Fall Break in Korea:
Historic to Hyper-Modern Seoul: Architectural Evolution and Urban Design
This two-week intensive study abroad program explores the dynamic interplay of tradition and modernity within the built environments of Seoul and Busan, South Korea. Students will investigate how South Korea’s historical narratives, cultural identity, and rapid modernization are reflected in its architectural and urban fabric. Through on-site visits, sketching workshops, charrettes, and collaborative projects, students will critically engage with iconic landmarks, heritage sites, and innovative urban spaces, culminating in a final project synthesizing their experiences.
Learning Objectives:
Analyze the historical, and cultural influences shaping South Korea's built environment.
Compare and contrast traditional architectural styles with contemporary design innovations.
Examine how urban planning strategies address sustainability, heritage preservation, and community development.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will evaluate and compare traditional, modern, and contemporary architectural developments in South Korea, gaining insight into urban planning, cultural identity, and adaptive reuse. Through site visits, sketching workshops, and collaborative charrettes, students will connect architectural theories with real-world applications in diverse urban and cultural contexts.
Credit/Registration: Students will be registered for the summer course ARCH 347 Architectural Evolution & Urban Design: Korea for 3 credits. The course satisfies the History/Theory in the architectural curriculum and humanities for other majors. Students must leave room for the 3 credits in their summer credit load.
Pre-requisites: ARCH 143 or INTR 200 or ARTH 103 [all Min Grade: C-]
Instructors:
Bumjin Kim bk823@drexel.edu, Assistant Teaching Professor
Nicholas Houser, nh638@drexel.edu, Adjunct Instructor
Pre-Travel Required Lectures: summer term attendance mandatory: Thursdays from 6 pm to 8:50 pm, URBN 120
Arrival: September 7, 2025
Departure: September 19, 2025
*Students may extend their travel independently before or after program dates.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrival and Orientation
- Arrive at accommodations in Seoul. Orientation session introducing South Korea’s historical and cultural layers in architecture.
- Evening visit to Namsan Seoul Tower (Program starts at 5): Originally built in 1971 as Korea’s first general-purpose communication tower, it symbolizes Seoul's transformation into a modern metropolis.
- Purpose: Offers a panoramic view of the city's urban planning and layout, setting the stage for understanding Seoul's rapid modernization.
- Group welcome dinner (included in program fee)
Day 2: Architectural and Urban Design Highlights
- Morning tour of Seoul City Hall: The original building, constructed in 1926 during Japanese occupation, is juxtaposed with a modern eco-friendly annex.
- Purpose: Explore themes of colonial influence, modernization, and public accessibility in urban design.
- Visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) by Zaha Hadid: Built on a former baseball stadium, DDP is a cultural hub that sparked debates over local versus global architectural identity.
- Lunch and exploration at Gwangjang Market, one of Korea's oldest traditional markets, established in 1905. (meal on own)
- Purpose: Contrast traditional marketplaces with futuristic developments like DDP and discuss their cultural significance.
- Afternoon at Cheonggyecheon Stream, a revitalized stream in downtown Seoul that replaced an elevated highway.
- Purpose: Discuss urban renewal and the benefits of restoring ecological systems in cities.
Day 3: Palaces and Preservation
- Guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace: Built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty, this was the main royal palace until its destruction during Japanese invasions.
- Visit Jongmyo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to the ancestral spirits of the Joseon Dynasty.
- Purpose: Understand Confucian principles in urban planning and architectural design.
- Stroll through Insadong, an area preserving Korea’s traditional crafts and cultural artifacts.(Meal on own)
Day 4: Traditional Meets Contemporary
- Visit Bukchon Hanok Village, a neighborhood of traditional Korean houses (hanoks)preserved amidst the city’s modern skyline.
- Purpose: Sketching workshop to analyze the interplay of traditional and modern architecture.
- Tour the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA), discussing Korea’s modern art movement.
- Collaborate with students from University of Seoul for a shared academic exchange.
- Group lunch with local Korean students (included in program fee)
Day 5: Green Spaces and Urban Transformation
- Morning at Seoul Forest, a large park designed to integrate green space into urban living, inspired by New York’s Central Park.
- Purpose: Examine urban sustainability and green architecture.
- Lunch (meal on own) in the nearby Seongsu-dong area, also known as the “Brooklyn of Seoul.” Once an industrial zone, Seongsu-dong has transformed into a trendy cultural district filled with repurposed warehouses, cafes, and art studios.
- Purpose: Discuss adaptive reuse and how former industrial spaces can support cultural regeneration and creative economies.
