Construction commenced on Seoul's first K-pop center, with a groundbreaking ceremony highlighting the cultural complex's future plans. With millions of visitors expected each year, the center seeks to become a worldwide destination for K-pop enthusiasts and cultural vultures, thereby improving Seoul's cultural and commercial attractiveness.
(Photo : Korean Herald/Seoul Metropolitan Government )
Seoul's K-Pop Hub Groundbreaking Ceremony
On Tuesday afternoon, July 2, the groundbreaking ceremony for the 'Seoul Arena Cultural Complex,' situated in Chang-dong, was held at the building site. As mentioned, the Mayor of Seoul, Oh Se-hon; the Chief Executive Officer of Kakao, Chung Shin-a; the First Vice Minister of Culture, Chun Byong-geuk; the Head of the Dobong-gu District, Oh Un-Seok, and the Head of the Nowon-gu District, Oh Seung-rok, along with roughly 250 local citizens and officials, attended the event.
The arena reportedly includes an 18,269-seat K-pop concert hall. Expected to be finished in March 2027, this average-sized hall may host up to 7,000 people. In addition, it will include a cinema theater, commercial areas, and other cultural facilities.
The CEO of Kakao, Chung, has promised to create a platform allowing fans of K-pop music all around access to a broad spectrum of Korean cultural content. He noted that, in addition to hosting shows, Seoul Arena would support local communities and overlooked artists through various projects and outdoor events.
Accordingly, the project began in 2015 and was in the planning stages until November 2023, when it was granted full approvals and construction licenses. Following the completion of the project, Kakao, Seoul Arena's primary shareholder, will assume responsibility for the operation and management of the facility for thirty years, while the Seoul Metropolitan Government will be responsible for providing the necessary site.
Moreover, Seoul Arena is expected to draw about 2.5 million tourists annually, which will considerably benefit the economy of Northeast Seoul. As per Mayor Oh, the cultural complex would establish itself as a significant monument and hub for Hallyu travel, also known as Korean Wave tourism, revitalizing the region's economy.
Shortage of Concert Venues in Korea
Considering the field of music, South Korea's environment contains nearly all of the essential components. Singers, songwriters, dancers, musicians, choreographers, and crew members capable of their craft are all present in this country. On the other hand, the K-pop business needs to overcome a new obstacle regarding the need for more concert venues since the phenomenon of K-pop has reached a global scale.
Nevertheless, the availability of facilities differs from this industry's accelerated development. It is no longer possible for musicians to hold concerts in any way they like. They'll have to compete to book scarce venues to hold concerts.
Accordingly, the Jamsil Olympic Stadium, Jamsil Auxiliary Stadium, and Jamsil Indoor Stadium are housed at the Jamsil Sports Complex, also called the Seoul Sports Complex. More than 10,000 people can reportedly occupy this area. However, since August 2023, the Jamsil Olympic Stadium, which can host more than 70,000 people, has been rebuilt to become a contemporary urban sports and cultural complex. The stadium is expected to stay closed till December 2026.
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