Aktaş, K.O.Zaim, A.Aslantamer, Ö.N.Aktas, G.G.Ilgın, H.E.2026-01-052026-01-0520252696-628X10.54175/hsustain40400162-s2.0-105027745631https://doi.org/10.54175/hsustain4040016https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14411/11038This study examines 61 South Korean towers, analyzing their architectural configu-rations, structural systems, material applications, and spatial efficiencies. Findings indicate a pre-dominance of central core configurations and prismatic forms, reinforcing a function-driven approach to vertical urbanism. Structural system preferences highlight the widespread use of out-riggered frames, ensuring lateral stability while optimizing floor layouts. Material selection trends reveal a reliance on concrete, aligning with global patterns, while composite materials (25%) are used in high-performance supertall structures. Functionally, residential high-rises dominate, with mixed-use (2%) and office towers (11%) remaining limited. This research also identifies an aver-age spatial efficiency of 76%, aligning with international benchmarks, though variations exist across cities due to core-to-gross floor area ratios, structural constraints, and service core alloca-tions. This research underscores South Korea’s strategic high-rise development, prioritizing space optimization, structural efficiency, and economic feasibility. However, opportunities re-main for increased functional diversity, broader hybrid material adoption, and greater integration of sustainable design innovations. These findings contribute to global skyscraper analysis, offering insights into high-rise architecture’s role in urban resilience and density management. © 2025 Aktaş et al.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessArchitectural Design ConsiderationsHigh-Rise BuildingsSouth KoreaStructural Design Considerations Space EfficiencyArticle