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The City’s Facade

Published Date : Sep 20, 2018 / Edited Date : Sep 03, 2023

The City’s Facade

Before long, Seoul has become a metropolis sprawling with buildings of various style and history. We took a closer look at some of those buildings influencing the very look of our city.

Writer Yang Seul-a - Photos by Lim Hak-hyeon

 

 

 

 

 

 

Culture Station Seoul 284

Although Seoul is a city undergoing transformation at the speed of light, you can still find remaining traces of the past which have managed to quietly accrue over time. From Joseon dynasty to the present, Seoul has stood as a capital city for over 600 years. A cultural artifact and site which underwent great restoration efforts back in 2011, Culture Station Seoul 284 was built in 1925 during Japanese occupation as Gyeongseong Station and is currently considered to be the oldest railway station in Korea. Originally built as a strategic defense point for future invasions, Gyeongseong Station was completed after 3 years and was the biggest railway station after Tokyo Station in the Eastern Asia at that time. Tsukamoto Yasushi of Tokyo Imperial University modeled this station after the eclectic, Renaissance style of Switzerland’s Lucerne Station. Its red brick walls and arches, vintage domes, and clock tower (endearing nicknamed “Pabalma” in 1968) came to be major features that would attract countless visitors from all over the world.

Gyeongseong Station was a central hub where press and information flowed freely. But with time, the area surrounding Seoul Station lost its appeal until urban restoration projects like Seoullo 7017 and Culture Station Seoul 284 brought the area back into prominence. And with the recent opening of trendy cafes, restaurants, and shops near Malli-dong at the back of Seoul Station, there’s been a renewed sense of vitality growing within the once dead area.

info

1 Tongil-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Everyday 11:00 - 19:00 KST
(Closed on Monday) 

+82-507-1416-3501
seoul284.org

 

 

 

 

 

Arario Museum in Space

Kim Swoo-geun is one of Korea’s most well known architects. After studying abroad in Japan and graduating in 1960, he came back to Korea and completely transformed the Korean architecture scene along with Kim Joong-up. Many of his works, including Walker Hill Hill Top Bar, Sewoon Shopping Center, and more can still be seen throughout the city. Amidst his many projects, there’s one building built near Changdeokgung Palace in 1971 which holds great meaning and significance. Used as Kim Swoo-geun’s personal office and house, this building marked a pivotal point in Korean history of architecture and was registered as Cultural Property No. 568. Reminiscent of kiwa roof tiles, the ivy covered black brick walls go hand-in-hand with the neighboring hanok architecture of Changdeokgung Palace. The building underwent expansion in 1977, added new spaces 20 years after that, and restored the hanok house connecting the old building with the new spaces in 2002, bringing this place to its current appearance today. At the present, this building is used by Arario Museum in Space as cultural space to exhibit modern art.

Although once a bustling place back in Joseon dynasty, the area around Changdeokgung Palace has become a more peaceful, quieter neighborhood with the passing of time. From Unni-dong, the location of the old National Gugak Center, to Samcheong-dong, a neighborhood famous for its hanok houses, to Sogyeok-dong, a connecting area which leads into Gwanghwamun, the places around this district is filled with an atmosphere of calm and tranquility. The small green town buses, the only form of transportation in these areas, are especially charming as they slowly wind their way around the curvy, narrow streets. Visitors will be sure to chance upon many hidden charming little workshops and cafes as they walk along the Changdeokgung Stonewall Walkway.

info

83 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 – 19:00 KST, Closed Monday
+82-2-736-5700
arariomuseum.org

 

 

 

 

 

