KT&G Expands Cultural Contribution Territory... Opens Largest 'Sangsangmadang Busan'

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Saeng-hye] KT&G announced on the 3rd that it will open the complex cultural space ‘KT&G Sangsangmadang Busan’ in Seomyeon, Busan on the 4th to strengthen support for culture, arts, and the startup ecosystem and to expand opportunities for enjoying popular culture.

This opening is the result of about three years since signing a memorandum of understanding for investment to create ‘KT&G Sangsangmadang’ with Busan City Hall in May 2017. KT&G established ‘Sangsangmadang Busan’ to serve as a hub for culture, arts, startups, and hobbies for local youth, and Busan City promised administrative support to ensure smooth progress of related projects.

‘Sangsangmadang Busan’ is the fifth complex cultural space introduced by KT&G. It is the largest among the currently operating Sangsangmadang locations, with a total floor area of approximately 20,000㎡ across 13 floors above ground and 5 floors underground. From the 1st to the 5th floor, cafes, design shops, performance halls, and galleries themed ‘PLAY’ are arranged. Part of the 5th floor and the 6th floor are dedicated to creative spaces and youth startup support spaces for individual media creators under the concept of ‘CO-WORK.’ From the 7th to the 13th floor, the ‘REFRESH’ space includes accommodation facilities, a CGV cinema (scheduled to open in April 2021), and a rooftop, allowing visitors to enjoy both culture and relaxation.

KT&G Sangsangmadang has supported emerging artists’ creative activities and provided the public with a wide range of cultural experiences. Starting with ‘Sangsangmadang Hongdae’ in 2007, it has successively opened locations in Nonsan, Chuncheon, and Daechi, growing into a cultural mecca with 1.8 million annual visitors and about 3,000 cultural and artistic programs held each year.

Baek Bok-in, CEO of KT&G, stated, “‘Sangsangmadang Busan’ will play the role of a hub supporting artists in various fields and communicating with youth in the Busan area. We will develop it into a space that provides the public with broad opportunities to enjoy culture and creates a better artistic ecosystem.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.