Seoul to Hold "Architectural Design Competition for Vacant House Utilization"

Applications Accepted from October 20 to 22
Five Winning Entries to Be Announced on November 4

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on September 22 that it will hold an "Architectural Design Competition for Vacant House Utilization" to transform neglected empty houses into rental housing and parks.

In collaboration with Seoul Housing & Communities Corporation (SH), the city is supplying vacant houses acquired through redevelopment projects as rental housing for young people and newlyweds, as well as community infrastructure such as village parking lots and community gardens.

This competition, under the slogan "The Beginning of K-Architecture: From Seoul’s Vacant Houses to the World," aims to explore diverse ways to utilize vacant houses and provide a platform for emerging architects to showcase their capabilities on a broader scale.

Eligible participants include licensed architects or professionals in architecture-related fields in Korea (with at least three years of practical experience in architecture or urban planning), as well as university students majoring in architecture or urban planning. Participation is open to individuals or teams of up to two members.

Participants may choose from three sites managed by SH-791-1534 Mia-dong, Gangbuk-gu; 972-10 Doksan-dong, Geumcheon-gu; and 47-103 Ogin-dong, Jongno-gu-and submit design proposals for rental housing or community infrastructure. Multiple works may be submitted, including original files in vertical A0 size.

Applications will be accepted via email from October 20 to 22 by completing the application form posted on the "Seoul in My Hands" section of the Seoul Housing & Communities Corporation website. The city will select five winning entries and announce them on November 4, awarding certificates and a total of 11 million won in prize money to the winners.

Winning entries will be selected based on utility (feasibility), creativity, policy relevance, and completeness. Designs deemed feasible among the winning entries will be actively incorporated into next year’s vacant house utilization project by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and SH, supporting their implementation as actual redevelopment projects.

Choi Jinseok, Director of Housing at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "We hope that the fresh and diverse ideas from university students and architects will expand new possibilities and architectural value in the utilization of vacant houses. The city will continue to discover emerging architects from various perspectives and strive to ensure their capabilities are meaningfully reflected in policy for the advancement of K-Architecture."