PHOTOS: Architectural Biennale in Seoul draws visitors with colorful, eye-catching installations

A twisted steel structure greets visitors at a verdant park in Songhyeon-dong in Jongno, central Seoul. AJP Yoo Na-hyunSEOUL, November 6 (AJP) - The biannual architectural biennale in central Seoul has attracted over 500,000 visitors since its opening in late September.

Marking its fifth year, this year's event, directed by renowned British architect Thomas Heatherwick and hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, is taking place near Gwanghwamun in central Seoul and runs until Nov. 18.
서울도시건축비엔날레

A twisted steel structure greets visitors at a verdant park in Songhyeon-dong in Jongno, central Seoul. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
서울도시건축비엔날레

Visitors take pictures at a verdant park in Songhyeon-dong in Jongno, central Seoul. AJP Yoo Na-hyun

Under the theme "Radically More Human," which reflects Heatherwick's signature style of innovative and unconventional architecture infused with humanism, vividly colored installations and structures are on display at multiple venues including a verdant park in Songhyeon-dong in Jongno. Beautifully blended with seasonal foliage, autumnal trees and flowers, they immediately capture the attention of passersby and tourists.

Among the impressive works is a 90-meter-long installation dubbed "Humanise Wall," standing at the center of the park that is slated to be turned into an art gallery by 2028.

The twisted steel structure is a tapestry of about 1,428 metal panels featuring images and stories from Seoulites and people around the world, illustrating how their lives and ideas can be manifested in public space.

A twisted steel structure greets visitors at a verdant park in Songhyeon-dong in Jongno, central Seoul. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
서울도시건축비엔날레

Visitors enjoy playful spinning top-shaped chairs at a verdant park in Songhyeon-dong in Jongno, central Seoul. AJP Yoo Na-hyun

Along the path, the structure, resembling a Möbius strip, that divides the park's space, guides visitors to a chair shaped like a spinning top, made of spun steel and copper, offering them a place to rest.

About two dozen giant walls also greet visitors. While identical in size, they each have their own distinct and diverse styles.

Visitors look at art installations at a verdant park in Songhyeon-dong in Jongno, central Seoul. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
서울도시건축비엔날레

Visitors look at art installations at a verdant park in Songhyeon-dong in Jongno, central Seoul. AJP Yoo Na-hyun

Now, with just two weeks remaining until its finale, visitors can explore and appreciate art installations alongside various projects from about 21 cities across 15 countries at Gwanghwamun Plaza and nearby areas.

One of the exhibits highlights Seoul's past, present, and future, showing how the city's landscape has evolved through its key landmarks and buildings. Another project features an artificial intelligence–assisted interactive exhibition that explores how urban space and architecture connect with people.