Samoo Architecture PC, with the project lead Samsung C & T Corporation and Samoo Architects & Engineers in Seoul, Korea, have been awarded first prize and the building/construction commission for the new Taekwondo Park World Headquarters in Muju, Korea.

To be located on 570 acres of beautiful old growth woodlands, natural streams and valleys, the Park and associated building complexes are to become a world cultural heritage site emphasizing the spirit, beauty and sport of Taekwondo as well as the culture of Korean. The Park will be the home to the Taekwondo Promotion Foundation, World Taekwondo Headquarters, World Taekwondo Federation, Korean Taekwondo Federation, CISM Taekwondo Committee Headquarters, Taekwonjeon, Myungingwan, a sports arena, visitor and exhibition centers, a premier training and lodging facility and a cultural tourist destination for visitors to discover the artistry and spirit of Taekwondo in its birthplace of Korea.

The design of Taekwondo ‘One’ is the embodiment of the ‘holistic’ training in Taekwondo; to prepare the Body – Body ‘One’, inspire the Mind – ‘Mind ‘One’ and complete the Spirit – Spirit ‘One’. The ‘Spirit of Taekwondo – Spirit of Korea’ embodies the character of the institutions’ mission, to develop a world cultural heritage site emphasizing several key goals:

1. Create a ‘Place’ which fosters and promotes the research, education and practice of the foundations of Taekwondo for practitioners and visitors throughout the world.
2. Create a center to promote Korean and Taekwondo Culture and Art through an international network of exchange.
3. Provide opportunities to promote socio-cultural and sustainable synergy between the local economy, the Taekwondo Park and Korean heritage to further encourage self-supporting principals of shared commitment and cooperation.

About the Team
Samsung C & T Corporation
As part of its ongoing development, Samsung C & T Corporation continues to strengthen itself by recruiting the most talented staff as well as utilizing the most advanced technological capabilities available in each of its six core product areas: super high-rise buildings, high-tech factory facilities, roads and bridges, harbor marine works, power plants and housing. Samsung C & T Corporation places a priority on customer satisfaction and is constantly asking how this can be best achieved. Through innovation, hard work and together with the support of our Customers, we are confident that our growth into one of the world’s leading construction companies is within reach.

Samoo Architects & Engineers
Samoo Architects & Engineers was founded in 1976, and has accumulated the necessary knowledge and skills over the past 30 years to become one of the leading architecture, planning and design firms in Korea. Samoo’s competitive edge is constantly honed through our talented and qualified human resource pool, which includes approximately 900 architects, engineers, and support staff who handle a broad range of project types domestically, as well as abroad transcending virtually all building types including commercial, institutional, hotel, retail, and recreation facilities. Samoo is one of the forefront leaders in Asia in sustainability research and development. In 1997, Samoo Architects & Engineers established the Samoo Research Institute of Technology (SamooRIT) to investigate the demanding sustainability and technological considerations facing our built environment today.

Samoo Architecture PC
Samoo Architecture PC, a satellite ‘think tank’ design studio of Samoo Architects & Engineers located in New York City was established in 2006 following a strategic initiative to foster and nurture creative design talent in a truly multi-cultural setting. The office undertakes a diverse range of project types including urban and master planning, corporate and governmental buildings, cultural facilities, retail mixed use facilities, high-rise residential projects as well as many other building types of varying scales and programs throughout the world. In the short existence the office has had a successful string of winning competition entries such as the Chungnam Provincial Government Center, Magok Waterfront Competition, Students’ Central Military Academy and the Korean National Institute for Ecology to name a few.