Sejong Center for the Performing Arts () 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.

History

After the Seoul National Hall was destroyed by fire in 1972, the construction of a venue to continue the cultural heritage of that structure was proposed. Construction began in 1974, and it completed on April 14, 1978.

Facilities

thumb|230px|Sejong Center

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 m<sup>2</sup>) that is divided into 4 separate rooms for viewings of different sizes and numbers.
  • New Gallery: The New Gallery is a (594 m<sup>2</sup>) 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 m<sup>2</sup>, 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 m<sup>2</sup>, 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

See also

  • Contemporary culture of South Korea
  • List of concert halls
  • Sejong the Great of Joseon
  • Statue of King Sejong (Gwanghwamun)

References

  • Official website