I lived in Seoul, Korea from 2008 to 2012. At first in the diplomatic area of the military base and then in Seoul per se. The diplomatic area was an enclave of large identical white semi-detached homes on the base. It was surreal! Not always in a good way. Subsequently I lived in Bogwang-Dong. Korea is a very modern city. And so today I take you down memory lane. Some of these buildings were there in my day some not. A lot has changed in 5 years.
The Hyundai Pavilion by Unsangdong Architects was completed in 2012. It’s Hyundai! It has to reflect all that is modern and futuristic. Read more here.
New Seoul City Hall – iArc Architect – 2013
This addition was just starting when I lived in Seoul. I had no idea what it would evolve into. Stunning! I’m a huge fan on contrasting additions. Additions that have a dialogue with but don’t try to imitate the original structure. If interested you can read more here.
The Hundai Development Corporation Headquarters designed by Daniel Libeskind was completed in 2005. The facade is called “Tangent”. I always loved the whimsy of this facade.
Liberty Lounge by Simplex Architecture – 2016
This lounge bar has a blackened steel curtain which creates the exterior wall. Amazing what variations you can get with what is not considered a noble material.
The Floating Islands by Haeahn Architecture & H Architecture – 2011. More about their story here.
These three Floating Islands represent three phases of a bloom. They float! But are secured in location. Which made it handy when deciding lets go the “island”, for a coffee, to know it would be there in the same location.
The lighting is spectacular. LED lights everywhere. I remember thinking a building was just acceptable if some part of it didn’t change colour on a regular basis. I’m sure this photo does not represent a static image or colour.
Twin Tree Towers design by BCHO Architects
“The facades are formed to mimic the shape of old tree trunk”
Click here for additional perspectives.
Gallery Yeh. Unsangdong Architects.
What a captivating facade. More pics here.
Gyeongju Tower
Completed in 2007 the tower is 82 meters high. Always loved this building. Consistently marveled at the juxtaposition of tradition and modern.
The House of Dior – designed by Christian de Portzamparc in 2015. The architect wanted the building to reflect Christian Dior’s work “woven white cotton fabric”. There should be a coffee shop across the street to sit and appreciate the building. Wait it’s Seoul there is a coffee shop. Or you can enjoy the coffee shop within and enjoy the view of these shapes from the other side.
Incheon Tri Bowl by iArc Architects 2010.
The goal with this building was to create a landmark. I think yes this should do it. Incheon is in fact 60 minutes from downtown Seoul – it is where the airport is situated and a major meeting and conference area.
The Kring Kumho Culture Complex / Unsangdong Architects 2008
Important in this case to specify the neighbourhood: Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Of course you remember PSY with Gangnam Style. Well this is Gangnam Style. Gangnam is the Beverly Hills of Seoul. I tutored a group of ladies. When at one point I talked real estate with them and spoke about a million dollar apartment Ottawa their response was of not being impressed. So needing to explore the options I was told a million dollars could get you a nice apartment in a so so area of Seoul. Or a so so apartment in a nice area. Knowing I was sitting in a great apartment in Gangnam I just had to pursue the conversation. Eventually we got to a value of approximately 4 million dollars. The song was a parody of what Gangnam actually is.
Seoul Memorial Park Haeahn Architecture / UnSangDong Architects – 2014
If the goal was peace and serenity I`d say it was attained.
Seongdong Cultural & Welfare Centre – 2012
Having a great appreciation for interesting staircases consider me in bliss. Ask me about Bar Bliss someday…
The Bampo Bridge
The Moonlight Rainbow Fountain was conceived in 2009. It is the world`s longest water fountain bridge. Worthy of Seoul – World Design Capital 2010 it is spectacular. The waters dance, the colours change, and music plays. Go have a coffee on one of the floating islands and there’ll be another show by the time you come back. The bridge has two levels. Drivers on the lower level can pull off in specifically designed areas to pause and enjoy the spectacle. If you`d like to see the video, make yourself a coffee and enjoy it’s beauty from your armchair.
ChonGae Canal Restoration Project / Mikyoung Kim Design 2007
The project was to cleanse surficial and sub grade runoff and turn it into this delightful 11 kilometre long garden. It was a great place for a walk or to sit and enjoy an ice cream cone.
Namsan Seoul Tower Jangjongryui 1971
At the top of my favoure park and mountain Namsan Tower may not be as tall as the CN Tower but when measured from sea level holds its own. Plus climbing to its base on a regular basis provided a great workout.
