Seoul National University of Science and Technology Professor Publishes English Book on Seoul's Urban Architecture

Kim Sung-hong, an emeritus professor at the University of Seoul's Graduate School of Urban Studies, has authored a new English-language book, "Seoul Urban Architecture: Rising from the Crushing Bowl," published by a prominent global architecture and urbanism publisher. The book, released in early 2026, synthesizes over a decade of Professor Kim's research on the South Korean capital.

The subtitle, "Rising from the Crushing Bowl," encapsulates the book's central theme: how to find meaning and agency amidst uncontrollable external forces, a question relevant to architects worldwide. The work serves as a historical, theoretical, and critical examination of contemporary Korean architecture and urbanism, tracing Seoul's evolution from a city shaped by Confucian ideals into a sprawling, vertical metropolis. It investigates how Seoul has demonstrated remarkable resilience and creativity despite rapid modernization and deep-seated structural contradictions.

Professor Kim's analysis delves into the trajectories of four generations of Korean architects who grappled with urban, legal, institutional, technological, and cultural constraints. The book also critically assesses the similarities and differences in urban and architectural development across Korea, China, and Japan, considering the impact of sensitive historical and geopolitical events in the region. This comparative approach offers valuable insights into the distinct yet interconnected urban landscapes of East Asia.

Furthermore, "Seoul Urban Architecture" explores the manifestation of South Korea's dynamic and creative identity, recognized globally through its music, film, and drama, within the works of contemporary architects. In a landscape where English-language resources on Korean architecture and urbanism remain scarce despite increasing international exchange, Professor Kim's book stands out for its rarity and distinctiveness. It is anticipated to be a practical and valuable reference for architects, urban planners, academics, students, and general readers interested in Korea's history and modern culture.

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Rising from the Crushing Bowl