Seoul to Launch International Urban Space Design Award

On June 24, 2025, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced the establishment of the 'Seoul International Urban Space Design Award,' set to commence in 2027. This new accolade aims to serve as a Korean counterpart to the prestigious Pritzker Prize, which honors outstanding architectural achievements worldwide.

Seoul has been awarding the 'Seoul Architecture Award' since 1979, but the new award will be distinct from this existing honor. The Seoul International Urban Space Design Award will recognize excellence in three categories: urban infrastructure, architecture, and landscape. A city official explained that the award's broader scope reflects the understanding that urban development is influenced not only by buildings but also by infrastructure, gardens, and parks.

The top prize will encompass all three categories, with additional awards for excellence and merit in each field. The prize money for the main award is expected to be around 150 million KRW (approximately $136,000), aiming to match the level of the Pritzker Prize, which offers a cash award of $100,000.

Winners will be selected by a panel of about ten judges based on nominations and applications. The award ceremony will coincide with the Seoul Urban Architecture Biennale, which occurs every two years, starting in 2027.

Additionally, on the same day, the city unveiled a comprehensive support plan for nurturing domestic architects, known as the 'K-Architecture Culture Comprehensive Support Plan.' This initiative includes increasing the participation rate of local architects in international design competitions and promoting them at global architectural events like the Venice Architecture Biennale.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated, 'We will support competitive architects to showcase their talents domestically and elevate the status of Korean architecture on the global stage.'