SPACE August 2026 (No. 705)
‘I am an Architect’ was planned to meet young architects who seek their own architecture in a variety of materials and methods. What do they like, explore, and worry about? And how are architects in various regions expanding their own worlds in different ways? SPACE is going to discover individual characteristics of them rather than group them into a single category.
Model of the entire scheme of Jeju Summer House Remodeling
interview Lee Sunmin Principal, Circle Triangle Square Architects × Lee Sowoon
Appearance in Jeju
Lee Sowoon: We have to start by talking about your office name. It’s such an endearing name.Lee Sowoon: I was surprised to see that your office is located on quite a busy street with a lot of tourists passing by.
Lee Sunmin: I came to Jeju without any personal ties here. A quiet place surrounded by tangerine orchards certainly had its appeal, but I figured no one would ever find me there. (laugh)
Lee Sowoon: Did you start surfing after moving to Jeju?
Jeju Summer House Remodeling (2026). View of the extension façade across the courtyard from the corridor. ©studiofacet
Lee Sowoon: You were born in Seoul, and both your education and professional career took place there. After graduating from Myongji University, you worked at Junglim Architecture (hereinafter Junglim) and then Soltozibin Architects (hereinafter Solto) before moving to Jeju. Was there a particular reason behind this decision?
Lee Sunmin: While I was working in Seoul, I struggled with health issues. I’ve always been the type of person who wants to do their very best, however my body could not keep up with this mindset. At both Junglim and Solto, I reached points where I had to take leaves of absence because of my health. Even after taking time off and returning to work, the same cycle kept repeating itself. Further down the road, I was advised to undergo a major surgery, and that became the turning point. I decided it would be better to slow down and spend time somewhere closer to nature. My family also loved Jeju, so we all relocated together.
Lee Sowoon: So, your move to Jeju and your decision to establish your own practice happened almost simultaneously. Had you always intended to open an office in Jeju?
