Seven Buildings Win Awards Across Three Categories:
Three in General, Three in Public, One in Residential
The "Taehwa Complex Cultural Space Mandi" (Cultra Architects, Hur Changyeol) has been selected as the grand prize winner of the 2025 Ulsan City Architecture Awards.
Daesang, Taehwa Complex Cultural Space Mandi. (Photo by Hanul Lee)
Ulsan City announced that a judging panel consisting of 12 members, including citizens and experts, evaluated 50 entries across five categories-residential, public, general, remodeling, and emerging architects-based on creativity, functionality, and public value, and determined the award winners accordingly.
This year, the Architecture Awards focused on artistic merit, and all six works, except for the grand prize winner, were awarded the Excellence Prize.
The Excellence Prize winners are: Jongha Innovation Center, Samsan Haesol Youth Center, Jujeon Elementary School, KG Parking Building, Mijiui, and Gyeopgyeopjip.
The grand prize-winning "Taehwa Complex Cultural Space Mandi" was highly praised for its sophisticated exterior that makes full use of the sloped site and for the seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces.
The outstanding views from each area, as well as the incorporation of not only the city center and industrial complex but also the existing Baekyangsa Temple into the vistas, received high marks. In particular, the various cultural spaces were recognized for their public nature and openness, enabling citizens to naturally flow through the site, and the project was evaluated as a "hub of cultural city Ulsan," earning high scores.
In the public category, the Excellence Prize-winning "Jongha Innovation Center" in Sinjeong-dong, Nam-gu (Wonahn Architects, Yang Heon), inherited the historical legacy of the Jongha Gymnasium and infused dynamism throughout the space.
Jongha Innovation Center (Photo by Kim Yongsu).
The main facade was opened to the street and plaza, transforming the building into an "open space" accessible to all citizens. This design was praised for highlighting the public value of architecture that considers its users.
In the same category, the "Samsan Haesol Youth Center" in Samsan-dong, Nam-gu (JOA Architects, Jeon Jinyoung), received acclaim for its red brick exterior and warm atmosphere, which perfectly complement the function of a youth facility. Despite the spatial limitations of the urban site, the building stands out for its diverse, user-oriented functional spaces.
"Jujeon Elementary School" in Jujeon-dong, Dong-gu (IDS Architects, Lee Dohyeong), took full advantage of its seaside location to maximize openness with ocean views. The use of eco-friendly wood created a gentle image, earning it praise as "a school that embraces both the sensibility and safety of children."
In the general category, the "KG Parking Building" at Korea Zinc's plant in Daejeong-ri, Onsan-eup (Diffusion Architects, Kim Jaeseong), surpassed the typical limitations of industrial complex parking structures by incorporating design and landscape lighting, thereby transforming the industrial park's scenery.
In particular, the consecutive awards for SK Chemicals' "The BRICK Wall" headquarters last year and this year's "KG Parking Building" at Korea Zinc are seen as pioneering examples of companies proposing architectural solutions for their own industrial environments and workers. These achievements are regarded as positive signals for changing the image of Ulsan as an industrial city.
"Mijiui" in Sanjeon-ri, Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju-gun (Architekkei Architects, Lee Gicheol), was recognized for its elegant curves and perfect harmony between landscape and architecture, demonstrating outstanding architectural aesthetics. The seamless integration of landscaping and architecture, along with the owner's philosophy reflected in the space, led to the evaluation that it is "a work that poetically narrates the story of the place."
Unknown (Photo by Yoon Junhwan).
In the residential category, "Gyeopgyeopjip" in Yaksadong, Jung-gu (On Architects, Jeong Woongsik), was the sole recipient of the Excellence Prize. The project was noted for achieving both appropriate privacy and openness, creative material composition, and a natural connection between interior and exterior spaces. Its dynamic spatial organization and meticulous details were also highlighted, and it was evaluated as a case that demonstrates new possibilities for urban housing.
All award-winning buildings will have a bronze plaque attached, and both the building owners and designers will receive trophies. In addition, models and photographs of the winning projects will be exhibited to the public at the 9th Ulsan Architecture Culture Festival, which will be held from September 18 to 21.
An official from the city stated, "We hope that the Ulsan City Architecture Awards will become a more familiar and valuable honor for citizens," adding, "We will continue to discover and promote Ulsan's beautiful and outstanding architecture."
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