Published Date : Nov 03, 2021 / Edited Date : Jun 12, 2023
Stroll through the forest of buildings in Eulji-ro, a financial street designated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government
Eulji-ro is re-emerging as the financial mecca of Korea. Major financial companies, such as IBK (Industrial Bank of Korea), KEB Hana Bank, and Mirae Asset Daewoo Securities, have nestled one after another in the vicinity of Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station of subway line 2 near the Euljiro 2(i)-ga intersection. So what drives all of these financial companies to establish their offices around this area of Eulji-ro, or more specifically, Janggyo-dong?
In 1980, the area around Eulji-ro, including Myeong-dong was designated as an urban environment improvement zone (an improvement project implemented under the Act on the Improvement of Urban Areas and Residential Environments to improve the urban environment, including commercial and industrial areas, where the efficient use of land and restoration of urban functions or revitalization of commercial districts are required in areas, such as downtown or subcenters), and in 2010, the Seoul Metropolitan Government designated the area around Euljiro 2(i)-ga as the Financial and Special Development Promotion District (a district that is required to be further developed or improved for specific purposes with a focus on financial functions), forming the Eulji-ro we know of today. As a result, numerous financial, banking, and insurance companies gathered in the Eulji-ro area, and various corporate office buildings were also built, as well. Let’s walk along the Euljiro 2(i)-ga where each building boasts a unique exterior in the forest of buildings.
* urban environment improvement zone : an improvement project implemented under the Act on the Improvement of Urban Areas and Residential Environments to improve the urban environment, including commercial and industrial areas, where the efficient use of land and restoration of urban functions or revitalization of commercial districts are required in areas, such as downtown or subcenters.
* Financial and Special Development Promotion District : a district that is required to be further developed or improved for specific purposes with a focus on financial functions
Creating a Sky Park within a Building Located at the Center of a Large Road
#EuljiHankukBuilding
When you come out of Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station, you can see the Eulji Hankuk Building behind exits 5 and 6. Built in 1986, this familiar building was awarded the Gold Award in the Seoul Architecture Awards upon completing the construction. The building site was originally shaped like a triangle. However, the plot at the corner of the road was for public-use, and thus, no buildings were allowed to be built on it. Therefore, it was important to maximize the surface area of the building while giving up a part of the site when constructing this building. To solve the problem, the architect presented the idea of placing the office space in the center with round cores (vertical passages inside a building where toilet pipes, elevators, and emergency stairs are in place) on both sides. With this brilliant idea, it was possible to secure a large indoor space without any pillars. It is for this reason that the two sides of the building we see are rounded.
When we view the building from the outside, blue windows that are lined up horizontally make the building appear visually taller as if it the building is dressed in stripes. The piloti columns located at the bottom and middle of the building are also elements that make the building look taller.
This building has the characteristic of creating a public open space (a public space created on a private site to provide pleasant surroundings) inside the building, which was supposed to be built on the ground. Commonly referred to as the “Sky Park,” this public open space located on the 10th floor with four pillars is an area where anyone can come in to rest. Currently, the Sky Park is closed due to COVID-19, but we hope that it will continue to be a space where citizens can come and look down Eulji-ro once the pandemic is over.
* cores : vertical passages inside a building where toilet pipes, elevators, and emergency stairs are in place
* public open space : a public space created on a private site to provide pleasant surroundings
Ferrous Sulphate Crystals Shine Among the Forest of Buildings
#FerrumTower
When you cross the road towards Euljiro 2(i)-ga Station and face towards exits 3 and 4 to enter the alley on the right, you will encounter a tall, sharp, oblique building in a blue tint. This building, called Ferrum Tower, is the headquarters of Dongkuk Steel. As it is a steel manufacturer, the name of the building is derived from the Latin word “ferrum” which means iron. The curtain wall (an external wall that does not support a load and uses light materials like glass or aluminum panels, especially in high-rises) of blue glass surrounding the building shines like that of polished steel.
* curtain wall : an external wall that does not support a load and uses light materials like glass or aluminum panels, especially in high-rises
The 28-story Ferrum Tower was designed with crystal as its motif. The modern vibe of the building is maximized through the use of bold yet smooth diagonal lines. The exterior also seemingly takes on different shapes depending on the angle from which it’s viewed. Through its dynamic and cutting-edge image, it has a distinctive presence amongst the many buildings located in Eulji-ro.
In addition, as it is an office space, the building was designed considering the user environment as its top priority. The ceiling height of the Ferrum Tower was built slightly higher (2.8 m) than other office spaces in the city center to minimize the stuffiness of the interior. In addition, sun protection electric roll screens are installed on all floors to block UV rays and protect employee privacy. As a building that was designed with user convenience in mind, the residents of the office building thoroughly enjoy the architecture’s interior, as well.
Twin Towers Embrace the Plaza Next to Cheonggyecheon Stream
#MiraeAssetCenterOneBuilding
If you walk from Ferrum Tower to the Cheonggyecheon Stream, you will find two towers that illuminate the surroundings. When you look at the two towers, it seems identical but different at the same time. This is Mirae Asset Center One Building, showing its vision to focus on global business. It is a 32-story, 148-meter-high building that radiates magnificence with its large scale.
The building is clad in glass and white aluminum panels from floor to ceiling. This design was one of the solutions to differentiate the building from other office buildings in the city center, especially with its three-dimensional concept delivering a bold entrance while protruding outward. The aluminum roof structure that extends like a tree into the plaza on the first floor is also impressive. This structure almost makes you feel as though it is leading you inside, making the large plaza appear to be part of the building itself.
As it is located in the center of Eulji-ro, the Center One Building is connected to various iconic places in Seoul, such as the Cheonggyecheon Stream, Myeong-dong, Bosingak Pavilion, and Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station. So, when designing the Center One, the architect paid a lot of attention to its functioning for public benefit, and as a result, the 3,305 m2-plaza in front of the building was donated to the Seoul Metropolitan Government to open up the first floor of the building to the public. In addition, a retail space was placed in the basement to encourage passers-by to pay a visit. If you see the Mirae Asset Center One Building while taking a walk, we recommend that you visit and dine in one of the many shops occupied within the building.
Buildings and architecture form a city, and cities come together to form a country. And that’s why architecture reflects the history and culture of a city as a component of the city. Seoul X Archibear’s A Tour of Seoul’s Streetside Architecture was designed to provide a fresh perspective on the city by sharing the anecdotes of architectural culture while traveling around South Korea’s capital.
Well-built and distinctive architecture can serve as a piece of art carved in our city. And in Seoul, which is rich with diverse history and characteristics, there are beautiful buildings that are worth paying a visit. We hope that this special series helps promote Seoul as an ideal travel destination and invite everyone to experience the hidden architectural beauty in Seoul’s everyday life.
A Tour of Seoul’s Streetside Architecture series was produced by Visit Seoul in collaboration with ArchiBear, a brand created by the architectural culture and travel content company, Haas Studio.
Curious to get more information on architectural tourism in Seoul?
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Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office and Seoul culture and tourism guide are not liable for the safety accidents during the Seoul Guided Walking Tour.
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)