Why Korea's Architecture May Be Its Next Big Thing | Momentum

Introduction of Hallyu and Seoul's Architectural Renaissance

• South Korean pop culture, or Hallyu, has gained immense global popularity in just 25 years, drawing over 200 million fans and projected to nearly double global spending on Korean cultural products to $143 billion by 2030 (27s).
• Seoul was recently crowned "Best City of 2024" by designers and creatives around the globe, reflecting the worldwide interest in South Korean culture, including its buildings and cityscapes (35s).
• The South Korean capital is experiencing an architectural renaissance, embracing the nation's skill in merging tradition with innovation, with every building telling a story of cultural pride and vibrant creativity (1m7s).
• South Korea's architectural identity was heavily influenced by Confucian values and the oppressive legacy of Japanese colonial rule in the past, but is now evolving to blend tradition with global trends (1m54s).
• Architects in Seoul are reshaping Korea's urban landscape, fueled by the progressive tastes of the nation's youth, the global ascent of the Korean cultural wave, and renewed appreciation for the country's rich heritage (2m34s).

Teo Yang Studio's Design Philosophy

• Teo Yang, founder of Teo Yang Studio, emphasizes the importance of finding a narrative for a space and understanding the history and memory of the site to translate tradition into the present (3m7s).
• Teo Yang Studio's design approach involves researching traditional elements, such as early 1900s traditional housing, to create a sense of home and highlight the site's history, as seen in their project for Blue Bottle Coffee (3m26s).
• According to Teo Yang, design and architecture can signal Koreanness by understanding the history and memory of the site, and utilizing tradition as a resource to create spaces that speak to the present and teach valuable lessons (4m16s).

Traditional Korean Architecture and its Influence on Modern Design

• Contemporary Korean architecture is building on the past in a mindful way to shape the future, as seen in the traditional Korean houses, or hanoks, which seamlessly integrate environmental influences into their design (4m47s).
• Traditional Korean architecture emphasizes simplicity, natural materials, and balance, as seen in the use of stone, wood, and sand in courtyard designs, reflecting the old Korean saying "geom-ibullu hwaibulchi," which means simple but not humble, and beautiful but not extravagant (5m4s).
• This design philosophy is guided by the principle of finding a balance between living, coexisting with others, and coexisting with nature, which is reflected in the simplicity and fluid forms of Korean architecture (5m30s).
• In modern Korean architecture, this philosophy translates to sleek and glossy exteriors with hanok principles, which involve erasing decorativeness and focusing on the essence and pure things in life (6m7s).
• Architects like Teo Yang use natural materials and simple architectural languages to create a sense of history and naturalism in their designs, often incorporating materials with narrative value, such as persimmon wood (6m36s).
• The use of natural lighting and the concept of the middle courtyard are also essential elements in contemporary Korean architecture, which is characterized by a return to basics with a modern twist (7m15s).
• This modern twist involves redefining what luxury means, with a focus on slowing down and embracing traditional values, as well as incorporating technology like 3D printing and AI to breathe new life into design traditions (7m32s).

Teo Yang's Multidisciplinary Approach and the Use of Technology

• Teo Yang's multidisciplinary approach to design, which includes medicine, cosmetics, and perfumes, is driven by a mission to explore Korean tradition and local value, and to find new ways to express these values through different subjects and materials (8m18s).
• The use of 21st-century technology to revive traditional design elements, such as 3D scanning and printing earthenwares, is also a key aspect of contemporary Korean architecture and design (8m49s).

Renegotiating Korean Identity in Architecture

• The renegotiation of what it means to be Korean is a driving force behind the work of Korean architects, who are creating large-scale public projects, commercial and retail spaces, and everyday living spaces that reflect a modern Korean identity (9m47s).

Studio Gaon's Architectural Approach

• Studio Gaon, voted the best architecture studio in Korea by Architizer for the last two years, views architecture as a story of people's lives and a dream of the land, emphasizing harmony and balance between the land, people, nature, and families (10m26s).
• In Korean architecture, land is seen as a flow encompassing mountains, rivers, and the universe, and achieving harmony between these elements is crucial (10m33s).
• Studio Gaon's approach to architecture is a careful art of balancing the history of the land and the needs of modern living, often combining or repurposing spaces to create freedom and flexibility (11m19s).
• Korean architecture has maintained its core themes of harmony and sustainability since the 14th century, when hanoks were first constructed, and these elements can be modernized and globalized (11m52s).
• Korean architects like those of Studio Gaon focus on various structures of space and attitudes towards the land, rather than imitating specific morphologies, to create a sense of flow and time in their designs (12m15s).
• The land is viewed as a part of a larger nature, rather than a separate piece, and architects strive to respect and understand this connection (12m43s).