63 Building

With the end of Park Jeong-hui’s reign in 1980, a variety of new styles in architecture emerged. Not only did the 1988 Olympic Games bring forth new architecture but it also contributed to the political climate of society. It wasn’t as if there weren’t any high-rise buildings in Seoul before, but it was at this time when a great number of skyscrapers rose out of the district of Gangnam. In 1985, 63 Building, called “Hangang’s Miracle”, was the tallest building to be built around that time. With 3 basement floors and 60 floors above ground level, the height of this building measured at 249m, making this building the tallest building to exist in all of Asia at that period. SOM, an American design firm, and Park Chun-myung, a Korean architect, designed the building with 13,000 reflective gold-colored glass panes, bringing the façade of the building to shift and change constantly. Depending on the angle and temperature of the sun, the surface reflects back different colors, contributing to the beautiful scenery of the Hangang River.
Starting out as nothing but a sandy plot of wasteland known by names such as Yanghwado and Rauiju, Yeouido was constructed as an aviation landing strip back in 1916 during Japanese occupation. Then, as Seoul continued to develop and renovate the area since 1968, Yeouido has come to become a district housing the National Assembly Building, various press and financial company building, residential apartments and more, making this place the center of politics and finance. The areas around Hangang are major spots that continue to bring in huge crowds during big events like cherry blossom and firework festivals.

info

50 63-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Operating hours vary by store
+82-2-1833-7001
63art.co.kr 

 

 

 

 

 

House of Dior

Putting flagship stores in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul has become a prerequisite for leading fashion brands wanting to enter the Korean market. Because flagship stores need to clearly portray the image and personality of the brand, a great amount of thought and effort goes into the design of the building. When Christian Dior opened up a boutique shop in 2015, Christian de Portzamparc, an architect and recipient of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize, designed it. The first thing that strikes the eyes is its wavy, curvaceous, white exterior. Inspired by the silhouette of the white canvas that is the beginning of every one of Dior’s haute couture pieces, 12 long pieces constructed from a combination of fiber glass and resin were fitted together to encase the outer portion of the building. The gray patterns on the back portion of the building were created to imitate Dior’s signature cannage pattern.
In a book titled “The Birth of Gangnam”, there’s a quote which states that “knowing Gangnam’s history is the same as knowing Korea’s modern society.” Although the district of Gangnam achieved a new, modern look with the start of renovation a couple of decades ago, Apgujeong Rodeo was always a very popular spot, especially from 1980 to 2000. Although its golden era of popularity has long since passed, the streets of Cheongdam-dong continue to be filled with luxury brand boutiques and flagship stores even to this day. 

info

464 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 

Café Dior Everyday 11:00 – 20:00 KST 

(Open until 19:00 KST on Sundays)

+82-2-513-0300
dior.com

 

 

