An artist’s rendition of the new Consulate General of the Republic of Korea building in Los Angeles, currently under reconstruction and set for completion by the end of 2029, has been unveiled.
Yusun Engineering, the design firm selected for the project last November, released the artist’s rendition and explained that the theme is “K-STREAM: Connecting the Era at the Starting Point of Change and Opening Up the Future.”
The new consulate will be built on a site of approximately 19,500 square feet, encompassing the current Consulate General building on Wilshire Boulevard in Koreatown, Los Angeles, and the east parking lot. The structure will feature one basement level and eight above-ground floors, with a total floor area of 77,000 square feet.
Earlier, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles stated that the reconstruction would focus primarily on administrative functions.
According to Yusun Engineering’s description, the lower floors of the new Consulate General building reinterpret the traditional beauty of curves reminiscent of Korean eaves. These floors will house a customer service center and a multipurpose hall for Koreans and the broader community.
The upper floors are designed with a modern aesthetic, featuring steel frames and tempered glass, symbolizing South Korea’s progress toward the future.
Yusun Engineering stated, “The LA Consulate General was the first overseas mission established after the founding of the South Korean government. This reconstruction was planned with an emphasis on preserving its historical significance while transforming it into a workspace that engages with the local community beyond its administrative functions.”
Founded in 1999 in Korea, Yusun Engineering is an architectural design firm specializing in public and general architecture, apartment buildings, and complex developments. In the public architecture sector, the firm has designed the annex of the Constitutional Court, the National Iksan Museum, and the National Daegu Museum.
The budget for the reconstruction of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles has been significantly reduced from the initial 88 billion won (approximately $61.5 million) to 70.3 billion won (approximately $49.1 million).
The Consulate General aims to finalize the design by the end of this year, complete various licensing procedures, and begin reconstruction in the second half of next year, with the goal of finishing the project by the end of 2029.
Meanwhile, criticisms have emerged that the design competition for the reconstruction was restricted to Korean architectural firms, effectively excluding Korean-American and other U.S.-based firms from participating.
Concerns have also been raised that the design work will be conducted in Korea, potentially leading to non-compliance with Los Angeles’ architectural regulations.
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
