Kim Swoo Geun
Encyclopedia
Kim Swoo Geun was a prominent South Korea
n architect
, educator, publisher and patron of artists. Along with architect Kim Joong Up (김중업), he is recognised as a significant contributor in the history of Korean architecture. With his support for diverse art genres of Korean culture, he was referred to as Lorenzo de Medici of Seoul
by TIME
in 1977.
, North Hamgyong province. While Kim was in second year at Kyunggi Public Middle School (경기공립중학교), he began to take an interest in architecture, introduced by his English tutor and a US soldier.
After his graduation from the school in 1950 and Kim entered Seoul National University
, majoring in architecture. In 1952, during the Korean War
, he withdrew from the school and went abroad to Japan
where he studied modern architecture at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music
. During his study at this school, he interned at Hirada Matsuda (松田平田)'s architectural firm. In 1960 he received a master's degree
in architecture from Tokyo University where he finished his doctoral course as well.
In 1959, he won the competition for the National Assembly Building
of South Korea, but his proposal was not realized due to the political situation at that time. In 1960, he returned to his country with his Japanese wife Michiko Yajima (矢島道子). He would eventually father three children with her. In 1961 he founded his architectural firm, "Kim Swoo Geun Planning and Design" (김수근 건축사무소), the predecessor of the current SPACE group. At the same time, he also began to teach at the architecture department of Hong-ik University.
Kim designed over 200 projects inside and outside of South Korea during his lifetime. His representative works include "SPACE Group building" (공간 사옥, 1978), "Masan Yangdeok Catholic Church" (마산양덕성당 1979), "Jinju National Museum
" (진주국립박물관 1986) and "Olympic Main Stadium" (올림픽 경기장 1987), which feature his characteristic view of architecture as well as Korean traditional elements.
Kim commenced publishing the monthly SPACE (월간 공간) in 1966, the first general art journal of South Korea which contributes to recording and distributing Korean culture. Kim also established SPACE Love (공간사랑) in 1978, a small theater inside of the Space group building and built the SPACE Gallery in 1972, all of which has played an important role for numerous South Korean cultural campaigns. With his contributions crossing over into many diverse genres, Kim is regarded a seminal cultural activist, trying to integrate architecture and other genres of artistic expression.
After Kim Swoo Geun died in 1986, a victim of liver cancer at the age of 55, the Kim Swoo Geun Foundation (김수근문화재단) was established in his memory.
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
n architect
Architect
An architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to offer or render services in connection with the design and construction of a building, or group of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the...
, educator, publisher and patron of artists. Along with architect Kim Joong Up (김중업), he is recognised as a significant contributor in the history of Korean architecture. With his support for diverse art genres of Korean culture, he was referred to as Lorenzo de Medici of Seoul
Seoul
Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
by TIME
Time (magazine)
Time is an American news magazine. A European edition is published from London. Time Europe covers the Middle East, Africa and, since 2003, Latin America. An Asian edition is based in Hong Kong...
in 1977.
Biography
Kim Swoo Geun was born the first son of Kim Yong-hwan (김용환) and Kim Usudal (김우수달) in Sinap-dong (신압동), ChongjinChongjin
Ch'ŏngjin is the capital of North Korea's North Hamgyŏng Province and the country's third largest city. From 1960 to 1967 and again from 1977 to 1985, Ch'ŏngjin was administered separately from North Hamgyŏng as a Directly Governed City...
, North Hamgyong province. While Kim was in second year at Kyunggi Public Middle School (경기공립중학교), he began to take an interest in architecture, introduced by his English tutor and a US soldier.
After his graduation from the school in 1950 and Kim entered Seoul National University
Seoul National University
Seoul National University , colloquially known in Korean as Seoul-dae , is a national research university in Seoul, Korea, ranked 24th in the world in publications in an analysis of data from the Science Citation Index, 7th in Asia and 42nd in the world by the 2011 QS World University Rankings...
