Seoul’s Urban Contrast: From Temples to Towers in a Changing Cityscape

As I continue exploring how Korean culture influences architecture and the built environment, today offered a diverse look at how design reflects societal values, whether through small scale experimental retail, massive commercial centers, or traditional temples.

Our first stop was Common Ground, a vivid example of Korea’s creativity and experimentation in urban design. Created using 200 sky blue modular containers, this shopping platform was launched by the design group Urbantainer as an experiment. The creators structured the project to support small businesses. Instead of charging rent, vendors pay a commission based on their revenue. The location, near a university that lacked access to modern commercial infrastructure, was intentionally chosen to revitalize the area and serve a younger demographic.

This modular, low-cost, and flexible design approach reflects a global trend in sustainable architecture. Yet Korea adapts it in a way that supports small businesses and creates lively, community-oriented spaces. Common Ground's success earned it recognition from the Creative Innovation Economy Centre of the Korean government as a future model for urban development. 

From the outside, the building immediately stands out with its vibrant color and stacked container layout. Inside, the space opens into a dynamic layout that resembles a street market, with vendor booths lining two floors and a central open space that creates clear visibility between levels. The large courtyard between the container blocks serves as a flexible area for events and public gatherings. The entire structure is mobile, meaning it can be dismantled and relocated if needed. Its modular construction also reduced project time, cost, and carbon emissions, making it a sustainable as well as an innovative solution.

While the exterior feels modern and edgy, the interior layout maintains the organic flow of a traditional market. Several open spaces allow for community events, showcasing how the design supports both commerce and culture.

After visiting Common Ground, we explored COEX, one of the largest underground shopping malls in Asia. Its scale and complexity were astounding. It felt like navigating a maze. Unlike the close-knit layout of Common Ground, COEX is sprawling, with large hallways and massive brand presence. It reflects Korea’s urban density and consumer culture, where multifunctional spaces cater to fast-paced lifestyles. COEX combines shopping, dining, an aquarium, a movie theater, and even a striking public library that draws both locals and tourists.

Nearby, we visited Bongeunsa Temple, a peaceful sanctuary of traditional Korean architecture. The juxtaposition between the modern, bustling COEX and the quiet, nature-infused temple was striking. This contrast underscored how Korea carefully preserves its heritage even within highly urbanized spaces.

We ended the day at Lotte World Tower, the tallest building in Korea. Its design is inspired by the silhouette of a traditional calligraphy brush, and its smooth tapering sides evoke a sense of elegance and motion. Like COEX, it is multifunctional, featuring a luxury shopping center, office spaces, and apartments. The building embodies how Korean identity is balancing tradition with global influence, using contemporary design to honor cultural roots.

From the top of the tower, we could see far into the city and beyond to the mountains. What I initially mistook for fog turned out to be smog, a reminder that despite Korea’s innovations in sustainable design, air pollution remains a challenge. I researched more about this and learned that Korea’s rapid development, driven by post-war recovery and economic urgency, prioritized growth over environmental concerns. Now, as the country transitions from survival to long-term thriving, sustainability has become a critical focus.

This shift is evident in nearly every space I’ve visited. From repurposed container markets to energy-efficient skyscrapers, Korea’s architecture does not just reflect its culture. It tells its story. It acts as a living bridge between past and future, tradition and innovation, all while adapting to new environmental needs.