Often found at theaters and museums, Kwon Mee-yoo has covered a wide range of cultural fields from K-pop and dramas to theater and fine art for over a decade. Now as K-Culture Desk editor, she tries to connect Korean culture with global readers through fresh perspectives.
New French embassy building revives legacy of renowned Korean architect
Ambassador of France to Korea Philippe Lefort, left, speaks during a press conference introducing the newly renovated embassy in celebration of Bastille Day at the diplomatic compound in central Seoul, July 14, with architect Cho Min-suk, center, of Mass Studies, and Jeong Min-joo of Sathy Korea. In the background is a photograph of the embassy building in 1961, originally designed by Korean architect Kim Chung-up. Yonhap
By Kwon Mee-yoo
By Kwon Mee-yoo
In the bustling heart of Seoul, the Embassy of France stands as a testament to the city's modern development and its rich history. The building, originally designed by renowned Korean architect Kim Chung-up (1922-88) in 1961, masterfully marries traditional Korean elements with French sophistication.
It recently underwent a comprehensive renovation, led by Korean architects ― Cho Min-suk of Mass Studies and Yoon Tae-hoon of Sathy Korea ― and the redesign has reinvigorated the diplomatic compound, ushering it into the 21st century.
Ambassador of France to Korea Philippe Lefort reflected on the enduring relationship between Korea and France, drawing parallels to the history embodied by the embassy building.
"The relations between France and Korea can be traced back to the late 19th century, when diplomatic relations were established in 1886. The first French legation to Korea was built in 1888," Lefort said during a press conference introducing the newly renovated embassy in celebration of Bastille Day, July 14.
"The embassy's original location was in Jung-gu, but it was relocated to its present site following the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1905. This land was once owned by Min Young-hwan, a prominent politician of the Korean Empire."
Highlighting France's steadfast support for Korea, Lefort underscored that France maintained its presence and solidarity with Korea throughout the nation's struggle for independence from Japanese colonial rule.
"In 1960, under the foresight of then-French President Charles de Gaulle's strategy for Asia, the French foreign ministry decided to erect a new embassy building, which was a significant investment for the ministry," Lefort said.
The idea to hold a design competition for the new building was put forth by Roger Chambard, the first French ambassador to the Republic of Korea. To the surprise of many, it was Kim, a Korean architect who worked at Le Corbusier's studio, who won against his French rivals in this contest.
The French Embassy in Seoul, originally designed by Kim Chung-up and renovated by Cho Min-suk of Mass Studies and Yoon Tae-hoon of Sathy Korea, is open for a press conference in celebration of Bastille Day at the diplomatic compound in central Seoul, July 14. Yonhap
For years, the French Embassy structures have been emblematic of Kim's architectural style, particularly highlighted by the distinctive curved roof. It was voted No. 2 among the best Korean modern architecture built after the 1950-53 Korean War in a survey co-organized by architectural magazine SPACE and Dong-a Ilbo in 2013.
However, as the ties between Korea and France grew and Seoul developed over the decades, the embassy faced the necessity of accommodating an increasing number of diplomats and staff.
Following appeals from the Korean architectural community, the French foreign ministry made a decision to retain the essence of Kim's designs while concurrently updating the embassy to reflect contemporary standards and needs.
"At the time of its construction, the edifice by Kim Chung-up stood out on a hill. Now, however, his architectural gem is hidden within the city's high-rise buildings," Lefort said, explaining what the ministry sought in the renovation of the embassy compound.
Cho, the first Korean recipient of the Golden Lion for Best National Participation at the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2014, noted the urban environment has changed completely, gesturing at a photograph of the embassy as it stood in 1961, unobstructed by other structures.
"Seoul has experienced tremendous transformations in its architectural journey over the past century, with the population increasing 50 times. The French Embassy, too, has undergone comparable changes. As an architect, I respect the French ministry's choice not to construct a high-rise building here, thereby maintaining a crucial void in the urban landscape," Cho said.
"In 1961, the embassy was staffed by a mere five people. Today, it houses over 100 employees. Our architectural responsibility was to faithfully restore the original curvature of the eaves on the roof of the Kim Chung-up Pavilion, once the ambassador's office, while introducing additions like Tour Monclar and Jetee Jean-Louis to facilitate both vertical and horizontal expansion of the embassy.”
Cho expressed his aspirations for the newly renovated embassy building to serve as a dynamic backdrop to further enhance the friendship between Korea and France.