National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and Other Seoul-Based National Cultural and Arts Facilities Closed from 8th to 18th

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul

[Asia Economy Reporter Byunghee Park] The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) announced on the 7th that it will suspend operations of national cultural facilities located in Seoul from the 8th to the 18th.

The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) raised the social distancing level in the metropolitan area to Level 2.5 on the 6th (December 8?28). Under social distancing Level 2.5, national and public indoor cultural facilities in the metropolitan area can operate at 30% capacity. However, considering the severe quarantine situation in Seoul, the MCST accepted Seoul’s proposal made on the 4th to suspend operations of national cultural facilities located in Seoul.

Accordingly, from the 8th to the 18th, nine* affiliated museums, art galleries, and libraries located in Seoul, including the National Museum of Korea, the National Folk Museum of Korea, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the National Library of Korea, will be closed. Performances at eight** performance institutions such as the National Theater of Korea and the National Gugak Center, as well as seven*** national arts groups including the National Theater Company of Korea, will also be suspended.

The MCST stated that the reopening of national cultural and arts facilities and the resumption of performances by national arts groups after the 19th will be decided in consultation with the CDSCH depending on the trend of COVID-19 spread in the metropolitan area.

* Nine museums, art galleries, and libraries: National Museum of Korea, National Folk Museum of Korea, Museum of Korean History, National Hangeul Museum, two branches of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Seoul, Deoksugung), two branches of the National Library of Korea (Main Library, Children and Youth Library), National Library for Disabled Persons

** Eight performance institutions: National Theater of Korea, National Gugak Center (Seoul main branch), Jeongdong Theater, Myeongdong Art Theater, Small Theater Pan, Baek Seonghui and Jang Minho Theaters, Seoul Arts Center, Arko Arts Theater and Daehakro Arts Theater (exceptions apply if cancellation is impossible due to private rentals, etc.)

*** Seven national arts groups: National Theater Company of Korea, National Ballet Company, National Opera Company, National Contemporary Dance Company, National Chorus, Seoul Arts Troupe, Korean Symphony Orchestra (performance suspensions apply to those held in Seoul)

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