Seoul's urban architecture museum gears up for a full autumn lineup

An autumn program at a museum beside a royal palace will let visitors explore Seoul's latest architecture alongside works by world-renowned architects, hear talks from experts and walk through landmark buildings in the city center — an opportunity for architecture enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Sunday that the Seoul Hall of Urbanism and Architecture, next to Deoksugung, will host a series of exhibitions, lectures, hands-on experiences, tours and evening openings through February.

The 18th Seoul Architecture Culture Festival is currently on view at the venue. On Nov. 6, the Danish architecture group BIG will open its first exhibition in Korea, followed by the Seoul Urban Architecture Exchange Exhibition beginning Nov. 26.

The program also includes opportunities to hear directly from architects and curators. On Nov. 5, Bjarke Ingels — the globally celebrated architect and founder of BIG — will deliver a special lecture on the future of urban architecture.

On Wednesday, a professional curator will share behind-the-scenes stories about the exhibition's concept and spatial design philosophy. On Nov. 7, BIG architect Lee Jin-ho will discuss his firsthand experience on global projects with the public.

A monthly urban architecture tour will take participants through nearby city landmarks and notable buildings, guided by expert docents and architects. The "Gyeongbokgung East Side Tour" is set for Nov. 15, while the Cheonggyecheon tour will be held Nov. 12. The museum will also extend its hours to 9 p.m. every Saturday with evening openings.

"We will consistently expand our programs so that even residents who are not familiar with architecture can visit comfortably, see Seoul's spaces in a new light and enjoy urban architecture as part of everyday life," said Ahn Dae-hee, the Seoul Metropolitan Government's director of future space planning.