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The Korea Exchange Bank Headquarters symbolically reflects the growth of the financial industry and the spread of bank and office building architecture during a period of rapid modernization in Korea. Initiated as part of the redevelopment of the Myeongdong area in Seoul, the project was completed after a series of design phases: Junglim Architecture winning the design competition in 1973, followed by design modifications in 1977 and expansion design in 1979. This project was crucial in Junglim Architecture’s growth into a mid-to-large sized firm and served as a model for early urban redevelopment projects.
The 24-story building’s exterior is characterized by a massive brown tone, differing somewhat from the original lighter and sleeker design. The use of Brazilian granite and azalea-colored tile finishes give the building a gentle impression, while the podium’s banking halls and a sunken garden facilitate smooth public access, contributing to a dynamic urban atmosphere. The architectural configuration with a low-rise podium dedicated to banking facilities and a high-rise tower for offices pioneered the dominant typology of bank headquarters in Korea thereafter.
Archive
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Status
Completed
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Awards
- 1981 Korean Institute of Architects Award, Grand Prize
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Client
Korea Exchange Bank
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Program
Office
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Design Year
1973
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Completion Year
1980
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Location
Jung-gu, Seoul
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Site area
3,923.97m2
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Gross Floor Area
74,949.61m2
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Building Area
3,924.00m2
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Number of Levels
B3, 24F
The Korea Exchange Bank Headquarters symbolically reflects the growth of the financial industry and the spread of bank and office building architecture during a period of rapid modernization in Korea. Initiated as part of the redevelopment of the Myeongdong area in Seoul, the project was completed after a series of design phases: Junglim Architecture winning the design competition in 1973, followed by design modifications in 1977 and expansion design in 1979. This project was crucial in Junglim Architecture’s growth into a mid-to-large sized firm and served as a model for early urban redevelopment projects.
The 24-story building’s exterior is characterized by a massive brown tone, differing somewhat from the original lighter and sleeker design. The use of Brazilian granite and azalea-colored tile finishes give the building a gentle impression, while the podium’s banking halls and a sunken garden facilitate smooth public access, contributing to a dynamic urban atmosphere. The architectural configuration with a low-rise podium dedicated to banking facilities and a high-rise tower for offices pioneered the dominant typology of bank headquarters in Korea thereafter.
Archive
