Julie Mayfeng
Do it Korean style
South Korea’s design industry was faltering for decades. Today the forward-looking Arumjigi Foundation is bringing it up to date with a healthy respect for the creative traditions of the past.
Remade in Korea
Seoul’s traditional tile-roofed hanok homes were in danger of disappearing. Now a modernised 80-year-old house in a central neighbourhood has proved there is still life in the classic Korean design.
Asia
Seoul's new performing-arts centre, sustainable architecture in Shanghai and Japan's efforts to fill empty houses.
Print run
Times don’t have to be tough for the print industry: these three local media outlets prove that success is attainable when you have a strong, high-quality brand.
Korea change
Behind Seoul's modest office plants sits the ministry planning for a unified Korea — an act of faith complicated by cost, scepticism and a public losing interest in reunion.
Leaders to follow
Meet the five mayors and city governors, from Nairobi to Seoul, whose vision, strategies and commitment should inspire us all to demand better leaders (or stand for elections).
Book credits
The Hyundai Card Design Library has opened in South Korea’s capital, its shelves stacked with thousands of diverse design titles in appropriately impressive surroundings.
The ideas factory
That effortless feeling as a new work hits the page or screen is down to individuals who link inspiration to industry. Here are a few of our favourites.
Food
An update on all things food-related, such as a kitchen garden in Melbourne and a sushi taxi in Japan.
Less is more
Monocle tours Korean Air’s A380, a new milestone for the company. Its interior design proves simple is best, while premium classes put the spark back into travel.
