Seoul's Gangdong-gu announced Monday that Cheonssam Shelter, a community rest space built near 111-38 Cheonho-dong, has won the Korea Public Design Association President's Award at the 2026 Korea Public Design Grand Prize.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism hosts the 2026 Korea Public Design Grand Prize, with the Korea Craft and Design Foundation serving as organizer. The competition identifies and promotes outstanding examples of public design that make everyday life more beautiful and convenient.
The site where Cheonssam Shelter now stands is an approximately 150-square-meter pocket park that had long served as the only outdoor rest space for nearby residents. Over time the facility fell into disrepair, prompting repeated calls from the community for improvements.
In response, the district redeveloped the space from a simple rest stop into a lifestyle community hub where residents can linger and interact naturally.
The project drew broadly on input from both residents and specialists. Gangdong-gu partnered with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to hold a public architect design competition, then advanced the project based on the selected design. A community briefing in September last year shared the project plan and design with residents and gathered their feedback, after which expert review further enhanced safety and usability.
Cheonssam Shelter was designed for universal access: level changes within the space were smoothed out and barrier-free pathways applied throughout. A canopy provides shelter from sun and rain, while facing benches and trees are arranged to encourage relaxed conversation and rest.
The shelter connects to a nearby bus stop and pedestrian routes, offering a comfortable waiting area for bus riders while serving residents as a neighborhood gathering point for meeting, resting and socializing.
The award ceremony will be held Oct. 23 at the opening of Public Design Festival 2026 at Culture Station Seoul 284's Artio (RTO) hall. The winning project will also be featured in "Design of Care," a curated exhibition at Culture Station Seoul 284 opening Sept. 16.
"Cheonssam Shelter is a lifestyle-oriented space completed by combining residents' voices with the expertise of public architects and the character of the neighborhood," Gangdong-gu District Mayor Lee Su-hee said. "Building on this recognition, we will continue to expand public rest spaces where all residents can stay safely, comfortably and connect with one another."
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