white oak angular chair by sukchulmok reinterprets korean jige carrying tool

mok-03, jige chair draws from Korean wooden carrying tool

Sukchulmok Studio unveils a chair inspired by the traditional Korean wooden carrying tool, the jige. This chair reinterprets the utilitarian design of the jige, once widely used in Korea for transporting goods until the 1980s. Its structure features 600 mm white oak dowels, supporting a 1200 mm-wide bundle of branches placed on top. Beyond its practical use, the jige also carries nostalgic value—it was a unique ‘window to the world’ for children riding atop a load of firewood on their father’s jige.

all images by Hong Seokgyu

oak, tree branches, and metal joints shape sukchulmok’s chair

The chair integrates metal inserts at the joints for enhanced durability while maintaining the signature inclined design. The woven horizontal element, crafted from branches, echoes the jige’s function of carrying consumable items. This component can be replaced with other materials, showcasing the structure’s adaptability and flexibility.

With the support of happ Studios, the designers at Sukchulmok achieved the chair’s angular design with exacting craftsmanship. This piece marks the beginning of Sukchulmok’s vision for a series of furniture integrating steel, wood, and stone.

sukchulmok studio’s jige-inspired chair showcases a balanced sense of proportion

mok-03 stands 1200mm tall and features branches 1200mm wide placed on top

a woven horizontal element of branches mirrors the jige’s load-carrying functionality

metal inserts at the joints enhance the chair’s durability while preserving its iconic inclined design

the unique wooden chair maintains precise angles and a distinct structural design

the jige, commonly used as a carrying tool in Korea, is also known as an A-frame carrier

the piece reflects Sukchulmok’s commitment to storytelling through furniture

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this launch marks Sukchulmok’s dedication to blending tradition with modern craftsmanship

precision craftsmanship by happ Studios brings Sukchulmok’s angular design to life

sukchulmok studio's 3D sketch allowed for precise visualization before production

project info:

name: mok-03, jige
designer: sukchulmok | @sukchulmok

lead designer: Park Hyunhee

joint structure consulting and fabrication: happ studios | @happ_studios

photography: Hong Seokgyu | @seokgyuhong

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom