Soojin Whang

Seoul, South Korea / USA
B.Arch., Architecture, Korea University

Soojin is pursuing her graduate degree at MIT in hopes of better understanding real estate finance, economics, and the developmental process to be a socially responsible real estate developer in her career. Growing up in South Korea, she was fascinated by the design and role of public buildings in her community. She is interested in how public spaces influence the surrounding environment both aesthetically and functionally.

After graduating from Korea University with a B.S. in Architecture, she worked as a project manager at Korea Asset Management Corporation, developing state-owned properties and assuming many roles from planning to the design and construction stage. Soojin also managed several mixed-use projects that seek to maximize land use by combining public and profitable spaces. Most recently, she managed a $60 M project to revitalize the old town in Daejeon. Hearing the needs of local residents and wanting to preserve cultural assets within the site, she was able to maintain the unique history of a place important to many citizens.

While at MIT, Soojin hopes to build on her experience by exploring the impact of financial strategies on public-private partnerships’ range of development. After finishing this program, she plans to continue her career in the public sector as a more valuable tool for her community.

Outside of her studies, she is an avid fan of ballet. She enjoys ballet classes and loves to watch ballet performances.