A digital rendering of Heatherwick Studio's design for the remodeled facade of COEX in Seoul's Gangnam District / Courtesy of KITA By Park Han-sol The facade of the sprawling COEX convention center in Seoul’s Gangnam District is set for a major facelift by 2029. Heatherwick Studio, led by the boundary-pushing British designer Thomas Heatherwick , has been selected to spearhead the remodeling project, the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) announced Friday. The studio’s design draws inspiration from the concept of a “cabinet of curiosities,” a historical collection of exotic and eclectic objects spanning natural history, art and antiquities.
A defining feature of the proposal is the building’s exterior, adorned with modular boxes of varying sizes, each housing a mix of conference, convention and exhibition programs. It envisions COEX’s ground level as an open space that invites visitors to explore dynamic experiences. Je Hae-seong, architect and professor emeritus at Ajou University, who led the nine-member judging panel, said, “Through this remodeling, COEX will become a new cultural landmark that sparks public curiosity while remaining welcoming and accessible.
” A digital rendering of Heatherwick Studio's design for the remodeled facade of COEX / Courtesy of KITA This redevelopment is part of a broader initiative to solidify COEX as a key centerpiece of Seoul, aligning with other large-scale architectural projects in the area, such as the Gangnam In.
