Which universities are taking part in the student pavilion exhibition in Seoul?

The exhibition includes aspiring architects from 25 universities across Korea. Named participants include Yonsei University, Korea University, Ewha Womans University, Kwangwoon University and Hanyang University ERICA.

Where and when can visitors see the student architecture pavilions in Gwanghwamun Square?

The exhibition opened Tuesday along the Nolimadang section of Gwanghwamun Square and runs through Aug. 28. Winning pavilion designs will later be displayed at the Seoul Hall of Urbanism and Architecture during the 18th Seoul Architecture Festival from Sept. 15 to Oct. 11.

Student architects reimagine classroom in Gwanghwamun Square

Q: What is the 15th Union of Architecture University Students Pavilion Exhibition in Gwanghwamun Square about?

It is an outdoor showcase of student-made architectural pavilions that examines academic spaces, community and human connection. The exhibition asks visitors to rethink schools not just as places for instruction, but as environments shaped by rigid systems and spontaneous social ties.

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Summary

Twenty-five temporary architectural pavilions opened in Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul this week as student designers from 25 universities showcased installations on academic spaces, community and human connection. The 15th Union of Architecture University Students Pavilion Exhibition runs through Aug. 28 along the Nolimadang section of the square. The theme, U and US: Re-membering in School, asks visitors to rethink schools as spaces shaped by both rigid systems and spontaneous social ties. Winning pavilion designs will later be shown at the Seoul Hall of Urbanism and Architecture during the 18th Seoul Architecture Festival.

Key Facts

The exhibition features compact, uniform 3.5-meter installations designed for pedestrians to step inside.
Participating institutions include Yonsei University, Korea University, Ewha Womans University, Kwangwoon University and Hanyang University ERICA.
Organizers added interactive elements such as a large-format community board and a stamp-tour program using attendance-register leaflets.

By Lee Kyung-min

Published Aug 19, 2026 3:32 pm KST

Promotional materials for the Union of Architecture University Students Pavilion Exhibition / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

Twenty-five temporary architectural pavilions transformed the heart of Seoul this week as student designers unveiled physical installations reflecting on academic spaces, community and human connection, municipal authorities said Wednesday.

The 15th Union of Architecture University Students (UAUS) Pavilion Exhibition opened Tuesday along the Nolimadang section of Gwanghwamun Square, featuring works created by aspiring architects from 25 universities across Korea. Running through Aug. 28, the outdoor showcase invites pedestrians to step inside compact, uniform 3.5-meter installations designed to explore how educational environments shape social behavior.

Organized under the theme "U&US: Re-membering in School," this year’s exhibition challenges traditional views of academic facilities. Rather than treating campuses merely as functional spaces for instruction, student teams reimagined them as dynamic arenas where forced structures — such as rigid class schedules, fixed seating charts and grade levels — interact with spontaneous, self-directed social connections. Participating institutions include Yonsei University, Korea University, Ewha Womans University, Kwangwoon University and Hanyang University ERICA, among others.

To engage visitors, organizers integrated interactive elements into the plaza, including a large-format community board modeled after a traditional classroom bulletin board and a stamp-tour program using attendance-register leaflets.

"The UAUS exhibition offers an important platform for future architects to analyze society and space through their own lens while engaging directly with the public," said Myeong No-jun, head of the Housing Bureau at the Seoul Metropolitan Government. "The city will continue to support young designers as they experiment, grow and help shape Seoul’s architectural culture."

Following the Gwanghwamun showcase, winning pavilion designs will be featured at the Seoul Hall of Urbanism and Architecture during the 18th Seoul Architecture Festival, running from Sept. 15 to Oct. 11.

This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.

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