한국의 건축 르네상스: 전통과 현대의 만남

### 한국의 건축 르네상스: 전통과 현대의 결합
* 🏙 한류로 알려진 한국의 대중문화는 **전 세계 2억 명 이상의 팬**을 사로잡았으며, **2030년까지 문화 상품에 대한 지출이 1,430억 달러**에 달할 것으로 예상됩니다.
* 🏆 서울은 문화와 건축 혁신에 대한 전 세계적인 관심을 반영하여 **2024년 최고의 도시**로 선정되었습니다.
* 🏗 이 도시는 **전통적인 디자인과 현대적 트렌드를 결합한 르네상스 시대**를 맞이하여 각 건물 뒤에 숨겨진 풍부한 이야기를 선보이고 있습니다.
* 🌱 테오 양과 같은 건축가들은 장소 기억의 중요성을 강조하며, **현지 재료를 사용하여 역사와 현대성을 모두 반영하는 공간**을 만듭니다.
* 💡 전통 한옥에서 영감을 얻고 천연 소재와 자연과의 조화에 중점을 두어 **간결한 디자인 철학**을 강조하는 테오 양의 접근 방식입니다.
* 🌍 조민석 건축가와 같은 건축가들이 급변하는 세상에서 한국인의 의미를 새롭게 정의하면서 **한국 건축에 대한 세계적인 관심**이 커지고 있습니다.
* 🎉 한국 건축은 **온돌 난방과 같은 문화적 전통**과 사회적 상호작용을 촉진하는 **마당과 같은 공동 공간**을 통합하여 촉각적 경험을 구현합니다.
* 🚀 한국의 건축 정체성이 국제적으로 인정받으면서 **한국의 건축은 중요한 문화 수출품**이 될 것이며, **한국의 글로벌 영향력을 더욱 강화**할 것입니다.

한국의 건축물은 전통과 현대가 훌륭하게 조화를 이루며 활기찬 문화 르네상스를 반영하고 독특한 정체성을 형성하고 있습니다.

From K-pop acts blazing a trail into the hearts and charts of the Western world to history-making wins on the international stage. The global phenomenon that is South Korean pop culture, or Hallyu, shows no signs of letting up. In just 25 years, Hallyu has drawn over 200 million pop culture fans, and global spending on Korean cultural products is set to nearly double to $143 billion by 2030. To top it off, Seoul was recently crowned Best City of 2024 by designers and creatives around the globe. This worldwide interest in South Korean culture has expanded to include its buildings and cityscapes, and the architects behind them. The South Korean capital is in the midst of a renaissance embracing architecture, showcasing the nation’s skill in merging tradition with innovation. It’s a powerful reminder that in Korea, every building tells a story — one of cultural pride and vibrant creativity. I’m Haslinda Amin. And this is Momentum.

The story of South Korea’s architectural renaissance is written in the streets of Seoul. Just as the Korean cultural wave taps diverse elements to forge a modern Korean identity, its contemporary architecture is constantly evolving, blending tradition with today’s global trends to transform the country’s built environment. In the past, South Korea’s architectural identity was heavily influenced by Confucian values and the oppressive legacy of Japanese colonial rule. Post-liberation and post-Korean War in the 1950s, South Korea’s economy boomed. As South Korea emerged from its position as one of the poorest countries in the world and personal wealth began to flourish, the nation embarked on a journey to redefine what it truly means to be Korean. If the beating heart of Koreanness is housed in its people and their arts, then the depths of its soul reside in its architecture. Architects in Seoul are reshaping Korea’s urban landscape, fueled by the progressive tastes of the nation’s youth, the global ascent of the Korean cultural wave.

