Dongkuk Steel Group has wrapped up a seven-day architectural study tour in the UK for seven students chosen as the first cohort of its 2026 Songwon Future Architecture Talent Fellowship.
The participants, known as “Luxteeliers” — a combination of Dongkuk’s Luxteel brand and “sommeliers” — toured the UK from Aug. 4-10. They were selected in May through document screening, interviews and an orientation program.
The itinerary examined London’s architecture through five themes, spanning historic landmarks, Heatherwick Studio and the city’s northern, central and southwestern districts. Stops included Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Bloomberg’s European headquarters, the Leadenhall Building, Millennium Bridge and Trellick Tower.
Dongkuk is also exploring follow-up programs with Heatherwick Studio, including workshops at its Makers Room, where architectural models are produced in-house using wood, metal, plastic and other materials.
“The students asked thoughtful questions and offered impressive perspectives on architecture and the world,” said Ricardo Sosa-Mejia, a senior associate at Heatherwick Studio.
Participants said experiencing the buildings firsthand helped broaden their understanding of architecture.
Dongkuk plans to release vlogs documenting the tour on its official channel and will publish an e-book featuring the students’ accounts of the trip.
The Songwon fellowship gives architecture students hands-on exposure to eco-friendly finishing materials while supporting their professional development. Dongkuk plans to select its second cohort in the first half of next year.
jyoungseon8@heraldcorp.com
