National Cultural and Arts Facilities Extend Closure Until the 19th

Closure Extension Days Decided to Align with Strengthened 'Social Distancing' Period

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jong-gil] The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 6th that they will extend the closure of indoor viewing facilities under their jurisdiction and affiliated institutions until the 19th to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The extension period was set in accordance with the newly established strengthened 'social distancing' period by the government.

The facilities include the National Museum of Korea and thirteen regional museums (Gyeongju, Gwangju, Jeonju, Daegu, Buyeo, Gongju, Jinju, Cheongju, Gimhae, Jeju, Chuncheon, Naju, Iksan), the National Folk Museum, the Museum of Korean History, four National Museums of Modern and Contemporary Art (Gwacheon, Seoul, Cheongju, Deoksugung), and three National Central Libraries (Seoul, Sejong, Children and Youth), totaling twenty-four museums, art museums, and libraries under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Also included are five national performance institutions: the National Theater of Korea, National Gugak Center (Seoul, Busan, Jindo, Namwon), Jeongdong Theater, Myeongdong Art Theater, and the National Asian Culture Complex. Seven national arts organizations including the National Theater Company of Korea, National Ballet Company, National Opera Company, National Contemporary Dance Company, National Chorus, Seoul Arts Troupe, and Korean Symphony Orchestra will suspend performances. The Cultural Heritage Administration will also extend the closure of indoor viewing facilities such as the National Palace Museum, National Intangible Heritage Center, and Changgyeonggung Greenhouse.

On the 27th, a closure notice to prevent the spread of COVID-19 was installed at the National Palace Museum in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

This is the fourth time the closure extension has been decided due to the COVID-19 situation. A Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism official stated, "We judged that maintaining the closure of facilities is inevitable as social distancing continues," and added, "The reopening of facilities and resumption of performances will be decided comprehensively considering the end of the strengthened social distancing, the decrease in COVID-19 confirmed cases, and the preparation status of each institution." The Ministry plans to improve the quality of online services and provide abundant content so that the public can view exhibitions and performances online during the social distancing period. To make this easily accessible, an integrated guidance webpage has been opened on the Ministry’s website and affiliated cultural and artistic institution websites.