Restoration of Gyeongbokgung Station's Original Structure...Preserving the Cultural Value of Seoul's Future Heritage

After approximately 7 months of restoration work, the "Gyeongbokgung Station Restoration and Chair Installation Commemoration Event" was held on the 25th at Gyeongbokgung Station... The restoration of Gyeongbokgung Station, a cultural heritage site of great value, is expected to enhance not only cultural preservation but also citizen safety and convenience... Custom passenger rest chairs at Gyeongbokgung Station also attract attention, designed to evoke both traditional beauty and modern sensibility

Gyeongbokgung Station has returned to its original appearance from when it was built in 1985.

It has been about seven months since restoration work began last February.

Seoul Metro (President Baek Ho) announced that it completed the restoration of Gyeongbokgung Station to its original form and held a “Gyeongbokgung Station Restoration and Chair Installation Commemoration Event” at the station on the 25th.

The commemorative event was attended by Lee Byung-yoon, Chair of the Seoul Metropolitan Council Transportation Committee, Jeong Yong-jae, Director of the National Palace Museum, Baek Ho, President of Seoul Metro, and others.

Gyeongbokgung Station was recognized in 2018 for its harmonious blend of traditional beauty and advanced construction techniques and was designated as a “Seoul Future Heritage,” highlighting its high preservation value as a cultural asset.

To reemphasize Gyeongbokgung Station as a cultural heritage site, the corporation decided to close the existing shops and the Metro Art Gallery and restore the station to its original form.

Gyeongbokgung Station was designed by the late architect Kim Swoo-geun as a subway station inspired by the surrounding Gyeongbokgung Palace and Sajik Park. It features unique traditional beauty and architectural aesthetics through granite, and is evaluated as an indoor stone structure with arched traditional beauty added.

Gyeongbokgung Chair

Additionally, the operation of the Gyeongbokgung Station Metro Art Gallery caused inconvenience to citizens, as passage through the concourse was restricted during exhibition periods and only detours were possible. Aging facilities were also a problem.

As part of this restoration work, the Metro Art Gallery facilities were dismantled and aging facilities were repaired, significantly enhancing citizen safety and convenience.

The custom rest chairs installed in conjunction with this restoration work at Gyeongbokgung Station also attract attention. The newly installed chairs feature a design intended to embody the identity of the aboveground space of Gyeongbokgung within the underground station.

The design is characterized by incorporating the form of the Gyeongbokgung royal throne (the chair on which the king sits). Additionally, decorative elements of the mun-gap (traditional Korean chest) were added to create a traditional yet sophisticated feel. The traditional geometric patterns also provide visual beauty. It is a result of combining Korean aesthetics with modern design.

Baek Ho, President of Seoul Metro, said, “With Gyeongbokgung Station restored to its original form, we expect to preserve its cultural value as a Seoul Future Heritage while also enhancing citizen safety and convenience. The throne-shaped chairs, reflecting the characteristics of Gyeongbokgung, will give the station a unique identity and offer a new attraction for tourists visiting Gyeongbokgung Station.”