In 2009, we completed the renovation of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong, located at the Far East Finance Centre in Admiralty. Spanning 16,000 sq.ft. across two floors, the project redefined the consulate as both a secure diplomatic facility and a cultural showcase.

Our design strategy blended contemporary aesthetics with traditional Korean elements, introducing marble finishes, dark wood panelling, and hanok-inspired detailing to convey dignity and authenticity. The layout was re-planned to optimize efficiency: public areas such as visa and passport counters were designed for high throughput and privacy, while private offices ensured confidentiality and secure circulation.

A central highlight of the project was the creation of a cultural exhibition hall, conceived as a modern platform to promote Korean heritage in Hong Kong. Equipped with integrated audiovisual systems and flexible displays, the hall engaged visitors beyond administrative functions, fostering cultural exchange.

Delivered within six months and fully compliant with Hong Kong’s regulatory standards, the project was commended by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs for harmonizing tradition and modernity. It has since become a benchmark for consular facilities in the region, both functionally and culturally.

Project details

Signature materials

Polished marble flooring and counters
Dark wood panelling (hanok-inspired)
Light wood finishes
Glass partitions with geometric motifs
Integrated LED and recessed lighting

Construction Duration

~6 months

Location

Far East Finance Centre, Admiralty, Hong Kong

Area

16000 sqft.

Year

2009

CONCEPT & DESIGN INTENT

The project was conceived to establish a modern, secure, and culturally representative diplomatic facility for the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong. Our vision was to embody the living essence of Korean culture—rooted in Eastern traditions and philosophies—while reinterpreting these values through a contemporary design language. The intent was to strike a balance between functionality and symbolism: creating a space that served the day-to-day administrative needs of the consulate while simultaneously projecting Korea’s cultural identity to the public.

The inclusion of a cultural exhibition hall was a core feature, designed to function as a cultural icon, promoting engagement with Korean heritage in a modern, experiential manner.

SPATIAL STRATEGY / PLANNING LOGIC

The 16,000 sq ft. facility was divided across two floors with a clear hierarchy of functions:

Public-Facing Areas: Visa and passport counters, waiting areas, and cultural exhibition spaces. These were planned to maximize circulation efficiency, minimize wait times, and maintain a welcoming yet secure environment.
Administrative Offices: Located on separate floors with secure access zones, ensuring privacy and diplomatic confidentiality.
Cultural Hall: Centrally positioned as a symbolic and functional anchor, offering exhibition space, an auditorium, and interactive displays to promote cultural outreach.

Circulation was deliberately linear and intuitive, with marble flooring and wood-panelled walls guiding visitors seamlessly from reception to service counters or cultural spaces.

GALLERY

MATERIALITY & DETAILING

The design embraced a restrained yet refined material palette that fused tradition with modernity:

Stone & Marble: Used in flooring and reception counters for durability and dignity, reflecting gravitas suitable for a diplomatic facility.
Dark & Light Woods: Evoked hanok-inspired warmth and cultural authenticity while ensuring a contemporary executive aesthetic.
Glass & Metal Accents: Introduced transparency and lightness, balancing the solidity of stone and wood.
Lighting: Recessed ceiling fixtures and accent lights highlighted circulation paths, reception counters, and cultural displays. The cultural hall featured integrated projection and LED screens for modern exhibition flexibility.

PROJECT GOALS & OUTCOMES

The renovation was successfully delivered within six months, achieving:

On-Time & On-Budget Delivery: Despite the complexity of dual-floor renovation and regulatory requirements, the project met its deadlines without cost overruns.
Functional Excellence: Visa processing areas were reconfigured for efficiency, privacy, and visitor comfort. The layout became a reference model for other Korean consulates across Asia.
Cultural Representation: The exhibition hall enriched the consulate’s role beyond administration, positioning it as a cultural bridge between Korea and Hong Kong.
Client Recognition: The Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended the project for harmonizing tradition and modernity while reinforcing Korea’s national identity abroad.

COLLABORATION & CONSTRAINTS

The project required close cross-cultural and cross-border collaboration:

Stakeholders: Our team worked with Korean government representatives, consulate staff, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside Hong Kong consultants and contractors.
Constraints: Navigating Hong Kong’s stringent building codes, fire safety approvals, and security compliance presented challenges. Acoustic insulation and controlled-access zones demanded precise detailing.
Resolutions: Through proactive regulatory coordination, phased construction planning, and regular site inspections, we resolved compliance and logistical challenges while minimizing disruption.

The collaborative execution not only met the consulate’s operational requirements but also set a new benchmark for diplomatic facilities in the region.