Leaving the cramped urban landscape behind and arriving in the expansive wilderness awakens something that has always been there but often overlooked: the gentle light filtering through leaves, the rhythmic ebb and flow of the sea, and the whispering breeze that tickles your cheek. This is a scene where the tightly wound routines of daily life loosen up. Park Eun-ju and Lee Ju-heon, the fifth protagonists of "Exploring New Beauty," are architects who emphasize the importance of living in harmony with nature. Warm breezes blow across their white hilltop house, "Grove Hill," and the shimmering surface of the distant sea glistens. At Dongsan-ri's marker, "A Heart as Vast as the Sea," let’s listen to the story of these two architects who sought to share a sea-like heart.

Lee Ju-heon Our firm, EJH Architects, focuses mainly on small and medium-sized projects like residential buildings and community facilities. Grove Hill, which we designed and now operate, was conceived as a staycation space where guests can book and spend the night. We prefer not to hire staff, dividing our responsibilities within what we can manage.

Park Eun-ju Grove Hill. Our primary residence is in Bundang, not Yangyang. Bundang is over two hours away by car, so we wanted to experiment with the concept of a second home rather than a primary one. Recently, there’s a trend called "Odoichon," where people live in the city during the week and move to the countryside on weekends. We tried to infuse this space with our tastes and ideas.

Lee Ju-heon I lived as a child in Songjeong, Gangwon Province, for about a year. Since then, I’ve had deep affection and fond memories of the East Sea. I wanted our children to experience those moments, too. Compared to Gangneung and Sokcho, Yangyang is more family-oriented, and the shallow waters are perfect for kids. It’s not overly commercialized, has just the proper infrastructure, and exudes a peaceful vibe. Although my wife had no previous ties to the area, she was drawn to its cleanliness and tranquility.

Park Eun-ju The road in front of Grove Hill in Dongsan-ri is beautiful. Dongsan-ri doesn't attract many outsiders, so most locals here take good care of their homes. The place is uniformly charming. We didn't want to construct something massive out of sync with the Dongsan-ri vibe. We aimed to create a building that would gently blend into the street. Usually, there should be another building between the two we already have, but we didn't want to add anything extra to Grove Hill.

Park Eun-ju Yes, we hope people feel a sense of ease here. From the stairs of Grove Hill, you can see layers of colorful rooftops and, at the very end, a glimpse of the sea. That alone is enough for us. In the winter, you can see Daecheongbong of Seoraksan Mountain from afar when it snows. The sea, faint in the distance, and the peak, revealed only in the snow—these small things touch me deeply.

Lee Ju-heon I know my limits yet desire many things (laughs). I love classic items like old cars with green license plates. I've even approached their owners at rest stops, asking if they’d sell them to me. I enjoy objects that have good aesthetic appeal.
Park Eun-ju I love small, cute things. Like planting and harvesting strawberries in the garden, I find happiness in simple pleasures. My eldest son has inherited my temperament. He's quiet, gentle, and diligent about his tasks. My daughter, the second child, is in the fourth grade. She's shy yet bright and outgoing.

Park Eun-ju My daughter can spend hours by the sea. Last week, she took her paddleboard out and played for an hour or two. I think she’s incredibly energetic, just like her dad. On the other hand, my son, who's now in the ninth grade, used to love it but seems to have lost interest. A few years ago, he enjoyed the sea, but not anymore. I hope the children will rediscover their love for outdoor activities once they grow up.
Lee Ju-heon Some people in Yangyang have kids training to become professional surfers. I admire how they make the most of the sea here. It's not easy to come across such opportunities. Our kids will eventually enjoy it more since the chance is here.

Park Eun-ju Urban life is often repetitive and rigid, but nature is unpredictable and diverse. I find a lot of inspiration in that unpredictability. Watching the sun beam down or the rain gently fall sparks new ideas. They say high ceilings significantly boost creativity, so I hope our children spend less time indoors and more time outside. Things might not go exactly as we wish, but simply giving them these opportunities is meaningful.

Park Eun-ju With retirement in mind, we purchased the Grove Hill site, thinking we'd use the land for camping since we love it. But work rarely aligns perfectly with our intentions. As architects, we decided to create a space that reflects our preferences, leading to what Grove Hill is today.
Lee Ju-heon If possible, we'd like to stay in Dongsan-ri for an indefinite period. I'd love to serve as village chief one day (laughs). In Hawaii, a village called Haleiwa isn't a bustling commercial hub like Waikiki but a local area where people surf. I want to be a village architect who helps Dongsan-ri develop while preserving its regional character, much like Haleiwa.

Park Eun-ju My husband dreams of a "house on wheels." He prefers traveling in a caravan with family to simply spending time indoors. He wants us to roam together and share experiences. After all, the things you can do at home are limited. Like creating Grove Hill and spending time in Yangyang, we'd like more outdoor activities with the family.

Park Eun-ju Our travels aren't as elaborate as those of other families. Travel often requires planning a specific date and destination, which can be burdensome. Instead, we decide to head out spontaneously. When we worked corporate jobs, we'd often work late on Friday nights, then leave that night or at dawn on Saturday and return late Sunday night. My husband said these trips helped him de-stress, allowing him to face another week. So, it was more of a routine than an actual journey.

Park Eun-ju Just as growing and harvesting strawberries brings joy, I'd like them to understand the happiness that comes from small things. Instead of lamenting what's lacking through comparisons with others, I hope they find gratitude and joy in what's given. The accumulation of these little things can be a powerful force.
Lee Ju-heon I hope the kids can be broad-minded, generous, and open, like nature.

Lee Ju-heon Our love for nature and travel. The way Grove Hill blends with the village and nature mirrors our desired way of life.
Park Eun-ju Grove Hill embodies the pleasures of small things: the fresh green grass emerging, the sedges and flowers swaying in the breeze, the distant sea and Daecheongbong, and the cascading starlight—all these things.

Lee Ju-heon Managing a stay has allowed us to meet various people. Meeting new folks each week has broadened our horizons. If we were once frogs in a well, now we see the world more expansively.
Park Eun-ju Being overwhelmed by work was routine when we only lived in the city. We'd find respite in weekend camping, but it was fleeting. Here, living close to nature is incredible. We can do some gardening, see the sea, stargaze, and find peace through these moments of rest.

Park Eun-ju Moments with family. I always feel a surge of pride when I see my husband walking hand in hand with our son and daughter. How our son, who has grown tall, puts his arm around his father's shoulders or takes care of his younger sister makes me cherish our family and fills me with happiness. My phone is filled with photos of their backs as they walk together.
Lee Ju-heon For me, it's also time spent with family. At Grove Hill, we often grill meat together. I'm not much of a cook, but I always insist on grilling meat when we camp. It gives me immense satisfaction and joy.

Park Eun-ju ‘Happiness in the present moment.’ I tend to find joy in small things, so I try to gather these small moments of happiness. I value being healthy and happy in both mind and body. Whether starting Grove Hill or building a family and raising kids, every choice has been made to achieve happiness. These small joys combine to fuel our lives.
Lee Ju-heon I share a similar perspective. It's essential to be satisfied with your current situation. Instead of striving tirelessly for something special, focusing on what you already have is better.