The word "space" carries multiple layers of meaning. The first thing that comes to mind is an empty margin, but that alone is insufficient. Space can serve as a framework for containing something, and it is also used to express the heart that accepts someone.
Space can also refer to a physical area or the necessary distance within relationships. However, regardless of the meaning used, space itself possesses a certain power.
In English, space is called "space." It may seem empty, but in reality, space is never truly vacant. While it may seem just filled with air, even the same air changes depending on the atmosphere inherent in it. This applies to the temperature of light, the concentration of scents, and even the echoes of speech.
Thus, we often change our behavior according to the atmosphere provided by the space. Just as the same person shows entirely different attitudes in a cathedral compared to a bar.
There is someone who believes in the power that space provides. It is Kim Young-kwon, the representative of "PLAYA." The space he envisions is one where anyone can comfortably relax and naturally interact with each other. The name "PLAYA" is also aligned with that philosophy, as it means "beach" or "shore" in Spanish.
Representative Kim hopes that PLAYA becomes a sanctuary amid the arduous daily life. This is why various facilities have been prepared to help release stress healthily. Within the 630 pyeong space of PLAYA, there are various recreational facilities including a lounge, tennis, badminton, screen golf, fitness, and a music listening room.
What he is particularly proud of is the high-quality experience. For example, the indoor tennis court is built to the same hard court specifications as the Australian Open, with a ceiling height of up to 5 meters. The fitness center has equipped cutting-edge tools that analyze the body to enhance exercise efficiency. The shower room floors are finished with "Hinoki" wood, allowing users to feel the scent of nature after exercising. Additionally, there is a lounge located in a separate building that offers meeting spaces, including a restaurant, where meals can also be enjoyed.
Representative Kim's dream is for PLAYA to transform into a space that alleviates mental distress rather than just being a simple meeting place. He also noted that he wants to create a more "naturally consolidated space" that facilitates interaction among members.
He has ambitions to expand not only in Seoul but also into major cities in Asia. The reason is that there are many leaders, both domestically and abroad, who share similar concerns about living "healthily in body and mind" and have a common need to "connect with good people."
Representative Kim hopes that PLAYA will become that "leisure" in customers' lives. He wants to create spaces worldwide where people can feel a sense of sensory connection to nature, similar to a beach where one can dip their toes in, and find a margin of rest.
―Please introduce yourself briefly.
“I am Kim Young-kwon, representative of the private wellness membership club PLAYA. We are also involved in real estate development, brand planning, and operations. Our company dreams of creating a world free of mental distress by solving life’s problems through the creation of new cultures via space. After working for seven years at Daelim Construction, I established the current PLAYA."
―What sparked your interest in space?
“I had a vague dream of wanting to build a school during my university days. I worked on a project with the NGO "Save the Children," where I collaborated with a team of 10 to raise funds through a platform called "Agora," and we produced and sold notebooks, raising about 20 million won. With this money, we built a school in Nepal, and I helped with the construction and organized a sports festival. That experience made me witness the "power of space," which is why I joined a construction company unrelated to my major, a semiconductor department, after graduation."
―What do you think is the power of space?
“I believe that space creates people's attitudes. For example, in a dark space, listening to music with good sound can clear one’s complicated thoughts and help regain a personal rhythm of emotion. In a space like a concert with tens of thousands of people present, individuals can interact without prejudices toward each other. This is the essence of the power of space, to facilitate certain attitudes and restore the essential aspects of ourselves."
―So, what kind of place is PLAYA?
"PLAYA is a private membership club. It primarily targets socially influential leaders such as businesspeople, investors, and creators in their 30s and 40s. Inside the facilities, various programs and spaces, including tennis, fitness, screen golf, lounges, and dining, are organically connected. It is not merely a place for exercise but aims to be an 'oasis in the city' where leaders can relieve stress and naturally engage with one another.
―In focusing on stress, how do you relieve it yourself?
"I cannot avoid stress either. However, I relieve it by working out with members, getting personal training, or playing badminton. Sometimes I use the sauna. Above all, I find the greatest comfort when members express satisfaction with the space and provide positive feedback."
―What facilities does PLAYA offer?
"Located at 212 Dosan-daero, the 'PLAYA Lounge' is a three-story building. The first and third floors are spaces for meetings or relaxation over coffee or tea while the second floor houses a restaurant operated in collaboration with various chefs. Wine is also available.
PLAYA at 742 Nonhyeon-ro covers an area of 330 pyeong, featuring a full indoor tennis court, badminton court, screen golf, fitness, and music listening room. The tennis court has the same flooring specifications as the Australian Open and offers a pleasant experience with a ceiling height of 5 meters.
―I am curious about the equipment in each facility.
"In the fitness zone, there are 'BioStrength' machines from the Italian brand 'Technogym.' These machines provide customized workouts based on the user's body data, allowing for efficient and precise exercise. The screen golf operates in private booths, and a separate badminton court is also available. The shower room floors are finished with Hinoki wood, allowing individuals to enjoy the scent of nature while resting after workouts. Alternatively, there is also an audio room equipped with high-end audio, where one can spend time alone while listening to music."
―I heard you handpicked the furniture and lighting as well.
"The aspect I focused most on in spatial planning and presentation was expressing 'Korea's' unique identity, different from the Eastern images of Japan or China. The furniture and lighting were chosen with this in mind. From global brands such as Cassina, Fritz Hansen, and Herman Miller to collaborations with domestic artists like Shin Yoo, it’s a diverse selection. Since it has been carefully prepared for customers, I am confident that the unique sentiment of PLAYA will be felt."
―What distinguishes PLAYA from existing membership clubs?
"While existing clubs focus on facilities, PLAYA centers around community. Membership is established through recommendations from current members, enabling trust-based networking. There are many instances where natural conversations during workouts lead to collaborations or introductions of candidates for hiring."
―What is the membership structure like?
“There is a lifelong membership system and a deposit system. You can view it as about half the cost of hotel membership. Facilities can be used freely without additional costs, with expenses incurred only for food. As the number of members increases, prices will gradually rise."
―What do you consider wellness?
“I believe wellness can be experienced when solving customers' problems. It includes issues such as fatigue or low energy, difficulty in meeting people, and relieving the tiredness of daily life. PLAYA aims to not only provide simple programs but to transform the states of customers."
―What are PLAYA's long-term goals?
“First, the goal is to accommodate a maximum of 600 members in Seoul. After that, we plan to expand mainly into the Asian market. I want to extend to cities like Bangkok, Tokyo, and Singapore. I hope to create a global network hub for Asian entrepreneurs and investors where leaders from different countries can connect and interact as one community."
―Are there any other projects you are working on?
“I am preparing to launch a sauna brand in Seoul and am also working on a wellness retreat development project in collaboration with a company that owns 30,000 pyeong of land in Jeju. I want to continue creating spaces where unresolved emotions and fatigue from daily life can be restored."
―Do you have any messages for those visiting PLAYA?
"Though it is a private membership, you can invite acquaintances to enjoy the facilities together. I hope that everyone who experiences the space and services can momentarily forget their stress and have a comfortable time. I believe that the greatest value we can offer is a space where individuals can inspire each other, spend time both separately and together, and find their own rhythm."