Seoul Urban Architecture Book Published in English

Kim Sung-hong, professor emeritus of architecture at the University of Seoul, has released an English-language book titled "Seoul Urban Architecture: Rising from the Crushing Bowl." This publication marks a significant contribution to the global understanding of Korean architecture and urban development, drawing on over a decade of Kim's dedicated research.

The book delves into the universal questions surrounding Korean urban architecture, examining how it has forged meaning and identity amidst uncontrollable external environments and historical shifts. It traces Seoul's evolution from a city rooted in Confucian ideology to a vertical metropolis, highlighting its creative resilience through rapid modernization and structural contradictions. The work also spotlights the contributions of four generations of architects who navigated legal, institutional, and technological constraints.

Furthermore, "Seoul Urban Architecture" offers a critical comparative analysis of the impact and differences of sensitive historical and geopolitical events between South Korea, China, and Japan on their respective urban landscapes and architecture. It also deeply explores how South Korea's dynamic cultural identity, which has resonated globally through music, film, and drama, is manifested in the works of emerging architects.

Given the limited availability of English-language texts on Korean architecture and cities, Kim's research is particularly valuable. The book is designed for accessibility, catering not only to international experts and researchers but also to general readers interested in Korean culture. It is available through major online and offline bookstores worldwide, with a phased release starting in overseas markets in March 2026 and a domestic release in June.

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Seoul Urban Architecture: Rising from the Crushing Bowl