| Title |
Changes in the Understanding and Expression of Symbolism in the Catholic Church Architecture of Kim Young-sub in Seoul from the 1980s to the 1990s |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2026.42.9.167 |
| Keywords |
Korean Catholic Church Architecture; Seoul; Kim Young-sub; Symbolism; Local Identity |
| Abstract |
This study examines changes in how Kim Young-sub, born 1950, understood and expressed symbolism in Catholic church architecture in
Seoul from the 1980s to the 1990s, while identifying the underlying causes and contexts of these shifts. As one of the most prolific Korean
church architects, Kim is a rare figure who has consistently documented his architectural ideas in both domestic and international publications.
While his early church designs were influenced by Louis Kahn, who lived from 1901 to 1974, symbolism remained a central design
methodology throughout his work. Initially, symbolism was understood as a means of distinguishing religious architecture from secular
buildings. It was later used to draw attention to church buildings from their surrounding context or to align with general perceptions of
church architecture, and was subsequently redefined as a device for expressing local identity in church design. Despite these shifts, his
symbolic expression consistently converged towards specific physical forms, including geometric shapes, pyramidal roofs, and motifs derived
from traditional architecture. For the case studies, four projects are selected that most clearly represent each stage of this development and
provide substantial documentation. The primary sources consist of contemporary books, magazine articles, and newspaper reports written by or
about Kim, supplemented by an interview with the architect conducted in Seoul in 2021. |