and renewed appreciation for the country’s rich heritage. I’m here with Teo Yang, founder of Teo Yang Studio, a design studio that embraces traditional and contemporary elements. Teo, talk to us about how you translate tradition into the present. It starts with finding a narrative for the space. What is the memory of the site, and how can we add value to our projects? For instance, this space for Blue Bottle Coffee — we really wanted to do research on the early 1900s traditional housing. What were they like when electricity was introduced? When water plumbing was introduced and glass was introduced. So those were the factors that we wanted to highlight and also create a sense of home, where you would find a beautiful courtyard at the end of the alleyway. Teo, how can design, how can architecture signal Koreanness? There is a term called the memory of the site. Especially when you’re creating space or architecture, you really need to understand the history

that is being kept within the site. Tradition is not just a thing of the past, but a concept of a resource, something that you can really utilize. Something that could speak to us in a very valuable way and teach us a lesson. It’s been a long question from the past — who we are, how do we want to live, and how do we want to die? To Teo, contemporary Korean architecture is building on the past in a mindful way to shape the future we inhabit. Just like the hanoks, which are traditional Korean houses, and how they seamlessly integrate the environmental influences into their design. When you see Korean traditional housings, you see how we live with nature and how we find wisdom within that. So we have a courtyard, and we use certain materials such as stone, wood, and sand. And I think everything just resonates with, “How do we want to live?” There is an old saying in Korea that says, geom-ibullu hwaibulchi.”

It means simple but not humble, and beautiful but not extravagant. It’s really about finding balance in things. And this old saying was actually the guideline for building royal palaces. So it has a tremendous impact on Korean architecture. To find that fine line of finding where you live and coexist with others and with nature. This design philosophy reveals why Korean architecture often embodies simplicity and fluid streamlined forms. But how does that translate in real life, in architecture? When you take a look at some of the Korean buildings, it’s glossy. Sleek on the outside. And if you look closer, you see hanok principles. What does that actually mean? Being simple means erasing the decorativeness and looking at the essence and the pure things in life. That’s why we use very natural based materials and come up with very simple gestures of architectural languages. A sense of history and the principles of naturalism pervades even the materials Teo Yang chooses. I think even just a simple wood has so much narrative to share.

For instance, a persimmon tree. It was sort of like a symbol of a beautiful Korean scenery. And a lot of people actually used persimmon to sweeten their food. And they would cut the tree, and they would create beautiful furniture with beautiful patterns in it. So just one material can tell so much of a story. I think it lives within our DNA. How we utilize lighting, of bouncing the natural light into our spaces. How do we utilize and how do we change the concept of the middle courtyard into a building? What makes contemporary Korean architecture truly exciting is its return to basics, but with a modern twist. I think we’re really trying to discover what new luxury is. We’ve been exposed to technology sometimes too much in our days, with cell phones and everything. So nowadays, Korean people are more looking back in a different way, such as how can we go slower? Korean architects like Teo Yang are redefining what modern architecture is by embracing a multidisciplinary approach.

Teo, you’ve gone beyond designing spaces. You’re into medicine, cosmetics, even perfumes. Why is that? The mission of exploring Korean tradition and local value hasn’t changed, but I needed more different subjects that I could explore. For instance, furniture. I could explore more on materials and crafts and techniques. And with cosmetics, I could talk about Korean traditional medicine. And what are the herbs that were grown in the past days. For Teo Yang, using 21st-century technology like ChatGPT and 3D printing is a way to breathe new life into design traditions. Powerful! Also, I have been collecting earthenwares that date back to three to five centuries, and I have 3D scanned most of them and 3D printed them and am using them as diffusers, mirrors, and vases, and then really giving them new life. And I think that’s so much fun and really makes me think that I’m not just putting them in a glass box,

but really making sure that these old objects and old aesthetics could still inspire us and still talk with us in the 21st century. From large-scale public projects to ambitious commercial and retail spaces, Korean architects are renegotiating what it means to be Korean. These important conversations about Korean identity also extend to the design of everyday living spaces and how people experience their homes. One of the drivers for this conversation is Studio Gaon, which was voted the best architecture studio in Korea by Architizer for the last two years. You say architecture is a story of people’s lives, a dream of the land. What do you mean by that? Land is not just a place, but it’s a kind of a flow, a flow that is generally called nature. There are mountains and rivers. I think of it as a kind of universe that encompasses all of that. What’s important in Korean architecture is harmony, achieving balance. So, the land and people being in harmony. And nature and people being in harmony.

