Samsung C&T teams up with US firm SMDP to design Mokdong's first Raemian

Samsung C&T announced Thursday that its construction division will collaborate with globally renowned architecture firm SMDP to win the contract for the reconstruction project at the Mokdong 13th complex in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul.

The reconstruction project will transform an existing 2,280-unit apartment complex on an approximately 178,919-square-meter site in Sinjeong-dong, Yangcheon-gu, into a development of 3,852 units spanning four basement floors to 49 above-ground floors. The estimated construction cost alone stands at about 2.38 trillion won ($1.73 billion).

Headquartered in Chicago, SMDP is internationally recognized for mixed-use urban development and high-end residential design. In South Korea, the firm has participated in premium residential complexes including Raemian One Bailey, Nine One Hannam and Acro Seoul Forest.

The two companies are already collaborating on the Sinbanpo 4th complex reconstruction project, for which Samsung C&T secured construction rights last year, and were recently selected as contractor for the Sinbanpo 19th and 25th complex reconstruction projects after proposing optimal design and project terms. For the Mokdong 13th complex, the pair plan to deepen their partnership — drawing on their accumulated experience — to deliver a landmark design that defines the Mokdong area.

Under the current improvement plan, the complex is designed to reach a maximum height of 156 meters across 49 floors. The two firms are planning a skyline befitting the site's location and scale, with careful attention to structural safety, natural light, views and privacy.

They also intend to propose a differentiated landmark that will reshape Mokdong's urban landscape, featuring a distinctive facade design with heightened symbolic value and high-end community amenities.

The design will make full use of the site's southward-facing advantage, ensuring all residents have unobstructed views of surrounding natural scenery including Anyangcheon and Maebongsan.

"The Mokdong 13th complex is a strategically vital site that carries symbolic weight and far-reaching influence for the entire Mokdong reconstruction effort," said Lim Cheol-jin, head of Samsung C&T's residential sales division. "We will mobilize the full capabilities of the company to develop it into a landmark that represents all of Mokdong."

Samsung C&T plans to actively pursue further reconstruction projects in Mokdong, starting with the 13th complex. The Mokdong reconstruction initiative covers 14 complexes in total, redeveloping approximately 27,000 existing units into a new residential district of around 47,000 units, with an estimated total project cost of 30 trillion won.