Tags

#The City’s Facade #Architecture #Building

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    (최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
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  • 해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 도보관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
  • 보호자가 동반하지 않는 만 14세 미만의 아동 관광객의 경우 현장에서 취소됩니다.
  • 기상특보(폭염, 태풍, 호우, 미세먼지 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다.(발효 즉시 취소처리)
    ※예약 당일 기상특보를 상시 확인 바랍니다.
예약 전 안내사항
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    ※ 중증(1~3급) 동반인 포함 2명 무료※ 경증(4~6급) 장애인 본인 1인만 무료
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  • 희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
  • 예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다.(최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
  • 해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 도보관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
  • 기상특보(폭염, 태풍, 호우, 미세먼지 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다.(발효 즉시 취소처리)
    ※예약 당일 기상특보를 상시 확인 바랍니다.
예약 전 안내사항
  • 예약은 관광일 기준 최소 1주일 전까지 가능합니다.
  • 덕수궁의 경우 복지카드를 지참한 관광객에 한하여 무료입장이 가능합니다.
    ※ 중증(1~3급) 동반인 포함 2명 무료
    ※ 경증(4~6급) 장애인 본인 1인만 무료
  • 본 프로그램은 수화해설 중심으로 진행되며, 수화가 불가능한 경우 이용이 불가합니다.
  • 희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
  • 예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다.
    (최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
  • 해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 도보관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
  • 기상특보(폭염, 태풍, 호우, 미세먼지 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다.(발효 즉시 취소처리)
    ※예약 당일 기상특보를 상시 확인 바랍니다.
예약 전 안내사항
  • 예약은 관광일 기준 최소 1주일 전까지 가능합니다.
  • 본 코스는 보행약자(거동이 불편한 고령자, 장애인, 유모차 이용자 등)를 위한 코스입니다.
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    ※ 전동보장구(전동휠체어, 전동스쿠터 등) 사용자의 경우 보호자 1인당 보행약자 최대 4인까지 동반 가능
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  • 예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다.(최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
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Read before Reservation
  • Reservations must be made at least three days prior to the tour date.
  • Additional reservations, one or two days before the tour starts, are only allowed for the tour that is already fixed.
  • In the case of group tour, more than 10people, please contact us by e-mail.
  • Reservations for the following month are available from the 15th of the current month.
  • Please refrain from participating in any tour programs should you be experiencing any symptoms, including fever, coughing, congestion, muscle pain, stuffy nose, and/or sore throat.
  • Reservations for tourists 14 years & under without an accompanying adult or guardian shall be canceled on site.
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    (https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
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Read before Reservation
  • Reservation shall be made at least 1 week before the tour day.
  • The course is for tourists with mobility problems (Senior, people with disability, stroller user).
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    ※ At least one assistant shall accompany a tourist with mobility problem
    ※ In case of electric assisting device users (electric wheelchair, electric scooter users), one assistant may accompany up to 4 tourists with mobility problem
  • Reservation may be canceled when a guide is unavailable on the desired date and course.
