Professor Emeritus Kang Byung-geun of Konkuk University Appointed as One of the Four 'Seoul Chief Architects'

Mayor Oh Se-hoon to Receive Appointment Letter on the 28th... Will Serve as Mayor's Direct Non-Standing Position for a 2-Year Term
Overseeing Comprehensive Planning and Coordination of Spatial Environment to Enhance Public Architecture Value and Create High-Quality Urban Spaces

Kang Byung-geun, Professor Emeritus, College of Architecture, Konkuk University

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Seoul Metropolitan Government is appointing Kang Byung-geun, Honorary Professor at Konkuk University College of Architecture, as the 4th ‘Seoul Chief Architect.’ Mayor Oh Se-hoon will present the appointment letter to the new Seoul Chief Architect Kang Byung-geun at the mayor’s office on the morning of the 28th.

The ‘Seoul Chief Architect’ is a private expert who oversees the overall planning and coordination of Seoul’s urban architecture policies and spatial environment projects. This role covers urban architecture and spatial projects closely connected to citizens’ lives, ranging from public buildings such as daycare centers and welfare facilities to amenities like parks, streets, and landscaping.

The main responsibilities include comprehensive planning and advisory review of major spatial environment projects in Seoul, facilitating cooperation and coordination among Seoul’s departments related to spatial environment projects, and establishing information exchange and cooperation systems with domestic and international cities.

The new Seoul Chief Architect Kang Byung-geun is recognized as an urban architecture expert who combines both academic knowledge and practical skills, making him well-suited to support the enhancement of public architecture and urban spaces directly linked to citizens’ lives.

He graduated from Konkuk University’s Department of Architectural Engineering and completed doctoral coursework in architecture and engineering at the Technical University of Berlin, Germany. He has served on various Seoul city committees, including the Architecture Committee, Urban Planning Committee, and Park Committee, demonstrating a deep understanding of Seoul’s municipal administration.

He is especially known as a pioneer who has dedicated his life to barrier-free architecture research for vulnerable groups such as the disabled and elderly, leading to the enactment of the “Act on Guarantee of Convenience for the Disabled, Elderly, Pregnant Women, etc.” in 1997.

He is also known for designing large-scale projects. Notable examples include the design of Oedo Botania in Hallyeohaesang National Park, which attracts one million visitors annually, Jeju Eco Land, and Gapyeong French Cultural Village (Petit France).

The Seoul Chief Architect is a part-time position directly under the mayor, working two days a week. The term of office is two years.

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