Isabu Dokdo Museum, in Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea, is an excellent architectural reinterpretation of the region’s historical and geographical history. The museum lies near Samcheok Port, a four-hour train journey from Seoul.

In A.D. 512, Silla general Isabu set off from the site of today’s museum with his marine troops to conquer Usanguk (today known as Ulleungdo Island) and Dokdo Island. The museum explores Isabu’s journey and life, as well as Korea in the sixth century.

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Excavations uncovered traces of the mountain’s earlier topography, inspiring the creation of the museum’s Yukhyangji Pond. By lowering the land level and introducing water, the pond symbolizes the former island surrounded by sea, recalling General Isabu’s voyage to subjugate Ulleungdo and Dokdo.

Yukhyangsan Mountain, at the center of the site, was once an oceanic island at the time of Isabu’s departure, but has now become a mountainous region. Underneath this reclaimed land are the lower reaches of Yukhyangsan Mountain, once an island.

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The museum consists of four main buildings: Tourist Information Center, Territorial Defense Memorial Hall, Dokdo Experience Space and Complex Recreation Space. Each building serves distinct functions but together provides a cohesive visitor experience. The spaces between buildings are designed for interaction with the surrounding landscape, creating a connection between interior and exterior areas.

The Tourist Information Center, the starting point of the visitor journey, includes a café on the upper level and an information lobby below. From here, visitors descend to exhibition areas via a staircase with views of Samcheok Port, where many good fish restaurants are located. A path from the information center to the Territorial Defense Memorial Hall features masonry walls and walkways referencing Samcheok Pojinseong Fortress, with outdoor staircases leading to vantage points overlooking the historical site.

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The museum combines high ceilings and natural light from skylights to create a tranquil yet dignified atmosphere. The lobby serves as a multifunctional space, while the rock yard provides opportunities for viewing Yukhyangji Pond and Yukhyangsan Mountain.

The project is simultaneously a single exhibition hall, as well as a place in which independent exhibitions can be installed.

In the lobby of the Dokdo experience space, reached by passing through the stone plaza, one can appreciate the lower section of the Yukhyangsan Mountain rocks through the window. The slope, which flows around the Dokdo experience space, guides people toward the upper levels.

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Crossing the bridge connected to the south of the Dokdo experience space links it to a multipurpose community space that can be used for resident facilities, a book café, lectures and events.

The outdoor spaces were planned so architecture and landscape would harmonize and blend in with the surrounding landscape.