Boom in Large-Scale Wooden Building Construction Across South Korea

By: Tai Jeong

Country Director, Canada Wood Korea

Mass timber construction is quickly gaining momentum in South Korea, with an increasing number of large-scale projects either in the planning stages or under construction. This growth is largely fueled by the government’s commitment to carbon neutrality and sustainable building practices, with public sector projects taking the lead in adopting wood as a key material. Iconic projects such as government offices, libraries, and public terminals are now incorporating mass timber as a central design element.

Architects have been early advocates for wood construction, and now local governments and developers are actively seeking to include wood in their designs. A notable example is Gangwon Province, a forest-rich region in eastern Korea, which recently mandated that any project submitted to its architectural design competition must incorporate wooden structural elements.

One of the largest projects in Gangwon Province is the new government office in Chuncheon, which will feature wood as part of its structure. This CAD $335 million project demonstrates the province’s dedication to using local resources while creating buildings that reflect the region’s natural beauty.

In Daejeon, the Yuseong Complex Terminal, slated to open in 2026, will be the country’s first terminal made primarily from wood. The 3,500 m² building will also harness geothermal energy, reinforcing the city’s commitment to eco-friendly infrastructure. The project, valued at CAD $46.5 million, emphasizes the growing focus on sustainability in South Korean urban design.

  • Project Name: Daejeon-Yuseong Muli-purpose Bus Terminal
  • Location: Daejeon, Chungnam Province
  • Land area: 15,000 m2 / Total floor area: 3,500 m2
  • Project cost: CAD $ 46.5 m
  • Completion: Dec. 2025

Seoul is also embracing hybrid wood construction in its new Metropolitan Library in Dongdaemun. With a CAD $175 million budget, the project is set for completion in 2029 and aims to stand as a landmark of modern, environmentally conscious design in the capital.

  • Project Name: Seoul Metropolitan Library
  • Location: Dongdaemun Seoul
  • Total floor area: 25,000 m2
  • Project cost: CAD $ 175 m
  • Completion: 2029

Private interest in mass timber construction is growing as well, with projects like the Hwang Yun-seok Silhak Library in Gochang-gun and a 12-story wooden building in Jongno-gu, Seoul. These efforts, alongside public sector initiatives, signal a growing market for mass timber construction, creating valuable opportunities for Canadian wood products and expertise.

  • Project Name: Hwang Yun-Seok Silhak Library
  • Location: Gochang-gun, Jeollarbuk Province
  • Total floor area: 3,815 m2
  • Building scale: 1 underground and 2 above-ground floors
  • Project cost: CAD $ 19 mil
  • Completion: Sep. 2025
  • Project Name: Hyoje-Dong Jongno-gu Social Welfare Building
  • Total floor area: 744 m2
  • Building scale: 1 underground and 5 above-ground floors
  • Project cost: CAD $ 19 m
  • Completion: Sep. 2025

As both the public and private sectors in South Korea increasingly embrace wood-based construction, the Canadian forest industry is well-positioned to support this demand with sustainable timber solutions.