International Invitation and Proposal Competition for 'Global Start-up Hub Busan' _ Phase1 Invitation for Nominations

1. Title

International Invitation and Proposal Competition for 「Global Start-up Hub Busan」

2. Background

This design competition aims at creating a Korean-style “Station F”to foster domestic and international start-ups by utilizing the historical, urban, and technological values of the North Port in Busan, which is returning to the citizens after 146 years since its opening.
Besides, given the project site and the existing building are currently registered as cultural heritage of Busan and are being considered for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the former wartime capital’s heritage, the goal is to derive architects’innovative solutions that can create new values from the historical heritage.

3. How the Competition Works

This competition will be conducted in two phases: an invitation for nominations to select nominated architects (Phase 1), followed by a proposal competition in which only the nominated architects can participate (Phase 2).

4. Project Overview

Project location: Within the logistics warehouse area of Pier 1, North Busan Port, Busan, South Korea
Site area: 23,871.9㎡
Gross floor area of existing building(warehouse) : 4,213.35㎡
Gross floor area of renewal building : 9,128㎡
Projected construction cost: 20.5 billion KRW (※including VAT)
Projected design cost: 1.2 billion KRW (※including VAT)

5. Official Website and E-mail Address

6. Schedule

Notice of invitation : Jan. 13 (Mon), 2025
Submission of applications : Jan. 24 (Fri), 2025, by 17:00 / via the official e-mail
Deliberation for nominations : Feb. 03 (Mon), 2025
Announcement of nominated architects : Feb. 05 (Wed), 2025

7. Winning and Compensation

1st place (winner) : Exclusive negotiation rights for schematic and working design
The other nominees : Each 25 million KRW (including VAT)

※ For foreign architects, airfare will be supported up to 10 million KRW

The aim of the competition is to transform an existing building (warehouse) into a new space for startups like Station F.