cities change every day. familiar alleys are given a new twist, and unfamiliar landscapes become the backdrop for everyday life. the Seoul Architecture Prize, whichbegan in 1979, recognizes outstanding public, artistic, and technological architecture in Seoul, and has been honoring works that have enhanced the quality of the city.

서울 건축상 수상작 발표 서울건물 건물 — COFFEE AUDITORIUM, winner of the 43rd Seoul Architecture Prize

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2025 Theme: ‘Seoul-ness: Multi-Layered City’

this year’s 43rd edition of the award focused on futuristic interpretations of Seoul’s uniqueness, identity, and locality. the eight selected works will be exhibited at the 17th Seoul Architecture & Culture Festival 2025in September at the Bukchon Cultural Center and Nodleseom Multicultural Space. from August 1-15, the public will be able to vote through Seoul’s mobile voting app, Embossing, and the top vote-getters will receive an additional special award for civic empathy.

this year’s winners at a glance

grand Prize – Core Dismantling System

design by: Hanyangyu Han (Fuhahaha Architects)

the building’s innovative structure minimizes interior columns by boldly dismantling and exteriorizing the building’s central core, creating a sense of open space and abundant natural light. the flexible floor plan that responds to changes in use within a simple composition was highly praised. the building is planned to be the headquarters of fashion brand This is Never That.

grand Prize – Futura Seoul Excellence

designed by Jonghwan Baek (WGNB), Wonbang Kim (PSPTVS Architects)

located in Gahoe-dong, Jongno-gu, this cultural platform carefully reflects the context of Bukchon and the cityscape. the natural flow between indoors and outdoors, the movement between art and everyday life, and the effect of light that changes with the time of day are in line with the theme of a ‘multi-layered city’. since its opening, it has attracted attention with large-scale exhibitions such as Repik Anadol and Anthony McCall.

grand Prize – Excellence, eComfortable World Kodok Urban Bridge

architects: Heebeom Yang (Siaplan Architects), Yi Seo Jeon (Jeon Architects)

the ‘open complex’ redefines the relationship between apartment houses and the city. the design features a structure that naturally communicates with the outside world, a plaza in the center of the complex as a community platform, and a variety of heights and more than 20 types of units to meet the needs of different living styles.

excellence Award (Public) – Seoul AI Hub/MegaFloor

design: Mijung Lim (STPMJ Architects)

the design aims to create a research and work environment centered on sharing and collaboration. the ‘A’-shaped core is the axis, with work/research on the north and east sides and variable shared spaces on the south and west sides. community staircases and voids connecting the floors open up sight lines and movement, sparking unexpected collaborations.

runner-up – Hwayeonjae (Next Door to Donamjang)

design by Lee Sang-dae (Spaceyeon Architects)

a single-family house that incorporates the memory of the modern cultural property ‘Donamjang’ into a new residence. a huge rock found on the site was rearranged in the yard to restore the symbolic landscape of the site. a central hall illuminated by two skylights and a gently curved two-story corridor intersect traditional and modern, personal and urban memories.

honorable Mention – Coffee_Venues/City_Venues

design: sungmin Kim (Maps Architects)

a complex cultural space with 5 floors above ground and 1 floor below ground, with a gross floor area of approximately 1,255㎡. the magnificent curtain wall façade secures openness and symbolism, and is currently operated as the JM Coffee Gentlemen’s Lounge. the design intention is read as a stage that connects daily programs and urban performances.

honorable Mention – Middle East High School Wonik Hall

design: yoon Sunkyung (Proto Architects), Choi Hyun Jo (Nal Architects)

this expansion project creates an organic connection between learning, travel, and recreation in response to the introduction of the high school credit system. although only about 10% of the total gross floor area, the project creates a multilayered spatial experience for self-study and relaxation, and serves as a trigger to change the rhythm of the school day.

emerging Architecture Award – Grid 149

design: kim Mi-hee (Soo Soo Architects)

a neighborhood living facility and multifamily housing in Songpa-gu, Seoul. the residual space of the sloping site is actively utilized, and a repetitive grid is used to control daylighting, privacy, and openness at the same time. the apartment also presents an alternative residential landscape in the city.

exhibition-Voting Guide Summary

exhibition: september, 2025 17th Seoul Architecture and Culture Festival (Bukchon Cultural Center, Nodle Island Complex, etc.)
citizen voting: August 1-15, mobile ’embossing’ (for the winning entry)
additional Awards: Special Citizen Empathy Award
this year’s theme: Seoul-ness: Multi-Layered City