families being in harmony, and all beings existing in harmony are the most important value in Korean architecture. That remains in Korean architecture nowadays, and we’re trying to keep that momentum going. For Studio Gaon, architecture is a careful art of balancing the history of the land and the needs of modern living. In architecture, when looking at spaces, for example, we don’t just say this is a living room and this is a kitchen and only use them for that purpose. They’re sometimes combined or their purpose changes and are used freely however people want to use them for. That kind of freedom and flexibility in relationships are characteristics of Korean architecture. I think they are the elements that can be modernized and globalized. From the 14th century, when hanoks were first constructed, to 2024, themes of harmony and sustainability remain central to the philosophy of Korean architects like those of Studio Gaon. Korean architecture is in motion, so it feels like a video.

I think you can feel more beauty when you have more flow and time involved. That’s what’s distinct about it. So rather than imitating a certain morphology, we look at various structures of space and attitude towards the land. Even if it is the same nature, we all see it differently. For example, when we think of the land, it is not just a place. The eyes, nose, and mouth are elements that make up the body. Even when viewed separately, we think of them as parts that make up the whole body. So the same goes for the land. Rather than looking at a specific land as a piece, we see it as a part of the larger nature of Korea, and we think about it more deeply and try to respect it. With Korea’s creative sectors generating $12.4 billion in export revenue in 2021, it’s no surprise that the global spotlight is now shining on the other aspects of Hallyu.

like Korean architecture. In the past, the world was disconnected in their respective domains. So, the awareness or understanding of Korea was not that high. But now, everything is connected through networks, the internet, and various smart facilities. It’s like there was a good book on the shelf that you weren’t aware of, but you opened it, read it, and came to like it. In a similar way, that’s how Korean culture is being discovered. It seems that a point of connection has emerged where the modern spirit aligns with the original spirit of Korea, and that’s how this began. In creating spaces that align with a modern Korean lifestyle, the architects emphasized the need to adapt rather than adopt traditions. What we want to do is build homes for this era, not traditional Korean homes from the past. I want to create a home that reflects the current Korean lifestyle. If we were to build an old-style house, we would need to use traditional materials.

but many of those materials are no longer available today. So the challenge is how do we preserve the essence of our traditional homes using the materials we can actually obtain today like timber and bricks. I believe that one of the most important missions of architects is to enable ordinary people to build their homes in a way that is accessible and comfortable for them. Korean architects are making their mark beyond Seoul. Among them, Minsuk Cho, who was commissioned to design Serpentine Pavilion 2024. The Serpentine Pavilion is an annual attraction in London which showcases international architects who push the boundaries of contemporary architecture. Minsuk, give us a sense of how you translate Korean architecture for the rest of the world. Haslinda, that’s a big question. Maybe because we are next to it. You are looking at one example here. We call this madang. In fact, Serpentine Pavilion also has a central open space called madang. It kind of reflects light back, and actually, we kept it almost empty

so that so many different things can happen. Weddings or birthday parties, but also madang, in general terms, is where we can be ourselves, where we belong. It’s quite challenging when you say “What is Koreanness?” Because it’s hard to sort of pinpoint and give you a, let’s say, grand narrative. A lot of it is coming from what came with it before, which is a natural condition, topographies and complexities and also how to create the dialogue with nature or other manmade structures and so on. How is your architecture, how is your design Korean? When I look at this space, you know, it looks Korean to me. It looks like a hanok. We have a compound right here. Amazing, you got it right in a way. You can say it is a vertical translation of a Korean hanok. This is a madang, yes. Because this is where the collective things happen. And, often we use it as a lecture hall,

