Gyeongbokgung Station Designed by Architect Kim Sookeun Restored to Its Appearance 40 Years Ago

Preserving the Value of 'Seoul Miraeyusan'
Demolition of Metro Art Museum Facilities

Gyeongbokgung Station on Subway Line 3 will be restored to its original appearance from 1985 when it was first constructed. The restoration work is expected to be completed within the first half of the year.

Seoul Metro (President Baek Ho) announced on the 16th that it plans to close the Metro Art Museum located in Gyeongbokgung Station and dismantle related facilities in order to preserve the station's value as a Seoul Future Heritage and return it to the citizens.

Gyeongbokgung Station is the only subway station designed by the late architect Kim Swoo-geun. The design highlights the unique traditional beauty and architectural aesthetics through granite, themed around Seokjojeon. Additionally, it features an art exhibition floor, reflecting its distinctive proximity to the Seoul Museum of History.

Recognizing its cultural value, the station, originally named Jungangcheong Station in 1985 (now Gyeongbokgung Station), received the Korean Institute of Architects Award. In 2018, it was also designated as a Seoul Future Heritage site for its harmonious blend of traditional beauty and advanced construction techniques.

The restoration project aims to preserve the inherent cultural value of the building designated as a Seoul Future Heritage by restoring Gyeongbokgung Station to its original form. By removing the Metro Art Museum facilities installed in the concourse (restoring the original form), an open and spacious area will be created, allowing citizens to pass through safely and conveniently without time restrictions.

Baek Ho, President of Seoul Metro, stated, “We have restored Gyeongbokgung Station, which holds great cultural preservation value, to its original form and returned it to the citizens. Through this restoration, we expect to re-highlight Gyeongbokgung Station as a Seoul Future Heritage site while also enhancing citizen safety and convenience.”