Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Signs Business Agreement for Development of National Theater Site Near Seoul Station

by Park Pyunghee

Published 05 Feb.2025 11:30(KST)

A new type of performing arts hub combining a complex cultural facility and artist support housing will be established in Seogye-dong near Seoul Station.

On the 5th, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that it signed a business agreement with Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) and Seogye Cultural Yard at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul, to create the 'Seogye-dong Complex Cultural Space.'

Through this agreement, the project to develop the site of the National Theater Company (7,904.5㎡) in Seogye-dong 1(il)-beonji, located a 5-minute walk from Seoul Station, into a cultural and artistic hub space will be launched in earnest. The Ministry plans to create a new form of complex cultural space in collaboration with related organizations, combining creative spaces such as four performance halls and ten rehearsal rooms, a specialized performance library and exhibition hall, office and retail facilities, and job-linked support housing for artists.

Exterior view of the National Theater of Korea Seogye-dong Open Cultural Space [Photo by National Theater of Korea]

To this end, the Ministry announced that it simultaneously signed two agreements: ▲a business agreement between the Ministry and LH regarding the division of work, use, ownership, and operation of land and buildings, and cost sharing and settlement for the 'Seogye-dong Complex Cultural Space' project ▲a business agreement between the Ministry and Seogye Cultural Yard concerning the construction and operation of the 'Seogye-dong Complex Cultural Facility Build-Transfer-Lease (BTL) Project.'

According to the agreement, after the project implementer Seogye Cultural Yard completes the facility, ownership of the facility will be transferred to the state and local governments. The project implementer will be granted the right to lease and manage the facility for 20 years, during which it can use the facility and generate revenue. Additionally, LH will build rental housing for artists and, after 30 years of use and profit, donate it to the state (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism).

Besides creating the Seogye-dong complex cultural space, the Ministry plans to expand creation and production facilities at the Namsan National Theater by 2026, including rehearsal rooms, studios, and stage storage. Furthermore, Jeongdong Theater in Seoul’s Jung-gu district aims to expand its performance halls and convenience facilities with a target completion in 2029. Also, the Myeongdong Arts Theater, located in the heart of Myeongdong, will be revitalized as a performance facility attracting more citizens and tourists, fostering growth across the performing arts industry.

Minister Yoon In-chon stated, "'The new type of 'Seogye-dong Complex Cultural Space,' following the 'Namsan Performing Arts Belt' and the reconstruction of the National Jeongdong Theater, will provide a solid foundation for the growth of the performing arts industry." He added, "By supplying 'artist rental housing' that offers both creative spaces and residences, we expect to improve artists’ welfare and create a valuable cradle for creation and production."