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Seoul is Best City of 2024
Seoul has been named the Best City of 2024 in the Wallpaper* Design Awards, an acknowledgment of its dynamic blend of culture, art, and style, driven by an unstoppable wave of creative talent. The city, once one of the poorest nations in the 1960s, has undergone remarkable economic growth and rapid social change, fostering a competitive and fast-paced environment. This ambition, combined with a desire for external recognition, has fueled its cultural exports, from K-pop and K-drama to fashion. Artists and designers in Seoul excel at absorbing diverse global influences and reinterpreting them to create something uniquely Korean, underpinned by a strong work ethic and a burgeoning appreciation for their national heritage.
The city's identity is deeply rooted in its heritage, evident in areas like Bukchon and Seochon. Architect Choi Wook's design for the Sulwhasoo flagship store in Bukchon reflects the character of traditional hanok houses and the structured logic of Korean culture, aiming to evoke a sense of place and visual experience. He describes Seoul's architecture as a complex of chaotic yet cheerful fragments, blending with the mountainous landscape to form a "giant collective" rather than individual grand buildings. In Seochon, the Onjium research institute serves as a cultural guardian, preserving Korean traditions in clothing, culinary arts, and lifestyle through research, exhibitions, and a highly respected fine-dining restaurant that reinterprets staple Korean ingredients with modern flair.
Seoul's commitment to preserving its past while embracing the future is also seen in initiatives like the Seochon Lounge, which offers visitors an immersive experience of everyday hanok life and exhibitions on K-style living. The city's landscape, chosen for its excellent feng shui during the Joseon Dynasty, features old palaces juxtaposed against modern high-rises. Architects like Seung H-Sang have shifted the focus from urban growth to regeneration, appreciating the city's unique energy despite its dense and chaotic nature. Architect Byoung Cho's architectural guide, "My Life as an Architect in Seoul," offers a warm perspective on navigating this complex urban environment.
The city's fashion scene thrives on speed and trend-setting, nurturing talented designers who redefine luxury. Brands like PAF (Post Archive Faction) are gaining global recognition for their evolving collections that remix past and present influences. The art world in Seoul is equally vibrant, attracting major players like Frieze Seoul and blue-chip galleries. The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Leeum museums, and the recently opened Songeun art space highlight the city's rich artistic landscape. The Songeun art and cultural foundation, for example, has fostered the growth of young talent, prompting artists to forge new languages within the distinct structure of Korean art departments.
Seoul is also a hub for innovative retail spaces, exemplified by brands like Gentle Monster, which create immersive, jaw-dropping experiences. The Seongsu district, often compared to Shoreditch or Brooklyn, is a hotbed of creative exploration, with independent shops and large brands coexisting in its industrial backdrop. Entrepreneurs like Jaewon Kim have transformed areas by opening design-focused cafes and shops, recognizing the appeal of contrasting industrial heritage with new, vibrant businesses. This dynamic environment reflects a societal transition, where the creative energy of Seoul serves as a counterpoint to traditional pressures, fostering a strong solidarity among young creators who are shaping the future of Korean culture, even as they navigate the challenges of rapid change and intense competition.
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The Winners of the MetropolisLikes 2024 Awards
