Seoul Architectural Masterpieces: North of Seoul: Harmony of Tradition and Modernism
Discover the architectural diversity of Northern Seoul. From the modern Seoul City Hall, reflecting a balance between past and future, to skyscrapers like Jongno Tower and Twin Tree Towers. Explore cultural spaces such as Amore Pacific Boutique and OSULLOC Tea House, the minimalist JCC, the futuristic DDP, and the Leeum Samsung art complex. This route highlights the harmony of tradition and modernity.
What's included
Experience on This Tour
Experiences
A futuristic glass wave rises above the old City Hall, blending past and future in one bold design.
Powered by nature and home to the world’s largest indoor vertical garden, it’s one of Seoul’s greenest landmarks.
Open to visitors — step inside and see the living wall for yourself.
A contemporary office complex with a V-shaped façade design inspired by nature. The towers blend perfectly with the historic area near Gyeongbokgung Palace.
A sophisticated space where visitors can explore the traditions of Korean tea and cosmetics.
A skyscraper with a unique "floating" top floor, symbolizing transparency and lightness.
A cultural center designed by Tadao Ando, renowned for his minimalist approach and masterful use of light and space.
"The significance of architecture is as important as the significance of education. Architecture, like education, provides a space where people can gather and exchange ideas. If architecture lacks the ability to organize and bring people together, it is not architecture. I always think of architecture as something that gathers people."
"Architecture is the art of experience; we see, feel the surface with our hands, walk through the interior of a building – and, in doing so, better understand our own thoughts."
Tadao Ando
The uniqueness of the JCC Art Center complex lies in the fact that it is the only building by Pritzker Prize laureate Tadao Ando in Korea, constructed within the "four fortress gates of Seoul" (i.e., in its historical center). You can find other masterpieces by Ando in Korea; however, this one is the most accessible to the public, being located in the heart of the metropolis. The thematic essence of this masterpiece, which suddenly emerges before us in a narrow alley leading towards the small fortress gate of Hyehwa, is this: "People meet, fall in love, argue, clash – on a small street..." A new challenge for the architect was the slope of the hill along which the alley runs – typically, Ando's creations are associated with straight vertical and horizontal lines.
The complex consists of two standalone buildings. The Art Center and Creative Center are like brothers, members of the same family, separated but inherently connected.
A futuristic complex by world-famous architect Zaha Hadid, a fashion and design center with flowing lines and modern aesthetics. Located in the Dongdaemun area. A venue for exhibitions, forums, fashion shows, biennales, etc.
A private museum owned by Samsung, the Leeum Museum of Art showcases both traditional Korean art and contemporary works. In the contemporary art section, you will also find masterpieces by renowned international artists.
The museum’s architectural ensemble was designed by celebrated architects Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas, each contributing their unique vision to the space.
The Amorepacific Headquarters is an architectural masterpiece designed by British architect David Chipperfield, inspired by Korea’s “moon jars,” symbolizing simplicity and elegance.
The building also houses the Amorepacific Museum of Art (APMA), showcasing international exhibitions.
Amorepacific seamlessly blends business, nature, and art in the heart of Seoul.