Dr. Kyeong Hee Seo | Urban Planning – Researcher at Seoul National University , South Korea
Dr. Kyeong Hee Seo is an accomplished urban researcher and urban & architectural designer based in South Korea. She earned her Ph.D. in Engineering from the Graduate School of Environmental Studies at Seoul National University in 2023. Dr. Seo has a diverse educational background with a Dipl. Ing . in Architecture and Urban Design from the University of Stuttgart, Germany, and a BSc in Urban Engineering from Hongik University, South Korea. Her expertise spans urban revitalization, spatial analysis, and the impact of urban design on society. She holds multiple positions, including Visiting Professor at Hongik University and Research Fellow at Seoul National University, reflecting her commitment to academia. With fluency in Korean, German, and English, Dr. Seo has made significant contributions to urban studies and design. Her innovative research on urban retail, senior living, and work-life balance has earned her national recognition.
Professional Profile:
Orcid
Education:
Dr. Kyeong Hee Seo‘s academic journey spans multiple disciplines and prestigious institutions. She completed her Ph.D. in Engineering in Urban & Regional Science at Seoul National University, South Korea, from 2018 to 2023. Under the guidance of Prof. Kyung-Min Kim and Prof. Booyuel Kim, her doctoral research centered on urban retail revitalization and its social impacts. Prior to this, she obtained a Dipl. Ing. in Architecture and Urban Design from the University of Stuttgart in Germany (2007-2013). Additionally, she holds a BSc in Urban Engineering from Hongik University, South Korea (2002-2006). Throughout her educational career, Dr. Seo focused on the intersection of urban planning, sustainability, and community-oriented design. Her academic background lays the foundation for her successful career as both a researcher and educator, contributing to the development of urban design, planning, and policy.
Dr. Kyeong Hee Seo has built a remarkable career in academia and urban research. She currently serves as a Visiting Professor at Hongik University (since March 2024), Research Fellow at Seoul National University’s Environmental Planning Institute, and Lecturer at Gachon University and Seoul National University Extension College. Prior to these roles, Dr. Seo was a Senior Research Scientist at IPSAI Institute for Pandemic Sciences, a Principal Researcher at Joeundosi Research Lab, and Director General at the Geumha Village Urban Regeneration Support Center. Dr. Seo’s extensive experience spans urban planning, design, and regeneration, with a focus on sustainable solutions for urban environments. Her work includes managing significant projects, leading research initiatives, and serving as a project manager for urban design and community-oriented research projects. Her leadership and experience have played a crucial role in shaping urban policies and educational frameworks in South Korea.
Research Interests:
Dr. Kyeong Hee Seo specializes in urban studies, with a focus on urban revitalization, sustainability, and social impact. Her research explores the intersection of urban design and society, particularly in addressing challenges posed by aging populations and the integration of technology in urban spaces. Key topics in her research include revitalization strategies for urban retail areas, understanding the spatial context of active seniors in aging societies, and tackling work-life conflict among young families. Dr. Seo is also involved in spatial analysis using machine learning to enhance urban planning and design. Her work is notable for integrating social, economic, and environmental factors in urban development, with the aim of creating more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities. She is committed to bridging the gap between academic research and practical application, contributing significantly to the fields of urban planning, policy, and design.
Awards:
Dr. Kyeong Hee Seo has received numerous accolades in recognition of her exceptional contributions to urban research and design. In 2024, she was awarded the CSES Social Value Research Competition Award for Excellence in Social Value Research. She also received the Best Paper Award at the 2021 Korean Society of Land and Urban Planning Spring Conference on Computational Science. Her research excellence was recognized with a win at the 2020 SK Social Value Research Center Research Contest. Additionally, Dr. Seo has been celebrated for her innovative work in urban design, having received the Special Prize for Energy and Sustainability at the 158th AIV Competition in 2013 and a Gold Prize at the 3rd Asan Urban Competition in 2006. These honors demonstrate her ongoing influence in both the academic and professional fields of urban research, planning, and design.
Publications:
Urban Resilience through Design: A Holistic Framework for Sustainable Redevelopment of Brownfield Sites
Year: December 2024
Unraveling Urban Retail Realities: Assessing Revenue Shifts and Policy Effects in Seoul, South Korea, Pre- and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Year: October 2024
Conclusion:
Dr. Kyeong Hee Seo’s qualifications, research focus, and impact in urban design and social innovation, combined with her teaching and leadership roles, make her a highly deserving candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” Her work demonstrates not only academic excellence but also societal relevance, positioning her as a key figure in shaping sustainable and resilient urban environments. Her continued contributions and innovative methodologies are likely to influence future urban policies and design practices significantly.