Dr Hyung Rae Cho is an Assistant Professor in Urban Planning and Design at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. He holds a PhD from the Graduate School of Environmental Studies at Seoul National University, and earned both his Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Urban Planning and Design with Distinction from the Bartlett School of Planning, University College London.

He brings diverse professional experience, having previously worked at the Office of the President of South Korea, Savills Korea, and Urban Initiative Studio in London. His contributions to the field span research, education, and practice, with a strong emphasis on international collaboration. He has led several global initiatives, including the International Planning Symposium, the Interdisciplinary Design Workshop, and the Smart City Living Lab. He has also engaged in academic exchange as a Visiting Research Fellow at the Environmental Planning Institute of Seoul National University, and as a guest lecturer at Seoul National University and Ajou University in South Korea.

His current research interests include urban morphology, urban shrinkage, urban regeneration, smart decline strategies for sustainable cities, and urban psychology for liveable communities. He explores fundamental questions such as: What are the enduring values in rapidly changing cities? How are urban form and human psychology intertwined? How can cities become more humane and sustainable? Through these inquiries, he documents the light and shadow of the city and envisions its future.

PhD Opportunity:

Dr Cho is currently seeking new PhD candidates who will shape the future of urban planning and design. Ideal applicants will demonstrate a strong sense of self-directed research, commitment and responsibility to advancing the field, and sharp critical insight into urban challenges. Proficiency in relevant design and statistical software is also essential. Successful applicants may have the opportunity to engage in the following research project: Liveability Amid Urban Shrinkage: Adaptive Strategies for Emotional Well-being and Sustainable Design to Alleviate Depopulation Challenges.

Urban Morphology

Urban Shrinkage and Smart Decline

Urban Regeneration

Urban Psychology

Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning and Design, XJTLU - 2023 to present

Visiting Research Fellow, Environmental Planning Institute, Seoul National University - 2022 to 2023

Teaching Assistant, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Seoul National University - 2017 to 2021

Research Assistant, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Seoul National University - 2017, 2018, 2020

Researcher, Savills Korea - 2017

Administrative Assistant, the Executive Office of the President of South Korea (The Blue House) - 2008 to 2010

Module Leader, International Field Class, Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University - 2025

Module Leader, Fundamentals of Urban Design, Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University - 2023, 2024, 2025

Module Leader, Urban Design and Theory II, Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University - 2024, 2025

Project Mentor, Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Hub Work Placement, Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University - 2023, 2024, 2025

Project Mentor, Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Hub Consulting Project, Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University - 2023, 2024

Guest Lecturer, Research on Resource-Recycling Urban Design, Seoul National University - 2024

Guest Lecturer, Introducing Urban Design Planning, Ajou University - 2023

Guest Lecturer, Smart and Sustainable Urban Regeneration, Seoul National University - 2023

Guest Lecturer, Green Infrastructure in Smart Cities, Seoul National University - 2022

Reviewer, GSES Studio Exhibition, Seoul National University - 2022

Seminar Tutor, Environmental Research Design, Seoul National University - 2021

Seminar Tutor, Quantitative Research Methods in the Urban Environment, Seoul National University - 2020

Design Tutor, Living Lab: Urban Regeneration Project, Seoul National University - 2018

Design Tutor, Urban Regeneration Studio, Seoul National University - 2017, 2018

XJTLU AEA Teaching Excellence Award - Xi’an Jiaotong · Liverpool University - 2025

Design School Teaching Excellence Award -  Xi’an Jiaotong · Liverpool University - 2025

Gold Ward for Supervision for XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang) E&I Master Program - 2024

Honourable Award (Supervisor) - 15th Yuanye Bei International Urban Design Student Competition - 2024

Brainkorea21+ Green Infrastructure Creation Talents Team - 2017 to 2019

University College London Student Academic Representative (StAR) - 2015 to 2016