Korean architecture

HAEUNDAE GALBI HOUSE has been rooted in one place since 1964 and has become a landmark representing Haeundae. It began as a small establishment with just three rooms, but around 1970, when the Gyeongbu Expressway opened and Haeundae Beach started attracting more tourists, the restaurant grew alongside the development of the area. Over time, three hanok-style buildings were constructed, and modern structures were added above them, resulting in its current form. Now operated by the third generation, it carries 60 years of history and is preparing for a century-long legacy. Dahae Park In the past, the restaurant embodied many symbolic elements: tiled roofs, a traditional gate, trees, a courtyard, alleys between buildings, low horizontal... More

There is a place where people of Seoul may have heard at least once when they think of Cheongnyangri District, which is Gyeongdong Market. It is Seoul’s largest traditional market since 1960, and it naturally started by the trade of herbal medicines that came from all parts of the country to this particular transportation hub area. As you enter the center of the market, you can find at a glance a very unique red brick building. Mingu Kang The two-story building was originally built in 1955 for the purpose of a cow feed warehouse; five years before the Gyeongdong Market was established. The building was once the center of this market, where merchants came in and out every day, but gradually was abandoned and forgotten over time.... More

Round Sky and Angular Ground The phrase, “The sky is round and the ground is angular.” is an old-saying found in the Chinese astronomic book, Zhou bi suan jing. Ancient Fareast Asians acknowledged the boundary between the sky and buildings as curves. For that reason, traditional Korean buildings have distinctively curved roof lines. We took a philosophical approach in terms of designing building rather than the curved form itself. KSPNC KSPNC Jinbo Choi Jinbo Choi Filling the Triangular Site The shape of the site is unusually triangular which dissects a road that meets its one sharp corner. Sitting right in front of the Mungyeong City Hall and the Mojeon Park, the site open to outdoor spaces in the neighbo... More

The Yeongjongdo Onnuri Church stands as a unique religious center on a developing island near Seoul, South Korea. Its design integrates the symbolic form of Noah's Ark with the practical concept of upcycling dismantled ship hulls. The building's bow, pointed skyward, serves as a powerful visual reminder of the ark. Kim YongKwan Kim YongKwan Kim YongKwan This project promotes the concepts of scale, ready-made elements, and sustainable reuse. Fragmented sections of the recycled ship's hull become integral parts of the church's architecture. Steel, a readily available and highly durable material, finds renewed purpose in its elegant, curved forms. Kim YongKwan Kim YongKwan The inspiration for this "Up-cycling" approa... More

It’s a restaurant that opens its doors in the Condesa neighborhood, designed by the Mexican firm WORC, whose concept arises from recreating the authentic flavors of Seoul’s street food in Mexico City. It is a space that serves as a stage for friends to share, immersing visitors in Korean culture through design and gastronomy. Zaickz Moz Zaickz Moz   Upon entering, a red neon sign welcomes diners with the inscription “KDMX AUTHENTIC STREET FOOD,” inviting them to experience a space where a small lobby, long tables, and a kitchen island and restrooms for the restaurant are located. Zaickz Moz Zaickz Moz The main challenge of this project was to combine the Mexican context with the contempora... More

The Hanok Heritage House, the 73-acre hospitality complex near Seoul, revises the traditional Korean hanok architecture for modern use. This project preserves and evolves cultural heritage, forging connections between nature and humanity. By bridging centuries-old wisdom with cutting-edge innovation, we create spaces that honor traditional principles while meeting contemporary needs.  Listen Communication Listen Communication Hanok, a culturally significant and time-honored Korean architectural style, remains one of the most valuable heritage assets. The client envisioned a bold reinterpretation of hanok for the modern era—one that would challenge outdated perceptions of discomfort and impracticality, while celebrating... More

As online platforms for wealth management become more sophisticated, the financial industry needs to evolve and be innovative in the management of customer assets. The global trend towards digital banking justifies the introduction of smart offices and it is influencing the way companies set up their daily workflow. Daehye Known as the tallest skyscraper in the world when it was first constructed in 1985, ‘63 Square’ remained South Korea’s tallest commercial building until the early 2000s. As one of the most recognizable landmark silhouettes of the Seoul skyline, the golden 63 Building boasts magnificent unobstructed panoramic views of the Han River. The Business Development team at Hanwha Asset Management understand... More