The Multifunctional Administrative City Construction Agency (MACCA) has officially initiated the architectural design competition for the ‘Presidential Sejong Office,’ a key facility for completing Korea’s administrative capital. This competition aims to create a historic building that elevates national prestige and fosters citizen pride. The design priorities include sophisticated aesthetics, enhanced communication between the president and staff, improved governmental efficiency, top-tier security, and harmonious public engagement. These objectives align with the master plan for the national symbol zone, emphasizing the symbolic significance of the administrative capital.
The competition seeks proposals for a 40,000㎡ Presidential Sejong Office complex, encompassing the presidential office, residence, crisis management center, workspaces, and public communication facilities. Additionally, phased construction plans considering the potential full relocation of the presidential office will be accepted. The schedule includes a site briefing this month, submission and evaluation of entries in April, and the final selection of the winning design by the end of April. The winner will receive a 12-month basic and detailed design contract worth KRW 11.1 billion.
The judging process is divided into two rounds, with a ‘public participation voting’ system ensuring citizens’ voices influence the selection. Five entries advancing to the second round will be presented with comprehensive explanatory materials to enhance public understanding, and the top-voted design will be included in the final decision. This approach builds on the improved public voting system used in last year’s national symbol zone master plan competition. Kang Ju-yeop, head of MACCA, emphasized that this competition marks a significant starting point for completing the administrative capital and expressed hope for submissions that meet national standards and inspire pride.
Looking ahead, the Presidential Sejong Office design competition will continue to prioritize transparency and citizen involvement. The phased expansion and integration of public opinion are expected to play crucial roles in the completion of the administrative capital. The selected design is anticipated to become a symbolic landmark that enhances Korea’s global stature and citizen pride. Innovative procedures like public participation voting may set new standards for future public architecture projects.