Building

The buildings that house the Center for Korean Studies were designed by two Korean architects, Chong In-guk and Na Sang-gi, with modifications and final blueprints by two Hawai'i architects, Jo Paul Rognstad and Vernon Kim. Ground was broken for the start of construction on July 1, 1974. The building was completed in December 1979. An extensive exterior renovation was carried out from 1998 to 2001.

Kyongbok Palace in Seoul provided the design inspiration for the buildings. The main building is adapted from the design of the Palace's throne hall, called Kunjongjon, in which the king's coronation and court rituals were held. Inside this traditionally styled exterior, there are two floors of offices and meeting rooms, a classroom, an auditorium, a small library, and a third-floor storage area. The detached octagonal pavilion was based on the design of the Hyangwonjong Pavilion, located in the middle of a lotus pond some distance from the throne hall on the Kyongbok Palace grounds.

The distinctively Korean carpentry, stonework, painting, and roofing were done by craftsmen recruited in Korea and brought to Hawai'i exclusively for this project. Dark green glazed Korean ceramic tiles were shipped to Hawai'i for use on the roof, and the exterior was painted in the brown and green hues of traditional palace architecture. The eaves and roof supports were finished off in the decorative bright colors and intricate designs of the tanch'ong painting style.

The State of Hawai'i provides the basic cost of the Center's payroll and maintenance as part of the state-sponsored University of Hawai'i system. This funding is supplemented by grants and donations from foundations, organizations, and individuals.