Two separate construction companies built the Sampoong Department Store on the site of a former landfill. (Wearne, 2000)
Woosung Construction had originally been contracted to build the entire structure but were dropped after they refused to drastically change the building plans,
which included adding a fifth floor. With only a foundation and lower levels completed, Sampoong executives hired their own construction company to finish
the superstructure.
The changes implemented by Sampoong’s in-house contractors changed the entire layout of the building. Originally, the building was designed to be an office block,
but became an open-plan department store. The additional fifth floor was intended to be a roller-skating rink, but became a traditional Korean restaurant. (Wearne, 2000)
By the time construction was completed, the building was a far cry from its original plans.