The Hanok Heritage House made history by becoming the first Korean building to win the Grand Prize at the Prix Versailles the world Architecture and design Award, a world-renowned design award co-hosted by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects (IUCN). This award not only marks a milestone for Korean architecture, but also signifies global recognition for how tradition can be reinterpreted for modern life.
Designed by Sangyoon Kim of Listen Communication, the Hanok Heritage House’s interior design is a contemporary reinterpretation of the hanok, Korea’s traditional wooden dwelling. Blending centuries-old craftsmanship with a serene contemporary sensibility, the project offers a space deeply rooted in cultural memory while remaining closely relevant to today’s international design discussions.
Sangyoon Kim has long explored the intersection of tradition and innovation. Since 2009, he has collaborated with traditional artisans and, as a cultural director, has translated intangible techniques into tangible and sophisticated environments. His approach goes beyond simply recreating the past. He distills the essence of Korean beauty and reinterprets it through a global design language, embodying quiet luxury and multi-layered experiences.
Beyond architecture, Kim has also worked in the fields of performance and cultural performance. Most recently, he served as the design planner and general manager of a pansori stage, forging a connection between spatial design and Korea’s signature musical storytelling. This project further demonstrates his commitment to positioning Korean culture not as a relic of history, but as a living, breathing, and evolving force that connects with the world.
These awards, both in architecture and cultural performance, herald a new era for Korean design. They demonstrate how architecture, craft, and performing arts can harmoniously express a nation’s identity in a sophisticated and resonant way. Through these efforts, Kim Sang-yoon expands the role of the designer from a constructor of space to an interpreter of cultural heritage and a director of culture.
