Sejong Center
Art center in Seoul, South Korea
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts (Korean: 세종문화회관) is the largest arts and cultural complex in Seoul, South Korea. It has an interior area of 53,202m². It is situated in the center of the capital, on Sejongno, a main road that cuts through the capital city of the Joseon Dynasty. The center took 4 years to complete, opening in 1978. It was "built as a cultural center for Seoulites". It currently contains one of the biggest pipe organs in Asia.
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| Established | April 14, 1978 |
|---|---|
| Location | 175 Sejongdaero, Jongno-gu Seoul, 03172, South Korea |
| Coordinates | 37.5725°N 126.9756°E |
| Type | Art center |
| Director | Kim Joo-song |
| Architect | Um Duk-Moon, Pyung Goo Rhee |
| Website | Official Website |
| Korean name | |
| Hangul | 세종문화회관 |
| Hanja | 世宗文化會館 |
| RR | Sejong munhwa hoegwan |
| MR | Sejong munhwa hoegwan |
History
After the Seoul National Hall was destroyed by fire in 1972,[1] the construction of a venue to continue the cultural heritage of that structure was proposed.[2] Construction began in 1974, and it completed on April 14, 1978.[2] In 1999, the center was placed under control of a foundation.[1]
The center's design was based on a fusion of Korean national symbols and the western architectural designs. The name "Sejong" is from the 4th ruling king of the Joseon Dynasty, Sejong the Great.[2]
On 23 September 2012, the Seoul Metropolitan Government started on a trial basis, a 550-m designated section of Sejong-ro as pedestrian-only but permitted for cyclists. The section includes the road from the Gwanghwamun three-way intersection, along Gwanghwamun Plaza in front of the Sejong Center to the Sejong-ro intersection.[3]
Facilities
Main Auditorium
The "Big" Theater as it is called in Korean, is a technologically advanced theater. It opened in 1999 to show Shim Hyung-rae's Yonggary and has a capacity for 3,000 people and is the biggest Theater at the country.
Minor Hall
Called The "Small" Theater in Korean, is constructed in an interesting style over 2 floors, and can seat 442 people, the stage can allow for 100 people on performance.
Arts Forum Galleries
- Main Gallery: The Arts Forum is a large room (1,056 m2) that is divided into 4 separate rooms for viewings of different sizes and numbers.
- New Gallery: The New Gallery is a (594 m2) place for artwork that excels in the social, popular and cultural side of Korean art.
- Gwang Hwa Moon Gallery: Originally part of the 5th Line Subway Metro System, it houses artworks that are considered to be outstanding by the youth and new up-and-coming artists. Considered to be an example of Subway Art Galleries.
Gwang Hwa Rang
The Gwang Hwa Rang is situated underneath the Sejong-ro crossroads, it opened on February 17, 2005, with complete free access to pedestrians and art-discerning Seoulites. It includes a window-gallery that enable by-passers on ground level to peek inside.
Sejong Convention Center and Hall
The Convention Center and Hall is usually used for big events and conferences. With a size of 627 m2, it can house around 400 people. It includes 250 translating systems that interprets five different languages simultaneously. The convention hall has a smaller size convention center that is used for similar purposes and is able to accommodate 120 people.
Sam Chung Gak
Measuring in 19417 m2, Sam Chung Gak is a collaboration of six traditional Korean Housings. Since 2001, it has been used by the center as a place for traditional heritage experience.
Resident companies
- Seoul Philharmonic
- Seoul National Philharmonic
- Seoul Metropolitan Theater Company
- City of Seoul Musical Company
- Seoul Metropolitan Chorus
- Seoul National Traditional Dance Company
- Seoul Metropolitan Opera
- Seoul Youth Orchestra
- Seoul Youth Choir
