Korean architects have long been exploring the expressive qualities of concrete and have created a diverse and ever-evolving range of architecture across the capital city Seoul using the material.
These structures are celebrated in a new architectural guide by Blue Crow that highlights its most unique and influential examples, from the 1960s to now.
Take an armchair tour of Seoul’s best brutalist buildings and concrete landmarks.
Eunpyeong Public Library
By Jae-hwan Kwak, 2001
This building – which won the 2001 Korea Architecture Award – recalls the shape of a sports stadium with its tiered structure, which is embedded into its sloped, forested site. To make the most the views over surrounding areas, it has multi-levelled outdoor terraces fronted with box-like covered areas.
Photography: Yongjoon Choi
Dr Seo’s Women’s Clinic Building (Arium Office Building)
By Chung-up Kim, 1967
Chung-up Kim has utilised concrete’s sculptural abilities to create the mushroom-like balconies on this 1967 building. A column structure with a grid-like steel frame filled in with glazing provides a utilitarian counterpoint to these soft, organic shapes.
Photography: Yongjoon Choi
Kyungdong Presbyterian Church (interiors)
By Swoo-geun Kim, 1981
Huge projecting concrete arches makes the interior of this 1980s church look like a cave passage. Its exterior is a red brick structure formed of block-like shapes, designed in the shape of praying hands. Natural light from the ceiling illuminates the altar, which takes centre stage.
Photography: Yongjoon Choi
Kim Ok-Gil Memorial Hall
By In-cheurl Kim, 1998
The square concrete arches infilled with frameless glazing create the illusion that this building is open to the elements. The forms are also staggered, creating a repetition of open and closed spaces. The exposed concrete structure forms the walls, ceiling and flooring inside the building.
Photography: Yongjoon Choi
Mimesis Art Museum
By Álvaro Siza Vieira & Jun-sung Kim, 2009
Two curved wings with cantilevered top floors form the main part of this sweeping all-concrete building. Ambient lighting emphasises the eclectic collection of geometric forms that feature in its white interior by creating a contrast between light and dark.
Photography: Yongjoon Choi
Hands Corporation
By Chan-joong, 2013
The wavy, lattice-like outer shell of this building – built as offices for the headquarters of Hands Corporation – features oval window openings that curve outwards to make space for balconies. The curved windows and balconies, which are reminiscent of Gaudi’s whimsical style, frame the city views.
Photography: Yongjoon Choi
Interrobang
By Sae-min Oh, 2014
A zigzagging staircase wraps around the outside of this concrete multi-use building. It towers over the street below but its bulky concrete form, with cantilevered boxy top floor, is made lighter with recessed shapes and square openings, which allow light into the structure.
Photography: Yongjoon Choi
Paul Smith (now Heritique New York aka the Marshmallow)
By Chan-joong Kim & Taek Hong, 2011
This futuristic building built as a Paul Smith store has been given the nickname the Marshmallow for its squished white structure and soft edges. The concrete shell, which is entered through a curved entrance with a yellow frame, features circular windows in a bubble-like pattern on its sloped roof.
Photography: Yongjoon Choi
Kkummaru at Seoul Children’s Grand Park (old Seoul Country Club House)
By Sang-jin Ra, 1970; renovation by Sung-yong Joh & Choon Choi, 2011
Architect Sung-yong Joh was tasked with demolishing and rebuilding this temple-like concrete structure by the city authorities and he advised them to keep it. He saved it from the wrecking ball and remodelled it as a visitor’s centre, retaining much of its original features.
Photography: Yongjoon Choi
