Re:Form - New Life for Old Spaces #2 competition Student Award winner - Sungkyunkwan University

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Student Award winner of our Re:Form - New Life for Old Spaces #2 competition – Hojun Jung from South Korea!

Hojun Jung

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

I’m an architecture student in South Korea. I enjoy the process of asking questions based on my personal experiences and finding architectural solutions for them.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

This project focuses on repurposing abandoned military outposts that became idle due to advanced surveillance technology. I wanted to preserve the original 3X3m scale while making the space functional. By applying a modular system that fits the outpost's typology, I focused on making the design practical for real-world construction.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

I believe architecture is a powerful medium for public dialogue. From a social perspective, an architect should be a storyteller who can deliver a clear and persuasive narrative to the community.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

The competition theme reminded me of a five-day trek I took along the Korea Trail last summer with my friends. While walking along the coast, I noticed many abandoned military guard posts. They were old and neglected, but I believed they held significant historical and symbolic value. At the same time, I realized that the trail lacked basic infrastructure for hikers. I thought that repurposing these outposts into trekking hubs would be a great way to preserve history while also addressing a practical social need.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

Everyone’s personal experience is unique and valuable. For me, starting from a vivid experience and addressing it through architecture is an incredibly rewarding process. I believe that turning a personal story into a public proposal makes for a truly meaningful architectural journey.