Total project cost of 44.8 billion won ($29.6 million); new wing to house 1,489 residents

A rendering of the winning design for the expansion of the University of Seoul's international dormitory. [Seoul Metropolitan Government]
A rendering of the winning design for the expansion of the University of Seoul's international dormitory. [Seoul Metropolitan Government]

The University of Seoul's international dormitory is set to expand into a full-service residential facility offering spaces for study, rest and social interaction. When complete, a new wing connected to the existing building will accommodate an additional 319 residents.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced Thursday that SEOP Architects has been selected as the winner of the design competition for the expansion of the university's international dormitory.

The project was launched to address the university's dormitory occupancy rate, which lags behind peer institutions. The goal is to guarantee students' right to study and rest while providing a stable living environment.

The University of Seoul established a dormitory expansion plan in 2024 and has since completed the necessary administrative steps, including a master plan and investment review, laying the groundwork for the project.

The expansion will take the form of a separate wing connected to the existing international dormitory. Once finished, it will add 319 beds to the current capacity, bringing the total to 1,489 residents.

The new building will include a roughly 360-square-meter multipurpose space for activities such as lectures and K-pop dance classes. A communal lounge of approximately 210 square meters, linked to individual rooms, will also be provided.

The design competition jury convened at the Seoul Hall of Urbanism and Architecture's digital judging venue. Blind presentations and real-time public disclosure of jury votes were used to ensure fairness and transparency.

A total of 46 entries were submitted. The first-round written review used recorded presentations on May 13, while the second-round presentation review was livestreamed on May 20 via the YouTube channel "Project Seoul."

The project carries a total budget of 44.8 billion won ($29.6 million). The Seoul Metropolitan Government said the expansion is expected not only to raise dormitory occupancy rates and strengthen student residential welfare, but also to improve the campus learning environment, boost the university's competitiveness and lay the foundation for a sustainable campus.

"We expect this design competition for the University of Seoul's international dormitory expansion to have a positive impact on the city by demonstrating the architectural value that public buildings can offer," said Kim Yong-hak, the Seoul Metropolitan Government's director of future space planning.


quq@heraldcorp.com