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    (At least 5 days~1 month before tour day) Reservation may be canceled when Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office cannot reach you for more than 3 times.
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  • All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation)
    ※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below.
    (https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
予約前の案内事項
  • 予約は観光予定日を基準に3日前までとさせて頂きます。
  • 個人予約:最大10名
    ※京福級、昌徳宮、昌慶宮は20名様までご予約頂けます。
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  • 翌月のご予約は前月の15日から可能です。
  • 発熱または呼吸症状(熱、咳、痰、筋肉痛、鼻づまり、喉の痛みなど)がある場合は、解説プログラムへのご参加はお控えください。
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    ※ 下記のリンクにてご予約当日の気象特報をご確認ください。
    (https://www.accuweather.com/ja/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
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予約前の案内事項
  • 予約は観光日を基準として少なくとも1週間前まで可能です。
  • 本コースは、移動弱者(移動が不自由な高齢者、障害者、ベビーカー利用者など)のためのコースです。
  • 補助人(或いは同行人)を伴わない場合は利用できません。
      ※歩行弱者1人当たり少なくとも1人以上の補助人を伴う
      ※電動補助具(電動車椅子、電動スクーターなど)使用者の場合、補助人1当たり歩行弱者最大4人まで同伴可能
  • ご希望の日付及びコースに活動可能な解説士がいない場合、予約はキャンセルされることがあります。
  • 予約を確認するため、徒歩観光事務局(02-6925-0777)で確認のための連絡が行われます。
    (少なくとも5日~1ヶ月前)3回以上電話が通じない場合、予約が取り消されることがあります。
  • 解説を進行する時に発生する安全事故に対し、徒歩観光事務局とソウル文化観光解説士は
    責任を負いません。
  • 気象特報(猛暑、台風、豪雨、PM2.5)によりウォーキングツアーの運営が難しいと判断された場合、全ての予約は中止とさせて頂きます。(発効後直ちにキャンセルを行う)
    ※ 下記のリンクにてご予約当日の気象特報をご確認ください。
    (https://www.accuweather.com/ja/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
预约前说明事项
  • 观光日基准最少3日前方可进行预约。
  • 最多可申请10人。
    (※ 景福宫, 昌德宫, 昌庆宫是例外 最多可申请20人)
  • 在已登记的预约团体中,只接待不超过预约人数的团体,可在前一天17时前追加预约。
  • 下个月的预约可从前一月15日开始。
  • 如有发热或呼吸道症状(发烧、咳嗽、痰液、肌肉痛、鼻塞、咽喉痛等),请避免参与解说活动。
  • 无保护者随同的未满14岁儿童游客,会在现场取消解说活动。
  • 气象特报(酷暑、台风、暴雨 、雾霾 等)导致徒步观光项目暂停时,所有预约将一律被取消。(发布紧急措施时立即取消)
    ※ 请在以下网站上随时确认预约当天的气象特报。
    (https://www.accuweather.com/zh/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
  • 对于解说活动中发生的安全事故,首尔徒步解说旅游事务局和首尔文化观光解说社不予负责。
预约前说明事项
  • 观光日基准最少1日前方可进行预约。
  • 本线路是为了行动不便者(行动不便的高龄者、残疾人、婴儿车利用者等)的路线。
  • 无辅助人员(或同行人)伴随时,不可利用。
    ※ 步行不便者1名至少需要1名以上的辅助人员陪同。
    ※ 电动辅助器具(电动轮椅、电动独轮车等)使用者时,每一位辅助人员最多可陪同 4名步行不便者。
  • 希望观光的日期及线路上无解说员时,预约有可能被取消。
  • 为了确认预约,徒步观光事务局(02-6925-0777)会致电进行确认。
    (最少5日~一个月前) 3次以上无法连接时,预约将被取消。
  • 进行解说时,对于有可能发生的安全事故,徒步观光事务局和首尔文化观光解说员概不负责。
  • 气象特报(酷暑、台风、暴雨 、雾霾 等)导致徒步观光项目暂停时,所有预约将一律被取消。(发布紧急措施时立即取消)
    ※ 请在以下网站上随时确认预约当天的气象特报。
    (https://www.accuweather.com/zh/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
預約前說明事項
  • 最晚請於預約日期3天前完成預約。
  • 最多可申請10人。
    (※ 景福宮, 昌德宮, 昌慶宮是例外 最多可申請20人)
  • 已完成預約的團體若人數超過限制,可於前一天下午5點前追加預約。
  • 每月15日將開放下個月的預約。
  • 若有發燒或呼吸道症狀(發燒、咳嗽、咳痰、肌肉酸痛、鼻塞、喉嚨痛),請避免參與本活動。
  • 未有保護者同行的未滿14歲兒童遊客,會在現場取消參與資格。
  • 氣象特報(酷暑、颱風、暴雨 、霧霾 等)而導致徒步觀光無法進行時,將一律取消所有預約。(發布限令時將立即取消)
    ※ 請在以下網站上隨時確認預約當天的氣象特報。
    (https://www.accuweather.com/zh/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
  • 進行解說時,對於有可能發生的安全事故,首爾徒步解說觀光事務局和首爾文化觀光解說員概不負責。
預約前說明事項
  • 觀光日基準最少1日前方可進行預約。
  • 本線路是為了行動不便者(行動不便的高齡者、殘疾人、嬰兒車利用者等)的路線。
  • 無輔助人員(或同行人)伴隨時,不可利用。
    ※ 步行不便者1名至少需要1名以上的輔助人員陪同。
    ※ 電動輔助器具(電動輪椅、電動獨輪車等)使用者時,每壹位輔助人員最多可陪同 4名步行不便者。
  • 希望觀光的日期及線路上無解說員時,預約有可能被取消。
  • 為了確認預約,徒步觀光事務局(02-6925-0777)會致電進行確認。
    (最少5日~壹個月前) 3次以上無法連接時,預約將被取消。
  • 進行解說時,對於有可能發生的安全事故,徒步觀光事務局和首爾文化觀光 解說員概不負責。
  • 氣象特報(酷暑、颱風、暴雨 、霧霾 等)而導致徒步觀光無法進行時,將一律取消所有預約。(發布限令時將立即取消)
    ※ 請在以下網站上隨時確認預約當天的氣象特報。
    (https://www.accuweather.com/zh/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)