South Korean Architecture

An overview of projects, products and exclusive articles about South Korean Architecture

Project • By Todot Architects and PartnersHousing

Round Roofs Residence

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

NewsNews • 30 Oct 2023

25 best architecture firms in South Korea

Architecture in South Korea is distinguished by its disposition towards naturalism, simplicity and streamlined forms. Historically, South Korea's architectural landscape evolved under the influence of its neighbouring countries, particularly Japan and China, but also bore the imprint of its unique cultural identity. The nation’s tumultuous history, marked by cycles of construction and destruction, has left a lasting mark on its architecture, resulting in a juxtaposition of diverse styles and forms.  While traditional Korean architecture was notable for its deep-rooted connection with nature, contemporary architecture in South Korea embraces technology and experimentation. The last few decades witnessed rapid economic development... More

NewsDetail • 22 Jun 2023

Detail: Seosaeng House marries contemporary architecture with traditional Korean vernacular

Set on a hilltop in the Ulju-gun region of South Korea’s eastern peninsula, Seosaeng House is a multi-generational family home whose contemporary architecture marries elements of traditional Korean vernacular. Designed by London-based Studio Weave, Seosaeng House enjoys panoramic views across the East Sea. The abode’s pink-tinted concrete facade glows in the first rays of the rising sun: Seosaeng, translated literally, means “the brightening East” or “new life”. Kyung Roh In a conversation with architect Je Ahn, the founding director of Studio Weave, he tells the story of the design and construction of this family home.   A family affair “Seosaeng House was built for my family,&rdq... More

NewsNews • 18 Feb 2022

25 best architecture firms in Seoul

Although some notable buildings in the city have been built by architects working in other countries, Seoul is full of local architecture and design studios. For this article, we chose 25 architecture and design studios creating distinctive and innovative work out of offices in Seoul. Some firms have been working for decades and others are newer. Our list includes practices with hundreds of professionals as well as smaller studios. Working on buildings in Seoul and elsewhere, these 25 firms are helping to define architectural practice today.   Simple House by Moon Hoon - © Namgoong Sun 1. Moon HoonArchitect Moon Hoon studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before founding his Seoul-based firm. Moon Hoon’s... More

NewsNews • 9 Feb 2021

TOPOWALK creates a village-like appeal with careful siting of three sculptural buildings

On a site overlooking the Blue East Sea in South Korean, Architecture YEIN has completed a sculptural assembly of residential buildings around a shared common space. Yoon, Joonhwan With a difference of around two storeys from east to west across the site, the three separate buildings were sited in harmony with the natural landscape and positioned to provide views of the sea from everywhere in the complex. In the void space between the three buildings, there is an outdoor swimming pool and a large tree. Yoon, Joonhwan For the two buildings with basements, sunken spaces were designed to create environmentally comfortable underground spaces that utilize light from above the ground and winds from the west. For all three buildings, c... More