Seoul City Gradually Resumes Operations of 63 Cultural Facilities Previously Closed

Libraries Offer Reservation Loan Service... Art Galleries and Museums Implement Advance Booking
Performance Venues Enforce Social Distancing with Spaced Seating

A temporary closure notice for the Changgyeonggung Grand Greenhouse related to COVID-19 prevention is installed at Changgyeonggung, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mo Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Sixty-three cultural facilities under the Seoul Metropolitan Government, which had been closed since February 25 to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), reopened after about 70 days. To practice 'social distancing in daily life,' operations will resume gradually through advance reservations and partial space openings.

On the 8th, Seoul City announced that from the 6th, 63 cultural facilities including libraries, museums, art galleries, performance halls, and other cultural venues have begun phased reopening. Since usage methods vary by facility, visitors must check each facility’s website for usage guidelines before visiting, and users must comply with quarantine rules such as wearing masks and temperature checks before entry.

The Seoul Library, which reopened on the 6th, will operate a reserved book lending service until the 24th. Users can apply for book loans through the website and borrow books at a temporary lending counter upon visiting the library. Up to 300 people per day (200 on weekends) can borrow up to five books per person for two weeks (one extension possible, up to three weeks). Returns can be made using the unmanned return machine at the library’s back entrance.

After the 26th, depending on the COVID-19 situation, services allowing direct visits to the library for borrowing and returning materials are expected to resume. The 'Seoul Library Online Service,' which provides access to domestic and international e-books and municipal materials online, will continue to be available.

Seoul City museums such as the Seoul Museum of History and the Hanseong Baekje Museum have resumed exhibition viewing by limiting visitor numbers through online advance reservations. Free reservations can be made at 'Seoul Public Service Reservation (yeyak.seoul.go.kr),' and since capacity and operating hours vary by facility, detailed information can be found on their websites. However, group tours, exhibition commentary programs, and educational cultural events will not be held in May.

Seoul Museum of Art’s Seosomun Main Building, Buk Seoul Museum of Art, and Nam Seoul Museum of Art have also started exhibition viewing through advance reservations. Although exhibition commentary programs (docents) are not available, anyone can listen to exhibition explanations by downloading the 'Seoul Museum of Art Exhibition Docenting App.'

Performance venues such as Seoul Namsan Gugakdang, Seoul Donhwamun Gugakdang, and Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, which had been holding online performances without audiences, are preparing to welcome on-site audiences. In May, only 30-50% of seats will be sold to ensure social distancing between seats.

The cultural space for seniors, 'Cheongchun Theater,' will begin film screenings from May 8, Parents’ Day. To maintain social distancing, only up to 40 out of 260 seats (20% of seats) will be allowed for viewers, and the usual four screenings per day will be reduced to two.

Additionally, online cultural and artistic programs to comfort citizens physically and mentally exhausted by COVID-19 will continue throughout May. From live-streamed performances of traditional Korean music, musical theater, and dance to VR exhibition viewing and traditional culture experiences, people can enjoy cultural life safely and comfortably at home.

Information on the reopening of Seoul’s cultural facilities and online cultural and artistic programs can be found on the city’s website and is also provided through the Culture Headquarters’ social media (Facebook, Instagram).