Architecture 101 is a South Korean romantic drama directed by Lee Yong-joo. It tells the heartfelt story of first love through the lens of architecture, memories, and the passage of time. The film alternates between the past and present, weaving a tale of nostalgia and missed opportunities.
In the present, Seung-min (Uhm Tae-woong), a reserved architect, is approached by Seo-yeon (Han Ga-in), his first love from 15 years ago, who asks him to design her dream home on Jeju Island. This request triggers memories of their youth, where a younger Seung-min (Lee Je-hoon) and Seo-yeon (Bae Suzy) first met in an introductory architecture class. Through flashbacks, the audience experiences their innocent yet complicated relationship, shaped by unspoken feelings, misunderstandings, and life’s inevitable changes.
The film’s strength lies in its emotional depth and relatable portrayal of first love—its beauty, imperfections, and lingering presence. The cinematography beautifully captures Korea’s scenic landscapes and the serene allure of architectural design, symbolizing dreams and unrealized potential.
With standout performances from its cast and a moving soundtrack, Architecture 101 resonates with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet nature of love and the longing to relive cherished moments of the past.
Architecture 101 (2012-03-22) Review
“Architecture 101” is a tender and nostalgic South Korean romance that delicately explores first love and the bittersweetness of youthful memories. Directed by Lee Yong-joo, the film intertwines two timelines, juxtaposing the innocent love of college students with the mature perspectives of their adult selves.
The story begins when Seung-min (Lee Je-hoon), an architecture student, meets Seo-yeon (Bae Suzy), a music student. Their blossoming affection is portrayed with subtlety, highlighting the awkwardness and sincerity of young love. Years later, Seo-yeon (now played by Han Ga-in) contacts Seung-min (Uhm Tae-woong), now an architect, to design her dream house, reigniting past emotions.
The film shines through its poignant storytelling and strong performances. Suzy captures the naivety and charm of first love effortlessly, while Lee Je-hoon brings depth to Seung-min’s shy yet earnest character. The cinematography complements the narrative, painting picturesque landscapes that evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia.
Though its pacing can feel slow, the film’s reflective nature invites viewers to dwell on their own memories of love and loss. “Architecture 101” is a beautifully crafted film that resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain and beauty of growing up and moving on.
Architecture 101 (2012-03-22) Trailer
Architecture 101 (2012-03-22) Details
MOVIE NAME: Architecture101
DURATION: 118min
IMDB_RATING: 7.2
GENRE: Romance
DIRECTOR: LeeYong-ju
CAST: UmTae-woong
PRODUCTION: MyungFilms
LANGUAGE: Korean
SINGERNAME: LeeJi-soo
BUDGET: Unknown
RELEASEDATE: 22/3/2012
Architecture 101 (2012-03-22) Screenshot
Screenshot 1
Screenshot 2
