Metropolitan Design Tours are back! We had the privilege of hosting a group of talented designers in Seoul, Korea — a city renowned for its masterful blend of tradition and modernity. From timeless hanok houses to cutting-edge contemporary structures, Seoul’s architectural landscape is nothing short of inspiring. Check out this curated collection of stunning buildings captured by Mardi Najafi, IDC below!
Principal, Chief Creative Officer, Retail & Hospitality Practice Lead at SDI Design
Seoul Through a Designer’s Lens: Where Tradition Meets Innovation I’ve just returned from Seoul, and wow — what an incredible city! As a designer, I was captivated by its architectural wonders. From the sleek, futuristic forms of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza to the timeless elegance of traditional hanok houses, Seoul is a masterclass in blending the old with the new. Seoul’s economy has been booming for decades, and the city has undergone one of the fastest and most expansive transformations in the world. This rapid growth has attracted international architects like Rem Koolhaas, Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Zaha Hadid, each leaving their mark on the urban landscape. Everywhere you look, there’s a fresh perspective — the interplay of materials, light, and space is nothing short of inspiring. Whether you’re a design enthusiast or simply appreciate how architecture shapes a city’s identity, Seoul is a place that sparks creativity and challenges conventions. Below are a few of my favorite shots from the trip — moments frozen in time, capturing Seoul’s ever-evolving urban landscape. A huge thank you to Metropolitan Floors, and especially to Jas D., Joe Cosentino, Howard Ashton, Richard Brotherton, the fantastic Vancouver leadership team, and our wonderful hosts in Korea for hosting and crafting this remarkable journey! Stay tuned for my retail snapshot ;) #Architecture #InteriorDesign #RetailDesign #Design #UrbanDesign #Seoul #Travel #Inspiration #Photography #DesignInspiration #ModernArchitecture #CulturalHeritage #MetropolitanFloors #DesignTour2024 #ArchitecturalAdventure #TravelMemories #ExploreDesign #DesignInspiration #CreativeJourneys #CreativeInspiration #Seoul #SouthKorea #SDIdesign