Ando Tadao Designed LG Art Center Seoul to Open in Magok District on October 13

1335-Seat Large Venue, 2.5 Times Larger Than Existing Yeoksam Center
Japanese Architect Tadao Ando, Designer: "A Space to Excite the Audience"
Opening Performance by London Symphony Conducted by Simon Rattle and Seong-Jin Cho

LG Arts Center Seoul building exterior. Photo by LG Arts Center

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] "I wanted to create a performance venue like no other."

The LG Arts Center, designed by architect Tadao Ando, known for his use of light and exposed concrete, will officially open as "LG Arts Center Seoul" on October 13 in the Magok district of Seoul.

On the 21st, LG Arts Center Seoul held a press conference to announce the end of its 22-year era in Yeoksam and introduced the operation plans for the newly opened venue along with this year’s performance programs.

LG Arts Center Seoul was established as a public contribution facility when LG and the Seoul Metropolitan Government developed the LG Science Park in the Magok district. While inheriting the LG Arts Center brand that attracted 4.5 million visitors over the past 20 years, the name was changed to LG Arts Center Seoul to emphasize its public nature.

LG Arts Center Seoul Tube. Photo by LG Arts Center

Designed by architect Tadao Ando, LG Arts Center Seoul is located at the entrance of Seoul Botanic Park in Gangseo-gu. It has three basement levels and four above-ground floors and is directly connected to Magoknaru Station on Subway Line 9 and the Airport Railroad.

LG Arts Center Seoul consists of two performance halls: the multipurpose "LG SIGNATURE Hall," which has up to 1,335 seats and combines the stage size of an opera theater with the acoustic environment of a concert hall, and the flexible black box "U+ Stage," where the stage and seating can be freely arranged depending on the performance.

The LG SIGNATURE Hall boasts a stage size more than 2.5 times larger than that of the Yeoksam LG Arts Center. Lee Hyunjung, director of LG Arts Center, explained, "This allows us to accommodate large-scale performances of almost every genre, from orchestras of about 100 members to opera, musicals, ballet, and concerts."

Notably, the orchestra pit can be used in two stages according to the scale of the performance, accommodating 112 audience members and 120 performers. Additionally, advanced stage technologies such as 'variable reverberation devices,' 'reflectors,' and 'moving towers' have been introduced to create an acoustic environment on par with dedicated concert halls.

LG Arts Center Seoul_LG SIGNATURE Hall overview. Photo by LG Arts Center

The LG SIGNATURE Hall is the first in Korea to apply the 'structural separation construction method,' introduced by LG Arts Center, throughout the entire venue. The walls on both sides of the hall, as well as the floor and ceiling, are completely separated, preventing noise intrusion even when helicopters or airplanes fly overhead.

Furthermore, there are two rehearsal rooms, three classrooms for arts education and experiential programs, one studio, and five food and beverage (F&B) outlets, enhancing convenience for creators and audiences alike.

The opening performance on October 13 will feature the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Simon Rattle, in collaboration with pianist Seong-Jin Cho.

Following that, from October 15 to December 18, the "Opening Festival," consisting of 14 performances, will showcase leading Korean performing artists such as Dae-nalchi, Lee Jaram, Lee Eun-gyeol, Kim Seoljin, Kim Jaeduk, Gambler Crew, M Crew, Park Jung-hyun, Park Juwon, the National Symphony Orchestra, Sunwoo Yekwon, and Clara Jumi Kang.

Additionally, outstanding contemporary international performances by the Akram Khan Company, Yoann Bourgeois Company, Al Di Meola Jazz Trio, Paavo J?rvi & Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie, as well as live stages by various musicians in "Club ARC," and the play "All That Shines on Me" will welcome audiences.

LG Arts Center Seoul_Gate Arc. Photo by LG Arts Center

Package tickets for the Opening Festival will be available from 2 p.m. on July 11, and individual tickets can be purchased from 2 p.m. on July 14 through the LG Arts Center website and external ticketing platforms.

Lee Hyunjung, director of LG Arts Center, stated, "Based on the successful operation know-how of LG Arts Center since 2000, we aim to build a world-class complex cultural space in the Magok district to enhance LG’s brand value and expand cultural and artistic enjoyment opportunities for Seoul citizens."

Meanwhile, LG Arts Center Seoul will be donated to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, with LG holding the operating rights for 20 years.

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