- Afternoon Walking Tour of Seongsu-dong: Visit cafés and cultural spaces like Daelim Changgo Gallery (a former warehouse turned art gallery and café) and other creative spaces. Explore local street art and small-scale architectural interventions that reflect urban renewal trends in Korea.
- Late Afternoon Visit to Ttukseom Hangang Park: Located near Seongsu-dong, this riverside park offers panoramic views of the Han River and modern skyline.
- Purpose: Relax, sketch, or reflect on how public spaces along the Han River contribute to Seoul's urban fabric and livability.
Day 6: Heritage and Creativity
- Morning trip to Imjingak Park and the DMZ area, where South Korea commemorates the division with North Korea.
- Purpose: Discuss geopolitics and its influence on urban planning and national identity.
- Visit Heyri Art Village, a creative community designed to blend art, architecture, and nature. (Meal on own)
- Purpose: Examine how collective architectural projects foster cultural identity.
Day 7: Cultural Synthesis and Reflection
- Explore the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art: This museum blends traditional Korean art with cutting-edge contemporary collections, housed in buildings designed by Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas.
- Purpose: Discuss the intersection of global and local architectural trends.
- Visit Ewha Womans University ECC by Dominique Perrault: A striking campus design built into the landscape. (Meal on own)
- Purpose: Explore the integration of architecture and nature in educational spaces.
- Charrette 1: Reflect on themes explored during the week.
- Evening exploration of open-air markets and a group dinner. (Meal on own)
Day 8: Traditional Villages and Transition to Busan
- Morning visit to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an example of 18th-century military architecture.
- Afternoon travel to Busan by KTX train or private bus. (Meal on own)
- Purpose: Transition to study architectural contrasts between Seoul and Busan.
- Day 9: Spiritual and Coastal Architecture
- Visit Beomeosa Temple, founded in 678 CE during the Silla Dynasty.
- Afternoon tour of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, situated on a coastal cliff. (Meal on own)
- Purpose: Analyze spiritual architecture and its integration into natural landscapes.
Day 10: Modern Landmarks and Cultural Streets
- Morning tour of the Busan Cinema Center (a large file hub in Asia), known for its innovative roof structure and cultural significance.
- Visit APEC center, reflecing traditional building typology using contemporary building materials & forms.
- Afternoon exploration of Dayeon-dong Cultural Alley, a vibrant area filled with local crafts and food. (Meal on own)
- Purpose: Explore how modern design enhances local community spaces.
Day 11: Artistic Villages and Night Markets
- Morning at Gamcheon Culture Village, a hillside neighborhood revitalized into an arts district.
- Evening at Busan’s famous night markets, offering local street food and crafts. (Meal on own)
- Purpose: Understand community-led regeneration projects.
Day 12: Final Reflection and Move
- Check-out from accommodation at 9am
- Morning: Depart Busan via domestic flight to Gimpo Airport in Seoul. Transfer to accommodations near Gimpo for check-in and logistics.
- Lunch (meal on own) in the Magok area, known for its emerging urban developments.
- Exploration in Magok: Visit Seoul Botanic Park, an iconic urban space integrating a greenhouse, lake, and nature reserves that showcase sustainable design principles and biodiversity. Explore Magok Research and Development Complex: A hub of modern architecture featuring innovative buildings designed for sustainability, including green roofs, energy-efficient systems, and experimental spaces.
- Purpose: Reflect on themes of sustainability, innovation, and the evolving urban landscape in Magok while synthesizing the program’s overall learnings.
- Charrette 2: Final group presentations and reflective discussions. Students will share their insights, case studies, and sketches developed during the trip.
- Farewell Group Dinner (included in program fee) at a local restaurant, celebrating the conclusion of the program.
Day 13: Departure
Check-out from accommodation and return to US
-Due May 1st: $500 Advance Payment + $25 Application Fee
-Due July 1st: $XXX Final Payment
*All payments are non-refundable unless declined admission or program cancels for unforeseen reasons.
Included in Program Fee:
- Double occupancy accommodations for XX nights
- On-site transportation
- Entrees fees for program visits and activities
- Several group meals
- On Call Emergency Assistance & Health Insurance
Not Included in Program Fee (Estimated):
- Airfare $1100
- Passport $165
- Course materials $75
- Meals $300
- Spending money $250
- International Student ID card $25
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Visa is not required for US citizens. Other nationalities must verify requirement on the South Korea Embassy website.
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The faculty leaders will provide a suggested flight itinerary. Students are responsible for booking their own airfare.
