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🇰🇷 South Korea /Culture & Society

Seoul appoints Hanyang University professor Lee Chang-mo as chief architect

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon appointed Lee Chang-mo, a professor of urban engineering at Hanyang University, as the fifth Seoul Chief Architect.
  • Lee's term will run for two years, during which he will plan urban and architectural policies and advise on spatial policies and major projects.
  • The city is also considering changing the title to 'Seoul Chief Planner' to better reflect the expanded scope of the role.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has appointed Lee Chang-mo, a professor of urban engineering at Hanyang University, as the city's fifth Chief Architect. Lee's two-year term, beginning July 6, 2026, will involve planning urban and architectural policies and providing expert advice on spatial strategies and significant development projects.

Lee Chang-mo brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as a member of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Policy Advisory Committee and the Central Urban Planning Committee. He also chaired the Seoul Real Estate Normalization Special Committee during Oh's mayoral campaign in the 2026 local elections.

The city administration is also exploring a title change for the position from 'Chief Architect' to 'Chief Planner.' This proposed shift aims to better encompass the broader responsibilities associated with current urban development challenges, including housing supply, redevelopment projects, and the restructuring of urban spatial frameworks.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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