[Chairman Han Il-ho Interview] MAP Architecture Opens a New Era as a ‘Global Top 100 Company’ from Its New Headquarters in Munjeongdong, Seoul.

This new headquarters project goes beyond a simple relocation. It is a technological showcase that demonstrates MAP’s integrated expertise in architecture, structure, engineering systems, sustainability, and construction management.

Ahead of the groundbreaking of MAP Group’s new headquarters in Munjeongdong, Songpagu, Seoul, Chairman Han Il ho emphasized in an interview with Korea Economic Daily Construction & Economy that the initiative is “An innovative remodeling of an aging building” and “a second leap forward toward becoming a global enterprise.”

The headquarters project involves expanding and remodeling the existing six-story building, completed 37 years ago, into a 9-story building. By leveraging Seoul City’s temporary relaxation of floor area ratio regulations (from 250% to 300% in General Residential Zone 3) and securing surplus floor area, MAP Group has gained an additional 86% of buildable space, bringing the total floor area to approximately 5,000 square meters. Completion is targeted for May 2026.

Chairman Han described the new headquarters as “A space that unifies previously dispersed offices into a single hub, enhancing the organization’s identity and efficiency while strengthening competitiveness in attracting top talent.” He added that the building is designed to instill pride in employees and inspire trust in clients, serving as an architectural statement of MAP’s vision.

MAP Group determined the final design for its new headquarters through an internal design competition open to all employees.

The selected proposal applies a vertical louver system to create a sense of upward movement and a forward-looking image, while using a monochromatic palette to harmonize with the urban landscape. The façade incorporates a curtain wall to maximize openness and views, while the sides adopt segmented linear patterns that add depth and deliver architectural impact from multiple perspectives. Inside, the layout includes a lounge, exhibition space, and resource center, fostering an environment that balances work and collaboration.

Chairman Han Il ho explained, “17teams competed in the internal contest, and the design submitted by our architecture division was selected through employee evaluations and surveys. This reflects a workplace where employees’ ideas for improving their environment are directly incorporated, making it a model case of fair decision-making.”

The structural plan takes a hybrid approach, reinforcing the ground while adding steel and truss structures atop the existing reinforced concrete framework. As a technically challenging vertical extension of an aging building, the project is intended to serve as a reference model for future urban regeneration. It is also significant as a comprehensive engineering project jointly carried out by four affiliated companies, each contributing its specialized expertise.

Employee participation has also been central to financing the project. In addition to external borrowing, executives and department heads contributed internal investment, securing more than half of the down payment. This enabled rapid liquidity in the early phase and improved the stability of the project. Chairman Han noted, “The process confirmed the trust our members place in the company’s vision for the future. It is also encouraging that employees themselves have contributed directly to the company’s growth.”

With new headquarters, MAP Group also seeks to highlight its high-tech design capabilities. The company has built strong expertise through numerous global production facility projects, including CKD automobile plants in Algeria and Kazakhstan, Hyundai Mobis plant in Slovakia, KIA Autoland Hwaseong plant, and Hyundai Motor rationalization project in Chennai, India. More recently, it has expanded into the food and biotech sectors with projects such as the Nongshim Noksan plant, SPC’s U.S. facility, and the PMC Biogenics plant in Gyeongju. Chairman Han emphasized, “Drawing on our experience across global manufacturing, food, and biotech industries, we will apply the latest process management, automation, and visualization techniques to validate our high-tech capabilities in the new headquarters.”

The company is also diversifying its portfolio into residential and construction management (CM). Recent achievements include winning the LH “Gwangmyeong Siheung A2-4BL Housing Competition,” overseeing TOK Advanced Materials’ Pyeongtaek Posing plant, CM supervision for LH’s lease housing projects, and pre-construction consulting services for private developers.

MAP Group has strengthened its CM leadership through key appointments, most notably the recruitment of Vice Chairman Kim Chan Joong, former CEO of Parsons Brinckerhoff Korea, last year. With 15 years of experience adapting advanced construction management practices to Korean projects and contributing to the development of Korea’s CM system, Kim brings valuable expertise. “With overseas revenue now accounting for more than half of our business, aligning with international codes and documentation standards is essential,” said Chairman Han. “Vice Chairman Kim’s experience will further elevate MAP’s competitiveness in global CM.”

The group is also expanding into nuclear and hydrogen sectors. Last year it obtained KEPIC certification, Korea’s nuclear design standard, and plans to establish a dedicated nuclear division. Chairman Han stated, “We are advancing a strategy to expand our portfolio into high-demand sectors such as energy, defense, and shipbuilding, building on areas where we already hold technical expertise.”

MAP Group has set a clear long-term vision: to become one of the world’s top 100 architecture and engineering firms by 2030. Since entering China in 2003, the group has established subsidiaries and branches in 11 countries across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, enhancing its global competitiveness through localized design and rigorous quality management.

“The new headquarters project represents a high-value-added urban regeneration model that maximizes the use of limited land in Seoul,” said Chairman Han. “By creating synergy with the Munjeongdong industrial cluster, we aim to grow together with the region. This building will stand as both a landmark and a demonstration of our commitment to quality and process standards, serving as a turning point for MAP Group’s next chapter and a foundation for sustainable growth.”

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