, majoring in architecture. In 1952, during the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
, he withdrew from the school and went abroad to Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
where he studied modern architecture at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music
Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music
or is one of the oldest and most prestigious art schools in Japan. Located in Ueno Park, it also has facilities in Toride, Ibaraki, Yokohama, Kanagawa, and Kitasenju, Adachi, Tokyo...
. During his study at this school, he interned at Hirada Matsuda (松田平田)'s architectural firm. In 1960 he received a master's degree
Master's degree
A master's is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice...
in architecture from Tokyo University where he finished his doctoral course as well.
In 1959, he won the competition for the National Assembly Building
National Assembly Building
The National Assembly Building is the building that serves as the location of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, the legislative branch of the South Korean national government. It is located at Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul....
of South Korea, but his proposal was not realized due to the political situation at that time. In 1960, he returned to his country with his Japanese wife Michiko Yajima (矢島道子). He would eventually father three children with her. In 1961 he founded his architectural firm, "Kim Swoo Geun Planning and Design" (김수근 건축사무소), the predecessor of the current SPACE group. At the same time, he also began to teach at the architecture department of Hong-ik University.
Kim designed over 200 projects inside and outside of South Korea during his lifetime. His representative works include "SPACE Group building" (공간 사옥, 1978), "Masan Yangdeok Catholic Church" (마산양덕성당 1979), "Jinju National Museum
Jinju National Museum
Jinju National Museum is a national museum located in the Jinju fortress , Jinju, South Korea. It opened in February 1984 with the purpose to specialize the theme of Imjinwaeran.-See also:*List of museums in South Korea*National museum...
" (진주국립박물관 1986) and "Olympic Main Stadium" (올림픽 경기장 1987), which feature his characteristic view of architecture as well as Korean traditional elements.
Kim commenced publishing the monthly SPACE (월간 공간) in 1966, the first general art journal of South Korea which contributes to recording and distributing Korean culture. Kim also established SPACE Love (공간사랑) in 1978, a small theater inside of the Space group building and built the SPACE Gallery in 1972, all of which has played an important role for numerous South Korean cultural campaigns. With his contributions crossing over into many diverse genres, Kim is regarded a seminal cultural activist, trying to integrate architecture and other genres of artistic expression.
After Kim Swoo Geun died in 1986, a victim of liver cancer at the age of 55, the Kim Swoo Geun Foundation (김수근문화재단) was established in his memory.
Recognition
According to Park Gil-ryong, a professor of Kukmin University, Kim was the first in South Korea to proclaim that architecture has to have its own concept and philosophy. The architect Min Hyeon-sik said Kim Swoo Geun lived with the consciousness of how to effectively convey and adapt Korean tradition into contemporary architecture. It was his grand obsession. His achievement as an educator was in mentoring Kim Won, Ryu Chun-su, Min Hyun-sik, Lee Jong-ho, Seung Hyo-sang into being prominent architects, regarded as significant as well.Selective works
- 1963 Freedom Center (자유센터) in Jangchung-dongJangchung-dongJangchung-dong is a dong, neighbourhood of Jung-gu in Seoul, South Korea.-Attractions:* National Theater of Korea* Jangchung Gymnasium* Jangchung * Jangchungdan Park...
, Jung-guJung-gu, SeoulJung-gu is one of the 25 gu which make up the city of Seoul, South Korea. It is located on the north side of the Han River, and is the historical center of the city .-Overview:...
, SeoulSeoulSeoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world... - 1967 Buyeo National MuseumBuyeo National MuseumBuyeo National Museum is a national museum located in Buyeo, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea. Since Buyeo was once the capital of the Baekje kingdom during the Sabi period , the Museum is fully devoted to the Baekje culture.-Artifacts:...
in BuyeoBuyeoBuyeo can mean:*Buyeo kingdom, a kingdom located in today's North Korea and southern Manchuria from around the 2nd century BC to 494 AD*Buyeo County, a county in South Chungcheong Province, South Korea, and one-time capital of the ancient kingdom of Baekje...