We do our project meetings, and actually, we invite people here. Also, every year, it turns into a discotheque, almost. We live like a monk for the whole year. Except one day, we turn into this gloriously drunken, delirious, free-for-all, everything. But why is it important for you to have this kind of space? A Korean space, as part of your practice. I think it just comes out of architecture being a reflection of, as I said, a culture. And, I mean, that’s how we want to use and occupy. And I guess you could call it a social practice. If architecture is a reflection of the society it comes from, I wondered what aspects of Korean history have had an impact on Minsuk Cho, who was born and raised in Seoul but began his architectural career overseas. Minsuk, we’re talking about Korean architecture. What is Koreanness? That’s a very important and very difficult question.

because there’s so much complexity that comes with, that was charged with the recent history. I think it’s really hard to pinpoint one thing. If you can’t pinpoint one thing, what characteristics are there? This is the question that I’m asked the most, but is always impossible to... because it could be a bit dangerous to be a bit reductive. What comes out is so diverse. I think it is really the reflection of a long history, that common history and also how we went through tremendous social change, political change, and also economic change. Of course, the whole thing. Indeed, Korea’s economic miracle and the accompanying social upheaval may have been the catalyst for Korean architects to develop a new language that revives traditions within a fresh landscape. Architecture comes from material culture, which has to do with the natural ecology and all sorts of other material and so on. And then there’s also social condition that we have to address, which has to do with the history.

But then there are new influences coming. So it's always evolving in a way. So tradition, the Koreanness, is not something that is fixed. I'll often quote Álvaro Siza, a great master's quotation. He said something like, Tradition is only useful when it has an element of change. I think that's how human culture, cultural civilization has evolved in a way. Look at the Olympics. They built so many great buildings throughout history. And now they're repurposing them into a fencing field. That is so beautiful. Korea's natural landscape has also significantly influenced how architects create cutting-edge designs that harmonize with their environment. What will be the exciting thing that we can offer? I think Seoul is one of the very rare metropolises that started from very mountainous terrain. I think a lot of this European idea about the city was flat ground, and then somehow you are the God and you create these geometric patterns,

Whether it’s grid or radial patterns, it’s almost humans playing God in a way. But then, Seoul, when it started with this last kingdom, which was Joseon dynasty 630 years ago, it was actually very much about feng shui, pung-su, we call it. So it’s really about harmonious coexistence with nature in a way. You were chosen to design the Serpentine Pavilion 2024. What did that mean to you? It was a means to bring togetherness. It’s small and intimate enough to bring people together, almost like a magnet. Because you have birthday parties or weddings and there’s a sort of collective festive moment. Yet also, when nothing happens, it’s big enough to have people do their own things, you know, in different rooms. So I think that’s a very good model for the society. If our profession is about, sort of problem-solving, architecture is about understanding people. How we got here, what to do with it, who are these people?

What do they need, and how can we improve it? In a globalized world, staying true to your roots speaks volumes. The rich cultural traditions that inspire modern Korean architecture have helped Korean architects gain global attention and accolades. Korean architecture is very much a tactile experience with buildings. We have this thing called ondol, right? Heated floor. So when we sleep, we literally hug the floor. I’m bringing Korean references and now, you know madang, and all that. But it’s a very common thing, and I think it’s quite universal. So I mean, I see one of my contractors who said, “Oh, this space...” What we call the auditorium, he said, “It looks like a medieval banquet in the UK.” I was like, I have no idea, but I’m in.” You know? The unique thing about Seoul is that if you’re a foreigner, you come to Seoul, you have no idea what to expect. Did you have any expectations of what to see, your bucket list?

What is the Empire State Building of Seoul? I think that’s one of the strengths that we have. It’s almost like a Korean meal, bapsang. There’s not like a strong grand narrative of some fine dining course that you have. It’s the city, and you can pick and choose. What makes contemporary Korean architecture so revolutionary and exciting? The answer lies in the country’s confidence in its cultural identity, and the bold reinterpretation of its traditions and urban heritage by visionary architects. South Korea was ranked the world’s sixth most culturally influential nation according to the 2021 Good Country Index. Whether you’re in Asia or America, chances are you would know BTS or Blackpink. And Korean architecture is about to be the next big export. It’s all part of a growing renaissance that will propel the country into a global cultural powerhouse and boost its economy. In South Korea, whoever re-imagines wins. Check out our next Momentum episode.

