Architecture as Culture: Lessons from Seoul’s Neighborhoods and Designs

Winding through the colorful murals of Ihwa Village and stepping into a gallery celebrating female architects, I found myself immersed in the ways Korea uses design to reflect its culture.

I used some of my free time to return to the Dongdaemun Design Plaza to view the installation by the Korean Institute of Female Architects (KIFA). This exhibit was incredibly inspiring. It featured professional projects by KIFA members, works by female architects from around the world, and even a section showcasing student designs from Korea.

In a field traditionally dominated by men, it was uplifting to see the powerful contributions of female architects and the progress being made, especially in Korea. A common theme throughout the KIFA projects was a strong connection to nature and historical memory. One building featured a green roof connected to an eco-bridge, creating a continuous flow of greenery through the space. Another project used salvaged bricks from an old structure, gradually blending them with new bricks on the upper levels to symbolize the transition from past to present. These thoughtful design choices reflect a deep cultural appreciation for heritage and sustainability in the Korean built environment.

In the morning, before our free time, we participated in a Jane’s Walk through Ihwa Mural Village, led by Hayun Park. The walk highlighted how art and design can transform neglected areas while also raising questions about community impact. The mural project began as a city initiative to revitalize the neighborhood by incorporating public art created with input from local residents. Although the original intention was not to attract tourism, the murals quickly became a major draw so much that at one point it was ranked as the third most searched destination in Korea.

However, the influx of tourists eventually created tension. Some residents, feeling disrupted by noise and crowds, defaced two popular stair murals as a form of protest. This prompted the city to install signs asking visitors to be respectful, especially during early hours. This situation illustrates how even well-intentioned design interventions can have unintended consequences. It also shows that while culture shapes architecture, architecture can just as powerfully influence culture and daily life.

During the walk, I also learned that buildings in Seoul are often considered old after just ten years, which is striking compared to the U.S., where 50-year-old structures are common. This mindset reflects Korea’s fast-paced approach to development and constant innovation. In contrast, areas near the historical city wall are protected and limited to three stories, highlighting Korea’s efforts to preserve culturally significant spaces even as the city evolves.

We also saw a group of children on a weekend extracurricular program designed to teach them about history. This was a heartwarming reminder of how deeply Korea values education and historical awareness, integrating it into community life beyond formal schooling.

In Ihwa Village, we learned how private architects and companies stepped in when government efforts fell short. They helped renovate homes, build community spaces, and design projects that met local needs. One neighborhood created a café and garden that hosts artists and musicians, with all profits reinvested into the community. These projects demonstrate how essential community-driven design is in Korea. In one case, when a local community leader passed away, the upkeep of the area declined which became visible in spaces like an outdoor gym that had fallen into disrepair. This reinforces the importance of leadership and sustained investment in community spaces.

Finally, while walking along the city wall, we observed how the stones changed over time. The oldest parts of the wall used irregular stones, while newer sections became more uniform. This visible progression serves as a physical timeline of innovation and development in Korea’s architecture.

Today’s visits showcased how Korean culture is woven into its architecture. Whether through community-led revitalization or the merging of history with innovation, Korea’s built environment mirrors its cultural values in visible and powerful ways.

If you’d like to learn more about Ihwa Village, here is a link to an article written by Hayun Park that provides deeper insight into the neighborhood’s story.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211973620300969