Experience the joy of living in Heyri Art Village

motif1, a Bookstay Guesthouse in Paju

Since 2005, motif1 has welcomed over 40,000 travelers from more than 90 countries to Heyri Art Village in Paju. Known as a “global life school,” motif1 is a creative haven beloved by architects, chefs, artists, musicians, and CEOs alike.

In a beautiful library surrounded by 20,000 books, guests are warmly welcomed by actor Nari Lee—who continues the legacy of founder and writer Ansoo Lee—as they spend a night in pursuit of a creative and meaningful life.

We offer weary travelers a peaceful escape where they can recharge with inspiration and courage—discovering the quiet mystery of Midnight Heyri. For those on a journey to find life’s unanswered questions, motif1 offers a space to slow down and reconnect with oneself.

About the Founder, Ansoo Lee

Ansoo Lee began his career as a journalist and editor at a publishing house specializing in travel, music, design, and the humanities. He wrote, photographed, and created books. His work and studies took him across cities and countries, often living apart from his family. Eventually, he decided to create a haven in Heyri where artists and travelers from around the world could gather. He built and ran motif1, a bookstay often called a “global life school,” and also served as the village head of Heyri Art Village.

Now, with his wife recently retired, he has set off to begin a new chapter of life. He is now traveling the world, reconnecting with guests from over 80 countries who visited motif1 over the past 20 years. He documents these reunions in writing, sharing them as part of his journey called “Nokmyeong”—the call of a deer that has found food, inviting others to join.

He wrote One Night of a Traveler (Published by Namhae’s Spring), which captures stories of communication and connection at Motif One, and My Wife’s Time (Published by Namhae’s Spring), which explores the relationship between husband and wife and the wisdom of walking together. He also co-authored One Question to Ask Before Marriage.

@motif.1_travelog
One Night of a Traveler (Published by Namhae’s Spring)
My Wife’s Time (Published by Namhae’s Spring)

About the Host, Nari Lee

Nari Lee began her acting journey in 1994. On stage, she learned discernment and continues to shape a maturing sense of self. Acting constantly raises questions about society, humanity, the world, and the self. Though often disorienting, these questions gently guide her toward a deeper sense of order. As an actor, creator, educator, and guesthouse host, she balances many roles—each a part of a delicate yet meaningful livelihood. These diverse roles are simply different forms of communication and expressions of existence—and acting is what binds them all together.

At motif1, she engages in meaningful exchanges with guests, exploring more relaxed and sustainable ways of living together.

She has led theater workshops and staged performances with diverse marginalized communities—former comfort women in Pyeongtaek, juvenile detention graduates, runaway teens, and single mothers. She continues to develop new showcases and performances, dedicated to amplifying the silenced voices of those on the margins of society.

@naa.ri

About the Architect, Minsuk Cho

Minsuk Cho is the founder of Mass Studies and the first Korean architect invited to design the 2024 Serpentine Pavilion in London.

In 2003, when founder Ansoo Lee set his mind on building motif1 in Heyri, he approached architects from the Heyri pool—starting with the youngest, the boldest, and those with the least experience in Korea. That’s how he came to meet Minsuk Cho, who had just returned to Korea after founding and running Cho Slade Architecture in New York.

“It will be quite a challenging project,” Minsuk responded. What followed was over a year of collaboration—culminating in the design blueprint for motif1.

@mass_studies
What Makes a Great Architect?
Urban Hope | Architect Minsuk Cho of Mass Studies

photo by Yongkwan Kim