Why Korea's Architecture May Be Its Next Big Thing | Momentum

Bloomberg Originals offers bold takes for curious minds on today’s biggest topics. Hosted by experts covering stories you haven’t seen and viewpoints you haven’t heard, you’ll discover cinematic, data-led shows that investigate the intersection of business and culture. Exploring every angle of climate change, technology, finance, sports and beyond, Bloomberg Originals is business as you’ve never seen it.


Bloomberg Originals

한국의 대중문화 현상인 한류는 25년 만에 2억 명이 넘는 팬을 확보했으며, 2030년까지 한국 문화 상품에 대한 전 세계 지출은 1,430억 달러에 달할 것으로 예상됩니다.

서울의 건축은 전통과 혁신이 조화를 이루며 도시 경관을 재편하는 르네상스 시대를 맞이하고 있습니다.

테오 양과 같은 건축가들은 서울의 역사와 전통적 요소를 활용해 현대적인 공간을 창조하며 한국인의 생활 방식과 공명하는 미래 지향적인 건축을 목표로 하고 있습니다.

한국 건축은 단순함, 균형, 자연 소재를 중시하는 디자인 철학을 담고 있습니다.

현대 건축물의 매끄럽고 광택이 나는 외관은 전통 한옥의 원리를 반영하는 경우가 많으며, 감나무와 같은 스토리텔링 소재를 사용하여 디자인에 깊이를 더합니다.

테오 양과 같은 건축가들은 다학제적 접근 방식을 수용하고 21세기 기술을 사용하여 전통적인 디자인 요소에 새로운 생명을 불어넣음으로써 현대 건축을 재정의하고 있습니다.

한국 건축이 정체성과 조화에 미치는 영향

한국의 건축가들은 공공 프로젝트와 생활 공간을 통해 국가 정체성을 재정의하고 있으며, 스튜디오 가온이 그 선두에 서 있습니다.

한국 건축의 철학은 땅, 자연, 사람 사이의 조화를 강조하며 오늘날에도 여전히 유효한 균형을 지향합니다.

유연한 공간 활용과 대자연에 대한 깊은 존중은 한국 건축을 현대화하고 세계화하는 데 있어 핵심적인 요소입니다.

한국 건축은 전통적인 관행의 도입보다는 적응에 중점을 두고 현대의 라이프스타일을 반영하도록 진화하고 있습니다.

건축가들은 전통 가옥의 본질을 보존하기 위해 목재와 벽돌과 같은 가용 재료를 사용하고 있습니다.

한국의 저명한 건축가 조민석은 커뮤니티와 연결을 촉진하는 중앙의 열린 공간인 '마당'의 개념을 구현하는 공간을 설계하여 전 세계에 영향을 미치고 있습니다.

건축에서 한국적 공간의 중요성

프로젝트 회의는 종종 건축의 사회적 실천을 반영하는 활기찬 축제의 장으로 변모합니다.

조민석 건축가가 격동의 역사와 사회 변화의 영향을 받은 한국적인 것의 복잡성과 다양한 특성에 대해 이야기합니다.

한국의 독특한 자연 경관과 도시 지형은 환경과 조화를 이루는 최첨단 건축 디자인을 형성하는 데 중요한 역할을 해왔습니다.

한국 건축은 문화적 전통과 풍수에 깊이 뿌리를 두고 자연과의 조화로운 공존을 추구합니다.

서펜타인 파빌리온 2024의 디자인은 사람들이 함께 어울리고 소통할 수 있는 유연한 공간을 제공하는 것을 목표로 합니다.

한국의 자신감 넘치는 문화적 정체성과 전통에 대한 대담한 재해석이 건축 르네상스를 이끌며 한국을 글로벌 문화 강국으로 자리매김하고 있습니다.