Seoul's Modern Architectural Marvels

After the end of the Korean war, Seoul, like many Korean cities, was left in shambles.  Reasonably so, rebuilding efforts were focused more on practicality than aesthetics to reconstruct the city quickly and effectively.  These days, however, Seoul's skyline is an eclectic mishmash of modern architecture, from towering cement apartment complexes to eye-catching glass and steel marvels.  Impressive modern buildings can be found just about anywhere in Seoul, a UNESCO City of Design, but there are a certain few that I think visitors should keep an eye out for while exploring the city.  Check them out below.


Ewha Womans University Ewha Campus Complex:  From above, it's difficult to distinguish just what Ewha Womans University's ECC actually is.  This is because the ingenious complex designed by French architect Dominique Perrault is mostly underground; despite this, the entire interior of the building is spacious and full of light. Merging architecture with landscape, Perrault created a functional yet tranquil space to study.  Or to enjoy one of the many facilities the building has to offer: an indie cinema, a fitness center, cafes, and boutiques.  (Get There: Ewha Womans University Station, Exits 2 and 3)


Jongno Tower:  Built in 1999, the Jongno Tower isn't the newest building on this list, but it is certainly one of the most recognizable.  Soaring 433 feet over downtown Seoul, the tower resembles a hovering UFO more so than what it actually is: a 33-story office building.  Situated on its top floor is Top Cloud, an upscale restaurant and bar, that offers diners a spectacular 360 degree view of the city in addition to live musical performances.  (Get There: Jonggak Station, Exit 3)


Seoul Central Post Office:  Seoul's Central Post Office, also known as Post Tower, was designed by the Space Group, the city's leading modern architectural firm.  Resembling a giant unzipped zipper, it's an unusual contrast to the European-style water fountain and Bank of Korea building that stand across from it.  Post Tower is especially impressive at night, when it is illuminated in lights of every color.  (Get There: City Hall Station, Exit 7; Euljiro 1-ga Station, Exit 7 towards Shinsegae Department Store; Hoehyeon Station, Exit 7.)


Urban Hive: Standing over central Gangnam like a giant cheese grater, the "Urban Hive" is one of the more memorable buildings south of the Han River.  Having been erected one floor at a time and entirely from concrete rather than with interior columns or a steel-framed foundation, the building set a new precedent for skyscraper construction in Korea.  The architect, Kim In-chul, also placed much emphasis on the human element when planning the Urban Hive.  Included in his award-winning design are a rooftop garden and 3,371 window-like holes that each offer a unique view of the cityscape.  (Get There: Sinnonhyeon Station, Exit 3)



Sangsangmadang:  Located near Hongik University, one of Seoul's top design schools, Sangsangmadang is an intriguing building that entices passerby with its imaginative facade: a curvy steel frame over an 11-story glass structure.  Although this building is impossible to miss from the outside, many often don't realize that it's interior is also worth checking out.  The unique complex houses a cinema, a performance hall, a contemporary art gallery, and a shop that sells fun and funky products designed by young Korean artists.  (Get There: Hongik University, Exit 9.)


Seoul City Hall:  Having just been completed last year, the new Seoul City Hall is arguably the most futuristic building on this list.  Situated just behind the former Japanese-constructed City Hall and overlooking Seoul Plaza, the building's facade, made of solar panels and special UV filtering glass, appears as a tsunami-like wave.  Despite the controversy this coincidence created in regards to Korean-Japanese relations, it's unquestionable that the building's design and functionality are extraordinary.




The building's interior is an interesting and somewhat mind-boggling combination of jungle and outer-space.  Escalators ascend into spaceship-like pods, installation art pieces of plastic tubing and balloons hang from the ceilings, and live plants crawl up the walls.  The energy-efficient, eco-friendly building may be the first of its kind, but I have a feeling it will certainly not be the last.  (Get There: City Hall Station, Exit 5)

Which of Seoul's modern architectural structures do you think deserve to be on this list?  Add them in the comment box below.

Words and photos by Mimsie Ladner of Seoul Searching unless otherwise noted.  Content may not be republished unless authorized.