A Defunct Underground Passage Transformed into 'Cheonyeon Eoullim Lifestyle Culture Center'

Seodaemun-gu, Establishment of Resident Community Cafe, Performance Creation Room, and Multipurpose Room

‘Cheonnyeon Eoullim Lifestyle Culture Center’

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Seodaemun-gu (Mayor Moon Seok-jin) is remodeling the Gyeonnam Underpass (277 Yeongcheon-dong) in front of Dongnimmun Intersection as part of the Cheonyeon Chunghyun Urban Regeneration Project and will open it as the "Cheonyeon Eoullim Life Culture Center" on November 2.

Installed in 1993, this underpass had almost lost its function as a pedestrian passageway due to the construction of a nearby new crosswalk and a central bus lane, resulting in very few users.

The district applied for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's "2019 Life Culture Center Creation Support Plan" to actively utilize such underused spaces with diminished functions and was selected as the winner.

Based on this, after conducting detailed design last year, remodeling construction began in March this year and has now come to fruition.

The center covers an area of approximately 373.8㎡ (138.9㎡ underground walkway, 234.9㎡ stairs) and is equipped with a community cafe for residents, a performance creation room, and a multipurpose room.

The district plans to invite local residents and others to the opening ceremony at 3:30 PM on November 2 to introduce the center’s operational direction and projects. A congratulatory performance by the local residents’ club, the "Yeongcheon Market Choir," is also scheduled.

A district official stated, "Even before the center’s opening, inquiries about usage have been continuously coming from members of local clubs."

Moon Seok-jin, Mayor of Seodaemun-gu, said, "We expect the Cheonyeon Eoullim Life Culture Center to meet the cultural and artistic activity demands not only of nearby residents but also many surrounding students through various program operations and support for club activities."

The center’s operating hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and rental applications can be made via the internet blog, Seoul public service reservation site, or by phone.