Former headquarters turned into a cultural space for citizens... Yuhan Corporation’s ‘Willow House’ wins the Space Culture Award

[Financial News] ‘Yuhan Corporation’s Willow House,’ which transformed a company’s former headquarters into a multipurpose cultural space open to the public, has been selected for this year’s Grand Prize at the Korea Space Culture Awards. It was recognized for preserving the building’s history while expanding it into a space where local residents can spend time.
According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on the 15th, winners were selected in six categories at the ‘2026 Korea Space Culture Awards,’ including the Grand Prize (Presidential Award). The 52 entries submitted by local governments, public institutions and private entities nationwide underwent document and on-site reviews. The judges assessed the spaces’ public value and openness, their contribution to residents’ quality of life, and the preservation and use of historical and cultural resources.
Willow House, located in Daebang-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, was created when Yuhan Corporation renovated its former headquarters to mark the company’s 100th anniversary. The red brickwork was restored, and the former building site and parking lot were turned into a garden and opened to the local community. It officially opened on June 20. The judging panel said it “set a new standard for public spaces created by private companies.”
The Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence, went to Seoul City Eoullim Plaza in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. The project transformed a space planned as a welfare facility for people with disabilities into a cultural, welfare, educational and sports complex shared with local residents. People with and without disabilities use facilities such as the swimming pool and library together. The entire building has a step-free design, and the pool is equipped with underwater wheelchairs to help users enter the water.
In the four Minister’s Award categories, ‘The Village Table (Baengnyeon Restaurant at Indongchon Senior Welfare Center)’ in Seo-gu, Daegu, will receive the Dure Sharing Award. It is a community space that fosters social connections among older adults through shared meals. The Street Courtyard Award went to Namhae Local Food Direct Market in Namhae County, South Gyeongsang Province, which connects the sale of agricultural products with opportunities for residents and visitors to meet.
‘Five Commas Left by the Railway’ in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, was selected for the Nuri Rest Stop Award. It has revived five closed railway stations as parks and connected them with 36.9 km of walking and cycling paths. ‘Blue Granary’ in Buan County, North Jeolla Province, which will receive the Our Love Award, preserves and revitalizes an old rice warehouse, putting it to use as a venue for exhibitions, hands-on activities and lodging.
Launched in 2006, the Space Culture Awards are being held for the 21st time this year. The awards ceremony will take place on the 27th at the ‘2026 Korea Architecture Culture Festival.’ Photographs, videos and other materials featuring the winning projects will be exhibited at BEXCO from the 27th through the 31st.
[email protected] Jang In-seo Reporter