, South Chungcheong Province - 1969 Tower Hotel (타워호텔) in Jangchung-dongJangchung-dongJangchung-dong is a dong, neighbourhood of Jung-gu in Seoul, South Korea.-Attractions:* National Theater of Korea* Jangchung Gymnasium* Jangchung * Jangchungdan Park...
, Jung-guJung-gu, SeoulJung-gu is one of the 25 gu which make up the city of Seoul, South Korea. It is located on the north side of the Han River, and is the historical center of the city .-Overview:...
, SeoulSeoulSeoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world... - 1970 Korea Exhibition Pavilion at Expo '70Expo '70was a World's Fair held in Suita, Osaka, Japan between March 15 and September 13, 1970. The theme of the Expo was "Progress and Harmony for Mankind." In Japanese Expo '70 is often referred to as Ōsaka Banpaku...
(오사카 엑스포 한국관) in OsakaOsakais a city in the Kansai region of Japan's main island of Honshu, a designated city under the Local Autonomy Law, the capital city of Osaka Prefecture and also the biggest part of Keihanshin area, which is represented by three major cities of Japan, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe...
, JapanJapanJapan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south... - 1971 SPACE Group Building (공간 사옥) in Wonseo-dongWonseo-dongWonseo-dong is a dong, neighbourhood of Jongno-gu in Seoul, South Korea. It is a legal dong administered under its administrative dong , Gahoe-dong.-External links:*...
, Jongno-guJongno-guJongno-gu is a gu, or district, in central Seoul, South Korea. It takes its name from a major local street, Jongno, which means "Bell Street". Jongno-gu has been the center of the city for 600 years, since where the Joseon dynasty established its capital city...
, SeoulSeoulSeoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world... - 1977 Seoul Olympic Stadium, in JamsilJamsilJamsil may refer to:* Jamsil Arena, an indoor sporting venue in Seoul, South Korea* Jamsil Baseball Stadium, in Seoul, South Korea* Jamsil Station, a station on the Seoul Metropolitan Subway...
, Songpa-guSongpa-guSongpa-gu is a district of Seoul, South Korea. Songpa is located at the southeastern part of Seoul, the capital of Korea, Songpa is a district with the largest population...
, SeoulSeoulSeoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world... - 1979 Cheongju National MuseumCheongju National MuseumCheongju National Museum is a national museum located in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea. It opened on October 30, 1987. Kim Swoo Geun, Korea’s most renowned architect designed the building.-External links:*...
, in CheongjuCheongjuCheongju is the capital city of Chungcheongbuk-do , South Korea. The city is divided into two wards , Heungdeok-gu and Sangdang-gu .-History:...
, North Chungcheong Province - 1979 Munye Center and Fine Arts Center (종합문예회관, currently Arko Arts Museum) in Marronnier ParkMarronnier Park-Overview:At the center of the park is a horse chestnut tree, of the genus Aesculus, for which the park takes its name. The Marronnier originates from the Mediterranean Sea and is quite common in France and Italy where they grow at roadside. From May to June, red or white flowers bloom.The park...
, Jongno-guJongno-guJongno-gu is a gu, or district, in central Seoul, South Korea. It takes its name from a major local street, Jongno, which means "Bell Street". Jongno-gu has been the center of the city for 600 years, since where the Joseon dynasty established its capital city... - 1979 Yangdeok Catholic Church (마산양덕성당) in MasanMasanMasan was a formerly a municipal city in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. The city was situated on Masan Bay , approximately 35 km west of Busan. It was known for its textile industry, and it was the site of Hite Brewery's production facilities.During the control of the Mongolians, the...
, South Gyeongsang Province - 1980 Kyungdong Presbyterian Church (경동교회) in Jangchung-dongJangchung-dongJangchung-dong is a dong, neighbourhood of Jung-gu in Seoul, South Korea.-Attractions:* National Theater of Korea* Jangchung Gymnasium* Jangchung * Jangchungdan Park...
