Harmony of traditional hanok and modern architecture

The Yangnyeongsi Market area, where Seoul K-Medi Center is located, is a historical site. Bojewon, a relief agency that took care of people in need and provided medication during the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910), had existed here. The area has turned into an oriental herbal medicine market handling 70% of herbal medicine trade in Korea. Nowadays, this traditional Korean medicinal hub houses approximately 1,000 traditional Korean medicine clinics and herbal medicine stores. Also located in this area, is the Seoul K-Medi Center, a traditional Korean medicine-themed facility that widely promotes the superiority and benefits of traditional Korean medicine through various exhibitions, education, and activity programs. At an interview about the Center’s design, Young-mo Ryu, who leads the architectural firm UNP, said, “I tried to harmonize the simplicity of modern architecture and the unique grace of the Korean culture.” As intended by the architect, Seoul K-Medi Center is comprised of graceful hanok (traditional Korean house) sitting atop a modern black brick building. You can experience the unique and perfect combination of two different styles and eras—concrete vs wooden buildings, glass curtain walls vs wooden window frames with mulberry paper, and slab vs tiled roofs. In addition to the hanok, the architect added traditional-style courtyards called “madang” throughout the center. Guests are first welcomed by the central courtyard on the first floor, then on the second floor is the herbal medicine courtyard, and the healing courtyard on the third floor, each created under different themes, as their names suggest. Make sure to visit the numaru (lofted floor) connected to the second floor courtyard where you can get a medicinal herb foot spa (of chrysanthemum and fish mint) and refresh your mind and body while enjoying the unobstructed views. Moreover, the center houses the Seoul Yangnyeong Market Herbal Medicine Museum, where you can learn about approximately 300 herbal medicines and their benefits, the modern Bojewon, where you can experience natural herbal medicine facial masks and herbal hot packs; and the Herbal Food Experience Hall, which holds cooking classes using healthy medicinal herb recipes. Likewise, the center is the ideal place to experience various aspects of Korean medicine.