© matter better / Photography: Yongjoon Choi

Situated on the eastern suburban outskirts of Busan, right smack on the coast and overlooking the expanse of the Korea Strait, the newly opened off.o is nothing short but a coffee parlour extraordinaire. At 588 sqm. (6,329 sq.ft.), the venue isn’t just exceptionally spacious, it’s also captured by three separate yet interconnected buildings and spread over two levels that make the most of its scenic location. The interior design, created by Seoul-based practice matter better, is an unadulterated exercise of understatement that adds to the venue’s hospitality experience. The middle structure features off.o‘s main entrance and also accommodates an elongated service counter, separate bakery bar and kitchen, and it’s from here where the hordes of customers proceed to one of the various seating areas in the two adjacent other buildings. As said, the interior settings are minimalist, an intentionally so, allowing the scenic landscape and lush nature to take a front seat. The chosen aesthetic is inspired by simple geometric elements, resulting in a minimalist and meditative ambience marked by clean lines. Materials used include eco-friendly wood, wood veneer, tiles and special paints that all add to the carefully constructed ambiance. So, off.o is first and foremost a café serving coffee, but also offers tea variations, ice cream, and a slew of fresh pastries.

off.o
860 Gijanghaean-ro, Gijang-eup (Gijang-gun)
46078 Busan
Telephone: +82 51 7225585
Daily 11am-9pm

© matter better / Photography: Yongjoon Choi