Seocho District Creates AR Outdoor Gallery Under Yeongdong 2 Bridge Along Yangjaecheon... Why?

Providing Citizens with a Rich Cultural Experience and a Place to Relax
Supporting Artists Impacted by COVID-19
Transforming the Underpass into a Safe Artistic Space

[Asia Economy, reporter Park Jongil] Seocho District (District Mayor Cho Eunhee) has unveiled a public art installation titled "Ip-eoyo (No where, now here)" under the Yeongdong 2 Bridge along Yangjaecheon Stream, starting this month. The project utilizes augmented reality (AR) technology to support artists struggling due to COVID-19 and to provide residents with opportunities to enjoy high-quality cultural experiences.

Yangjaecheon in Seocho District is one of Seoul's most popular streams, attracting more than 10,000 visitors per day on average. However, the area under Yeongdong 2 Bridge, where the artwork is being displayed, has remained a dark and desolate space, previously raising concerns about various crimes.

In response, the district has transformed the under-bridge area into a new environment where everyday relaxation and art coexist. Since May, the district has been promoting this public art project in collaboration with a team of 37 artists (led by chief artist Park Jinhee) and an advisory panel composed of experts from various fields.

The project piece, "Ip-eoyo (No where, now here)," is a coined term combining the meanings of "it exists" and "it does not exist," expressing the concept of "present yet absent, absent yet present."

This project focuses on observing the dual aspects of a transitional period brought about by technological advancement and expressing these observations through diverse content.

The content begins with videos of the artists at work and scenes of the sky at sunrise and sunset. Through QR codes, visitors can access 25 AR-based exhibition pieces, while various artwork images are projected onto the underside of the bridge using beam projectors. For the convenience of visitors, the district has also installed art benches and house-shaped sculptures designed to provide comfort.

A district official stated, "Through this public art project, we expect to support artists whose activities have stagnated due to COVID-19, offer a wide range of cultural experiences to citizens using Yangjaecheon, and provide a restful space for residents weary from the heat. Additionally, the once dark and intimidating underpass will be transformed into a safe and artistic space, achieving a triple benefit."

The district is implementing policies that utilize Yangjaecheon to offer relaxation to residents. In particular, the cooling shelter in Yangjaecheon Neighborhood Park features Indian tents, bean bags, box tables, and photo zones to create a camping-like atmosphere. The district provides visitors with cooling supplies such as ice water, fans, and ice seat cushions, as well as quarantine supplies including contactless thermometers, masks, and hand sanitizers. Regular disinfection is also carried out.

Cho Eunhee, Mayor of Seocho District, said, "I hope this public art project will provide opportunities for artists, whose creative activities have been limited by COVID-19, to showcase their talents. I also hope that the under-bridge space, reborn as an outdoor gallery, will become a new hot spot representing Yangjaecheon and offer relaxation and joy to our citizens."