The design competition for the Daedeok Science & Culture Center, hosted in November 1990 by the Korea Science Foundation’s Research Environment Development Team, was part of the Daedeok Research Complex development project. Its purpose was to establish a science culture facility that would promote domestic and international research exchanges while meeting cultural and welfare needs. Nine firms were invited, with four submitting entries, and Junglim Architecture’s proposal was selected as the winner and subsequently built.

The site for the Daedeok Science & Culture Center is traversed north-south by a strong urban axis from the 35-meter-wide main entry road and a natural axis defined by the terrain, intersecting with a 25-meter circumferential road running east-west to form a pronounced hierarchy and visual focal point. The surrounding hills meet the city’s street axis, creating a powerful sense of place. The building’s form was dynamically shaped to infuse the geometric, scientific imagery with approachable, human warmth, resulting in a modern and symbolic presence. A deck plaza utilizes the sloped site’s levels to separate vehicular and pedestrian circulation, facilitating easy access from the main entry direction.