, Jung-guJung-gu, SeoulJung-gu is one of the 25 gu which make up the city of Seoul, South Korea. It is located on the north side of the Han River, and is the historical center of the city .-Overview:...
, SeoulSeoulSeoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world... - 1983 Embassy building of the United States in SeoulEmbassy of the United States in SeoulThe Embassy of the United States in Seoul is the embassy of the United States in the Republic of Korea , in the capital city of Seoul. The embassy is charged with diplomacy and South Korea–United States relations...
on SejongnoSejongnoSejongno is a street that cuts through Jongno-gu in downtown Seoul. It is named after King Sejong. The street is only 600 meters in length, but thanks to its central location it is of great symbolic importance. It points north to Gwanaksan and Bukhansan , and the Joseon Dynasty palace,...
in Jongno-guJongno-guJongno-gu is a gu, or district, in central Seoul, South Korea. It takes its name from a major local street, Jongno, which means "Bell Street". Jongno-gu has been the center of the city for 600 years, since where the Joseon dynasty established its capital city...
, SeoulSeoulSeoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world... - 1984 National Science Museum, South KoreaNational Science Museum, South KoreaNational Science Museum, South Korea is a national museum in Daejeon, South Korea. It opened in 1990.-External links:*...
in Yuseong-guYuseong-guYuseong-gu is a gu of Daejeon, South Korea, known for high tech industries, Daejeon Expo '93, Daedeok Science Valley and the Yuseong Special Tourism District...
, DaejeonDaejeonDaejeon is South Korea's fifth largest metropolis and the provincial capital of Chungnam. Located in the center of the country, Daejeon had a population of over 1.5 million in 2010. It is at the crossroads of Gyeongbu railway, Honam railway, Gyeongbu Expressway, and Honam Expressway. Within the... - 1985 Bulgwang-dong Catholic Church (불광동성당) in Bulgwang-dongBulgwang-dongBulgwang-dong is a dong, neighbourhood of Eunpyeong-gu in Seoul, South Korea.-External links:* at the Eunpyeong-gu official website...
, Eunpyeong-guEunpyeong-guEunpyeong-gu is one of the 25 gu which make up the city of Seoul, South Korea.The mayor of this district is Jaedong NOH since July 2006.-Administrative divisions:*Bulgwang-dong *Daejo-dong *Eungam-dong...
, SeoulSeoulSeoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
Honors
- 1970 Civil Merit Medal, South Korea (국민포장 國民褒章)
- 1971 Pan Pacific Citation from the American Institute of ArchitectsAmerican Institute of ArchitectsThe American Institute of Architects is a professional organization for architects in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach to support the architecture profession and improve its public image...
(AIA) - 1979 Commendatore dell’ Ordine della Stella della Solidariet’ ItalianaItalian orders of meritThere are five orders of knighthood awarded in recognition of service to the Italian Republic. Below these sit a number of other decorations, associated and otherwise, that do not confer knighthoods...
- 1982 Honorary Fellow from the American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- 1984 Iron Tower, Order of Industrial Service Merit, South Korea (철탑산업훈장 鐵塔産業勳章)
- 1986 Silver Tower, Order of Industrial Service Merit, South Korea (은탑산업훈장 銀塔産業勳章)
See also
- Architecture of South KoreaArchitecture of South KoreaSouth Korean Architecture refers to any architectures in South Korea which includes architectures from Neolithic–7th century, three-kingdoms of Korea, Goryeo, Joseon, Japanese occupation, Korean War, and modern architectures.-Historic Architectures:...
- List of tallest buildings in Seoul
- National Assembly BuildingNational Assembly BuildingThe National Assembly Building is the building that serves as the location of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, the legislative branch of the South Korean national government. It is located at Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul....
External links
- Monthly magazine SPACE
- Space Group (formerly Kim Su-keun's architectural firm)