Busan City Open Event Hall (Former Busan Mayor's Residence), Full Renovation Begins in July

Open Event Hall Remodeling Design Completed

Construction Starts in July, Scheduled to Complete in April 2024

Busan City plans to complete the "Open Event Hall Remodeling Construction Detailed Design Service," which began in January this year to create a complex cultural space, by the end of June, and transfer construction-related tasks to the Busan City Construction Headquarters to commence construction from July.

Bird's-eye view of the complex cultural space.

Through the architectural firm 'Wonoh One Architex' (CEO Choi Wook), selected in a design competition held in December last year, the detailed design service was conducted over six months for a total floor area of 2,147.32㎡ (approximately 650 pyeong) and an outdoor space of 18,015㎡ (approximately 5,400 pyeong).

During the design service period, administrative procedures such as briefings and technical reviews involving relevant officials and experts from various fields were carried out to ensure the safety and efficiency of the building. The steel main gate and canopy, which had been criticized as closed and authoritarian, were boldly removed to create a public space familiar to citizens.

In particular, CEO Choi Wook, who led this design service, stated, “To preserve the historicity, symbolism, and architectural techniques embodied in the main building of the Open Event Hall as much as possible, we made creative restorations that harmonize the existing structure with new facilities according to UNESCO standards.”

After opening as a complex cultural space in May 2024, it will operate as ▲a multipurpose space for hosting international events such as international conferences, academic conferences, and forums to attract investment ▲a business meeting space for local universities and companies ▲a tiered lecture hall where world-renowned figures can share knowledge and experience ▲and relaxation spaces such as a caf? and outdoor garden harmonized with small walking paths and forests to enjoy leisure in the city.

Furthermore, by the end of this year, Busan plans to pursue designation as a Unique Venue in Busan and a Unique Venue in South Korea, aiming to develop it into an attractive unique meeting place with complex cultural content.

A Unique Venue refers to a space and facility capable of hosting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events that provide special urban experiences.

The Open Event Hall, designed by the late Kim Joong-up, a master of modern Korean architecture, was built in 1985 and has been used as a presidential provincial residence and the mayor’s official residence of Busan. Recently, it has gained attention as a new tourist attraction after being featured as a filming location for a popular drama. However, it was only open on weekdays and only the external facilities excluding the main building were accessible, which was a limitation.

Accordingly, the city initiated the project following the mayor’s pledge to return the Open Event Hall to the citizens.

From the second half of this year, the city will secure the budget and personnel necessary for operating the complex cultural space, establish a new organization, and carry out the required administrative procedures. In the first half of next year, preparations for the official opening will be made through the development of brand images such as a suitable name and slogan for the new space.

Mayor Park Hyung-jun said, “While preserving the historical value of the building, we have reconfigured it through bold reinterpretation and attempts to serve as a cultural and relaxation space, tourist attraction, and innovative public office. We will faithfully reflect the designer’s intentions and open it to citizens as soon as possible.”

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