Sejong Center

Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
세종문화회관

Location	175 Sejongdaero, Jongno-gu Seoul, 03172, South Korea
Coordinates	37°34′21″N 126°58′32″E / 37.5725°N 126.9756°E / 37.5725; 126.9756
Type	Art center
Director	Kim Joo-song
Architect	Um Duk-Moon, Pyung Goo Rhee
Website	Official Website

Sejong Center for the Performing Arts (Korean: 세종문화회관) is the largest arts and cultural complex in Seoul, South Korea. It has an interior area of 53,202m². It is situated in the center of the capital, on Sejongno, a main road that cuts through the capital city of the Joseon Dynasty. The center took 4 years to complete, opening in 1978. It was "built as a cultural center for Seoulites". It currently contains one of the biggest pipe organs in Asia.

After the Seoul National Hall was destroyed by fire in 1972,^[1] the construction of a venue to continue the cultural heritage of that structure was proposed.^[2] Construction began in 1974, and it completed in April 1978.^[2] In 1999, the center was placed under control of a foundation.^[1]

The center's design was based on a fusion of Korean national symbols and the western architectural designs. The name "Sejong" is from the 4th ruling king of the Joseon Dynasty, Sejong the Great.^[2]

On 23 September 2012, the Seoul Metropolitan Government started on a trial basis, a 550-m designated section of Sejong-ro as pedestrian-only but permitted for cyclists. The section includes the road from the Gwanghwamun three-way intersection, along Gwanghwamun Plaza in front of the Sejong Center to the Sejong-ro intersection.^[3]

This section needs to be updated. The reason given is: buildings have changed. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (June 2024)

The "Big" Theater as it is called in Korean, is a technologically advanced theater. It opened in 1999 to show Shim Hyung-rae's Yonggary and has a capacity for 3,000 people and is the biggest Theater at the country.

Called The "Small" Theater in Korean, is constructed in an interesting style over 2 floors, and can seat 442 people, the stage can allow for 100 people on performance.

• Main Gallery: The Arts Forum is a large room (1,056 m²) that is divided into 4 separate rooms for viewings of different sizes and numbers.
• New Gallery: The New Gallery is a (594 m²) place for artwork that excels in the social, popular and cultural side of Korean art.
• Gwang Hwa Moon Gallery: Originally part of the 5th Line Subway Metro System, it houses artworks that are considered to be outstanding by the youth and new up-and-coming artists. Considered to be an example of Subway Art Galleries.

The Gwang Hwa Rang is situated underneath the Sejong-ro crossroads, it opened on February 17, 2005, with complete free access to pedestrians and art-discerning Seoulites. It includes a window-gallery that enable by-passers on ground level to peek inside.

The Convention Center and Hall is usually used for big events and conferences. With a size of 627 m², it can house around 400 people. It is available for many different events. It includes 250 translating systems that interprets five different languages simultaneously. The convention hall has a smaller size convention center that is used for similar purposes and is able to accommodate 120 people.

Measuring in 19417m², Sam Chung Gak is a collaboration of six traditional Korean Housings. Since 2001, it has been used by the center as a place for traditional heritage experience.

• Seoul Philharmonic
• Seoul National Philharmonic
• Seoul Metropolitan Theater Company
• City of Seoul Musical Company
• Seoul Metropolitan Chorus
• Seoul National Traditional Dance Company
• Seoul Metropolitan Opera
• Seoul Youth Orchestra
• Seoul Youth Choir

• Contemporary culture of South Korea
• List of concert halls
• Sejong the Great of Joseon
• Statue of King Sejong (Gwanghwamun)

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sejong Center.

• Official website

Preceded by Perth Entertainment Centre Perth

Miss Universe venue 1980

Succeeded by Minskoff Theater New York City