Seoul's architectural wonders

Seoul is evolving at a breathtaking pace. On a mission to project a world-class global image, the city has been obsessive about creating its new look.

The 15 buildings pictured here have redefined traditions and pushed the pace of innovation through ultra-modern design.

1. GT Tower East

 Dutch architecture firm ArchitectenConsort created a stunning reinvention of the conventionally angular office skyscraper. By shifting the floor area a maximum of three meters and generating structural "waves" 48 meters in height, a kind-of billowing illusion was achieved.

Completed in 2011, not only is GT Tower East an optical treat, it's sustainable. The structural design allows for a highly flexible energy plan that can be adapted to different uses over time.

2. Leeum: Samsung Museum of Art Complex

A group of three international superstar architects -- OMA, Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel -- collaborated on Leeum by designing a building for the inter-connected complex. Completed in 2004, the project was a rare opportunity for three distinct designs to be featured in one massive space. 

The OMA building opens the complex with a monumental suspended area that moves people under, over and through the structure. In contrast, Botta’s delicate interiors echo Korean themes, while Nouvel‘s contribution is a more open and airy glass space that shifts the focus back to the art.

3. Boutique Monaco residential apartments

“High towers are like deserts for human interaction,” says Minsuk Cho, who leads architectural firm Mass Studies.

With the 2008-completed Boutique Monaco, the company addressed this problem by removing corners and sections of the rectangular construction, creating hubs for interaction. These hubs not only draw people out to meet and greet, but allow for better views and more natural light to enter the building.

4. Incheon Tri-Bowl

The only building on this list located outside of Seoul, this striking design from the iArc firm has gained iconic cultural status since its completion in 2010, and has been the popular set location for everything from commercials to K-pop music videos.

Located in Incheon, it's well worth the hour-long trip to see this art and cultural space.

Visitors access the building by crossing a narrow bridge over a large pool of water, then walking into the sinuous, curving structure.

5. Galleria Department Store

The UNStudio firm transformed this once unremarkable façade into a brilliant, constantly changing surface of luminosity. The existing concrete skin was covered with 4,330 glass discs that have a mother-of-pearl quality during the day, and glows vivaciously via LED lights at night.

Completed in 2004, the building's dynamic array of colors beckons shoppers to enjoy the luxury inside. Interior spaces are streamlined and brightly lit like fashion runway catwalks.