Korean Architecture's Global Recognition and Influence

• Korea's creative sectors have generated significant revenue, and the global spotlight is now on Korean architecture as a part of the Hallyu cultural movement (12m57s).
• The increased connectivity of the world through networks and the internet has led to a greater awareness and appreciation of Korean culture, including its architecture (13m20s).
• In creating modern Korean spaces, architects emphasize the need to adapt rather than adopt traditions, building homes that reflect the current Korean lifestyle (13m50s).
• The challenge lies in preserving the essence of traditional Korean homes using modern materials, such as timber and bricks, while still honoring the original spirit of Korea (14m18s).

Minsuk Cho and the Serpentine Pavilion 2024

• Korean architects, such as Minsuk Cho, are making their mark beyond Seoul, with Cho being commissioned to design the Serpentine Pavilion 2024, an annual attraction in London that showcases international architects who push the boundaries of contemporary architecture (14m53s).
• Minsuk Cho's design for the Serpentine Pavilion features a central open space called "madang," which reflects light and is kept almost empty to allow for various events and activities, reflecting the idea that madang is a space where people can be themselves and belong (15m24s).
• The concept of madang is rooted in Korean culture, where it serves as a collective space for various activities, and Cho's design is a vertical translation of a traditional Korean hanok, incorporating this concept into his architecture (16m33s).
• Cho believes that architecture is a reflection of culture and society, and his design incorporates elements of Korean culture and history, making it a social practice that reflects the way people want to use and occupy spaces (17m12s).

Defining "Koreanness" in Architecture

• The question of what defines "Koreanness" in architecture is complex and difficult to pinpoint, as it is influenced by a long history, common history, and significant social, political, and economic changes (18m14s).
• Korea's economic miracle and social upheaval may have driven Korean architects to develop a new language that revives traditions within a fresh landscape, incorporating elements of material culture, natural ecology, and social conditions (18m34s).
• Minsuk Cho's architecture is influenced by his Korean heritage and upbringing in Seoul, as well as his experiences working overseas, and he aims to create spaces that reflect the complexities and diversity of Korean culture (17m32s).
• Korean architecture is constantly evolving, influenced by new ideas while maintaining its traditional roots, as tradition is not fixed and is only useful when it has an element of change (18m52s).

Seoul's Urban Landscape and its Influence on Architecture

• The country's natural landscape has significantly influenced architects to create cutting-edge designs that harmonize with their environment (19m28s).
• Seoul, a rare metropolis that started from mountainous terrain, was built with consideration for feng shui, or "pung-su," which emphasizes harmonious coexistence with nature (19m46s).
• The Serpentine Pavilion 2024, designed by a chosen architect, aims to bring people together, serving as a model for society by providing an intimate space for collective moments and individual activities (20m13s).

The Purpose and Importance of Architecture

• Architecture is about understanding people, their needs, and how to improve their lives, making it a problem-solving profession (20m53s).
• Staying true to one's roots is essential in a globalized world, and Korean architecture's rich cultural traditions have helped it gain global attention and accolades (21m8s).
• Korean architecture is a tactile experience, with features like "ondol" (heated floor) that create a unique connection between people and buildings (21m27s).

The Uniqueness of Seoul and Contemporary Korean Architecture

• The unique aspect of Seoul is its unpredictability, offering a diverse experience for foreigners who visit the city without prior expectations (22m0s).
• Contemporary Korean architecture is revolutionary and exciting due to the country's confidence in its cultural identity and the reinterpretation of its traditions and urban heritage by visionary architects (22m29s).

South Korea's Cultural Influence and the Future of Korean Architecture

• South Korea's cultural influence is evident globally, ranking as the world's sixth most culturally influential nation in the 2021 Good Country Index, with popular groups like BTS and Blackpink (22m46s).
• Korean architecture is expected to be the country's next major export, contributing to its growing renaissance and establishing it as a global cultural powerhouse. (23m0s)
• This renaissance is anticipated to propel South Korea forward and provide an economic boost. (23m8s)
• In South Korea, the ability to reimagine and innovate is seen as a key factor for success. (23m14s)