100 Most Beautiful Buildings in Seoul
The local government of South Korea's largest metropolis and capital is organizing a public contest starting today until September 10. It involves finding the city's 100 most beautiful buildings among 640,000 registered buildings, including modern architectures and establishments as well as traditional houses or 'hanok'. Participants can recommend public buildings and cultural properties.
Those who want to join the contest have to submit an entry, which comprises an essay that explains why they consider the building beautiful and five pictures. They can send recommendations online at 서울아름다운건물찾기.kr or through postal mail to the address: Secretariat of the Seoul Beautiful Buildings Contest at 5th floor, Eoulmadang-ro 35, Mapo-gu, Seoul.
The judges (the city government) will select the finalists based on two categories, 'Housing' and 'Non-housing'. Looking into expert reviews and public votes within five days, from September 11-15, after the last entry has been sent will be part of the selection process.
If a participant's recommended building makes it to the list, he/she will get 50,000-won ($45) worth of gift certificates, which the person can use on cultural products. Since there's a huge possibility that several citizens will recommend the same building, the person with the best essay will receive the prize.
Apart from the 100 most beautiful buildings, the metropolitan government will also choose two buildings with a unique story behind them or with unique architectural design and will award the senders with gift certificates.
The contest is an interesting way to know more about Seoul while familiarizing with its surroundings. If you wish to be among the winners, start looking for that beautiful or unique building now. Write a moving essay, take captivating photos and submit your entry before September 10.
