Construction on the project is set to begin in September Credit: MVRDV
The flowing façades designed to emulate draping curtains that entice visitors inside Credit: MVRDV
The complex will feature a boutique hotel, food-court, galleries, a spa, retail space and a nightclub Credit: MVRDV
The windowless structures have been described by MVRDV as 'fluid but monolithic' Credit: MVRDV
The buildings will share an architectural language with the surrounding urban landscape Credit: MVRDV
RELATED STORIES
FEATURE: In conversation: MVRDV


From flooding old shopping malls to revolutionising housing, MVRDV’s founders like to do things differently
MVRDV's new library features a giant reflective 'eye' at its heart


MVRDV are nearing completion on a reflective “hollowed-out” library in Tianjin, China.
'Vagueness should be killed': MVRDV's Winy Maas calls for more clarity in architecture


MVRDV co-founder Winy Maas has said architects should do more to instil clarity and purpose into their work.
Could MVRDV's transparent Infinity Kitchen revolutionise restaurant design?


Restaurants of the future could look a lot lighter because of Dutch architects MVRDV’s latest creation: a fully transparent glass kitchen.
MORE NEWS
One in three spa practitioners have considered leaving the industry due to concerns about their own wellbeing
A new survey of UK and international spa practitioners shows that stress, burnout and wellbeing concerns have caused one in three respondents to consider leaving the industry.
UK updates physical activity guidelines with focus on daily movement
The UK's four Chief Medical Officers have published a refreshed edition of Physical activity guidelines: UK Chief Medical Officers' report, updating the evidence that underpins the nation's physical activity recommendations and placing greater emphasis on strength, balance, reducing sedentary behaviour and, for the first time, supporting people taking weight loss medications.
Sauna advocate Becky Pelkonen drafts global public sauna-bathing charter
Becky Pelkonen, the sauna advocate and researcher, has unveiled the draft of a global public sauna-bathing charter.
Marriott International partners with Fitwel for wellness solutions across its residential portfolio
Marriott International has partnered with Fitwel, a healthy building certification system that aims to optimise occupant health.
Anna Bjurstam steps down from Six Senses to build new company Wahayla
Anna Bjurstam has left her role as Wellness Pioneer at Six Senses Hotels and Resorts and launched a new wellness, longevity and “consciousness consultancy” called Wahayla.
Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, opens with spa philosophy of ‘Wellness without Walls’
Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, has opened today (10 July) in the Northwest of England with a 1,715sq m Fairmont Spa that has been designed using a ‘Wellness without Walls’ concept.
+ More news   
 
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

HPO Tech brings design-led hyperbaric systems to the spa floor
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has moved well beyond the clinic and spa operators represent the fastest-growing market for the technology. [more...]

Elemis launches its first Red Light Mask, lighting the way to advanced skin health and restoration
Elemis has branched into LED skincare with the launch of its breakthrough Red Light Mask. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
BC Softwear Ltd

Founded in 2002 by Barbara Cooke, we provide expertise in crafting premium spa linen, towels, bath [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
10-12 Sep 2026

ASEAN Patio Pool Spa Expo 2026

MITEC Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia, Malaysia
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS