Sejong Center
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| Sejong Center | |
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| Korean name | |
|---|---|
| Hangul | 세종문화회관 |
| Hanja | 世宗文化會館 |
| Revised Romanization | Sejong Munhwa Hoegwan |
| McCune–Reischauer | Sejong Munhwa Hoegwan |
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts (or Sejong Center) 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 ancient capital city of the Joseon Dynasty. The center took 4 years to complete, opening its doors in 1978. It was "built as a cultural center for Seoulites". It currently is home to the biggest pipe organ in Asia.
Brief history
After the Seoul National Hall was destroyed by fire in 1972, the City Council of Seoul commissioned the construction of a venue to continue the cultural heritage of that structure. Built in 1978, commissioned by the City of Seoul, Sejong Center was largely unsupported financially for 20 years, being under the control of the Special City of Seoul. In 1999 the Center was placed under control of a foundation governed by civilians whose passion for the arts fueled its massive newfound success.
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.
Forming Facilities
The Sejong Center is made up of many different halls, centers and theaters.
The Main Auditorium
The "Big" Theater as it is called in Korean, is a technologically advanced theater that is right on par with the international theaters and auditorium halls. Divided to 3 stories, with a total of 3048 seats. The first 2 floors all have LCD screens attached to each seats to help narration and information. The "battons" that enable fast changing of stage performance is numbered to be around 102.
The 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
- The Arts Forum 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.
- The Arts Forum New Gallery: The New Gallery is a (594 m²) place for artwork that excels in the social, popular and cultural side of Korean art.
- The Arts Forum 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
Situated underneath the Sejong-ro crossroads, it opened in February, 17th 2005 for compete 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
Usually used for big events and conferences, with a size of 627 m², it can house around 400 people. Available for many different events, symposia. It includes 250 translating systems that interprets 5 languages simultaneously.
The Convention Hall is a smaller size convention center that is used for similar purposes as the center, able to accommodate 120 people.
Sam Chung Gak
Measuring in 19417m², it is a collaboration of 6 traditional Korean Housings. From 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
- Korean performing arts
- List of concert halls
- List of Korea-related topics
