How is it that I can move from South Korea to Switzerland in just a few minutes? Quite simply, by visiting the Swiss Embassy in Seoul and stepping onto Swiss soil. Embassy buildings are usually not publicly accessible buildings and therefore remain “invisible” to most people. But not the Swiss Embassy in the Republic of Korea. It regularly publishes a calendar of events to inform interested members of the public and Swiss citizens living in the Republic of Korea about a variety of events. This spring, Swiss citizens living in Korea were able to take the opportunity of visiting the Embassy in person on the occasion of an “Open House Event”.
Now the new Swiss embassy is not just any embassy. It is a very special place: Since 2019, the new building has been back at its original location, namely in the Seodaemun-gu 서대문구 neighborhood. The building is affectionately nicknamed #swisshanok and has quickly become a symbol of Switzerland’s self-confidence, an open and communicative nation.
When I first visited the building at the official opening of the new embassy, I spontaneously felt a sense of peace and clarity. The building also evokes memories of Switzerland. Not only because of the Swiss flag, which can be seen from afar at the entrance but also because of the simplicity and elegance of the building, as well as the scent of freshly planed wood, that meets you when you enter the building.
The architect succeeded in giving the structure a lightness despite the massive walls of exposed concrete that protectively frame the building. In an impressive way, a bridge between the cultures of Switzerland and Korea was created. Tradition in the sense of a Korean Hanok house and the openness of Switzerland. Or in the words of Jodok Brunner:
Based on the typology of a traditional Korean courtyard house, the so-called Hanok reflects the soul of the Korean people, who are facing the comprehensive digital transformation and at the same time reflecting on their cultural roots and longing for more simplicity in everyday life.
Jodok Brunner, Head of Section Buildings Abroad, Federal Office of Buildings and Logistics
During the tour at the “Open House Event,” it quickly became apparent that this building is equipped with technical refinements and energy-saving technology. On the roof, solar panels provide hot water and photovoltaic panels generate electricity, and geotechnical probes provide heating. The water treatment system is also unprecedented: the self-contained circuit even takes rainwater into account. I could mention here many more details that have helped this project to gain recognition and admiration.
An embassy building that is not only a place of dialogue for diplomatic exchanges and consular services.
Daniel Thomas Faller
In particular, I would like to emphasize, that the “Swiss Hanok” has been awarded in 2019 with the Award of Excellence of the Monocle Magazine, Soft Power Award “Best Embassy” and has also won the “Korea Architecture Award” in the same year.
An embassy building that is not only a place of dialogue for diplomatic exchanges and consular services. Under the same roof are also the Swiss Business Hub, the Science & Technology Office, and the office of Tourism Switzerland.
Besides, the Swiss Hanok is also a venue for interesting and exciting events, such as the Swiss Korean Innovation Week, which takes place every year in late spring. An exemplary symbiosis of tradition, harmony, and innovation. At this year’s event, the focus for one week was on “Diversity, a driver for Innovation”. Various events were held on the theme, bringing Switzerland and Korea into dialogue with different stakeholders. It was also an opportunity to bring together great art and culture from Korean and Swiss artists in digital as well as physical space.
We are excited about the upcoming events and innovative encounters. After a long break due to Corona, the team of the Swiss Embassy has more than succeeded – congratulations!
The series on SCHAUPLÄTZE – special places, hotspots, cool venues – takes readers and viewers on a journey of discovery to astonishing places, cities, events, and stunning works of culture and art, exploring the story behind and learning why it deserves to be called a hotspot.
