The projects for which Kim is most well-known include: •
1982: First National Bank Building, San Diego (now known as
1 Columbia Place). The building was Kim's first big downtown project. It departed from existing high-rise designs, which were box-shaped and zoned for single-use office space. To integrate the high-rise with the surrounding neighborhood, Kim used a series of landscaped terraces. this building resembles a cluster of emerald crystals. Although the complex appears from afar to be 8 separate towers, the unique octagonal design consists of two buildings joined by two 8-story glass atriums. Some of Kim's other projects covered in publications include the following (with single years indicating the date of commencement and astericks indicating projects not completed to date): • 1978–1979: School of Logistic and Transportation, Taif, Saudi Arabia. • 1980:
Scripps Clinic and Research Laboratory, La Jolla, CA. • 1981:
Mercy Hospital Expansion, San Diego, CA. • 1985–1989: Daley Center, San Diego, CA.{{cite journal |title=Special Issue: Korean Architects In The United States: Chong Wan Kim |date=February 1986 |journal=Magazine for Architectural Culture |pages=10–11, 28–33 |location=South Korea • 1990–1993: The Sun Dial House, La Jolla, CA. • 1995: Wal-Chool Mountain National Park Resort, South Korea.*{{cite journal |title=East, West, South & North: Kim Jong-wan Architecture |date=June 1995 |journal=Architectural Culture |pages=256–265 |location=South Korea • 1995–2002: Whang's OB-GYN Private Hospital, Seoul, South Korea. • 2000: The Spinnaker Building, San Diego, CA.* • 2001: The Pacific Trade Center, Los Angeles, CA.* • 2004–2010: Oceanside Hotel, Oceanside, CA.{{cite news |title=Oceanside City Council approves Holiday Inn overlooking harbor |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |date=July 21, 2005 == Awards and honors ==