SOM’s program to expand the Korea World Trade Center in Seoul was a lesson in both the power of mixed-use developments and the advantage of engaging a project designer capable of master planning, designing and building, as well as coordinating disparate elements including office, retail, entertainment, hotel, and public space uses. The application of SOM’s multidisciplinary strengths to the KWTC enabled it to become one of the few large convention centers able to operate independent of government subsidies.

Project Facts

Completion Year: 2000
Site Area: 50 acres
Project Area: 6,500,000 ft²
Building Height: 525 ft
Number of Stories: 41

Project Awards

1998 • ASHRAE • Excellence in Engineering
2001 • AIA - Chicago Chapter • Interior Architecture Award: Citation of Merit
2001 • City of Seoul, Korea • Gold Metal