Food & Drink
Busan’s Seven Island Café wins global architecture award
haps Magazine Korea
August 3, 2025
(Seven Island)
A café on Gadeokdo Island in Gangseo-gu District has gained international acclaim after being named the 2025 winner of the Prix Versailles in the restaurant category.
The Seven Island Café opened in July last year and has now become Busan’s first recipient of this prestigious global architecture award, often referred to as the “Oscars of Architecture.”
Since the announcement, Seven Island has quickly transformed from a quiet coastal café into a prominent architectural landmark.
The Prix Versailles, organized with support from the French Ministry of Culture and UNESCO, honors exceptional design in eight categories, including airports, hotels, museums, and restaurants.
Seven Island stood out among global finalists, competing alongside high-end establishments like Ducasse Baccarat in Paris and The Smoked Room in Dubai.
Inspired by the seven islands surrounding Gadeokdo, each part of the café was designed to frame a different coastal view.
The black-toned first floor represents a submerged island, while the white second floor reflects light and openness.
Landscaping elements, including trees set along cliffs, were designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature.
The building was designed and constructed by Irim Architecture and ANG Architecture, with interiors by Mttb. The project spanned four years from conception to completion.
Beyond its architecture, Seven Island functions as a cultural venue, hosting local art exhibitions, live jazz performances, and interactive drawing events. Plans are underway to launch a signature coffee brand featuring imported beans. A locally operated artisan bakery and a scenic sunset terrace have also drawn attention, helping to boost its popularity.
With this recognition, architectural tourism is emerging as a new driver of Busan’s appeal.
International interest has grown rapidly, with visits from overseas professionals, including a recent group of Taiwanese architects, and increased social media attention reinforcing its status as an “award-winning café.”