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 self-motivation in research, commitment and responsibility to advancing the field, and sharp critical insight into urban challenges. Proficiency in relevant design and statistical software is also recommended.

• Urban Morphology
• Urban Shrinkage and Smart Decline
• Urban Regeneration
• Urban Psychology

• Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning and Design, Design School, Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University - 2023 to present
• 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/청와대 총무행정 비서실) - 2008 to 2010

[Module Leaders & Co-teachers]

• Topics of Urban Design, Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University - 2026
• International Field Class, Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University - 2025
• Urban Design and Theory I, Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University - 2025
• Fundamentals of Urban Design, Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University - 2023, 2024
• Urban Design and Theory II, Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University - 2024, 2025

[Supervisor & Project Mentor]

• Lecturer and Supervisor, Urban Planning and Design Dissertation, Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University - 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
• Supervisor, Urban Planning and Design Final Year Project and Dissertation, Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University - 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
• Project Mentor, Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Hub Work Placement, Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University - 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
• Project Mentor, Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Hub Consulting Project, Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University - 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

[Gust Lecturer]

• 2026 Urban Design Outlook: In Search of New Coordinates, Seoul National University - 2026 
• Research on Resource-Recycling Urban Design, Seoul National University - 2024
• Introducing Urban Design Planning, Ajou University - 2023
• Smart and Sustainable Urban Regeneration, Seoul National University - 2023
• Green Infrastructure in Smart Cities, Seoul National University - 2022
• Reviewer, GSES Studio Exhibition, Seoul National University - 2022

[Reviewer & Tutor]

• Environmental Research Design, Seoul National University - 2021
• Quantitative Research Methods in the Urban Environment, Seoul National University - 2020
• Living Lab: Urban Regeneration Project, Seoul National University - 2018
• Urban Regeneration Studio, Seoul National University - 2017, 2018

• 1st Prize, Teaching Excellence Award, Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University - 2025
• 1st Prize, Design School Teaching Excellence Award -  Xi’an Jiaotong · Liverpool University - 2025
• Gold Ward, Supervision for XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang) E&I Master Program - 2024
• 1st Prize (Supervisor), National Level, Huacan Design Competition Award - 2025
• 2st Prize (Supervisor), Hong Kong, Huacan Design Competition Award - 2025
• 3rd Prize (Supervisor), 15th Yuanye Bei International Urban Design Student Competition - 2024
• Honourable Award (Supervisor), 16th Yuanye Bei International Urban Design Student Competition - 2024
• Honourable Award (Supervisor), 15th Yuanye Bei International Urban Design Student Competition - 2024
• 3rd Prize (Supervisor), the 6th Jiangsu University Design Exhibition - 2024
• Brainkorea21+ Green Infrastructure Creation Talents Team - 2017 to 2019
• University College London Student Academic Representative (StAR) - 2015 to 2016