[Interview] Seokgangseok, Songpa District Mayor: "Songpa, Centered on Seokchon Lake, Will Bloom as a 'Flower of Culture'"

Accelerating the Cultural Landmark Development of Seokchon Lake, the Heart of Songpa: Opening of the Independent Public Art Museum Building, 30,000 Visitors in Two Weeks... Media Art Gallery and 'The Sphere' to be Completed in Early Next Year... Synergy with Existing Facilities like 'Seoul Nori Madang' and 'Seokchon Lake Atelier'

"Seokchon Lake, Seoul's representative outing spot, has transformed into a cultural landmark where culture and art flow throughout all four seasons."

In the past two years, visitors have continued to come to Seokchon Lake regardless of the season. This is quite different from the previous situation when few people visited after the autumn leaves fell and cold winds blew.

Seogang-seok, Mayor of Songpa District, cites the achievements of cultural and artistic projects as the background. Mayor Seo said, "Seokchon Lake can be called the heart of Songpa," adding, "By expanding cultural and artistic infrastructure centered around Seokchon Lake and continuously holding various events, the effects are spreading everywhere."

On November 22nd, the district opened 'The Gallery Hosu,' the first standalone art museum at the East Lake of Seokchon Lake. It has attracted attention with over 30,000 visitors in just two weeks.

The museum, built on the site of the East Lake management office, has one basement floor and one above-ground floor. It includes two exhibition halls, a rooftop garden, parking lot, and restrooms. The opening exhibition, running until February 28th next year, offers a variety of colors against the backdrop of the lake even in the pale hues of midwinter.

Mayor Seo said, "Now, Seokchon Lake has become a hub for culture and arts where various performances, exhibitions, and education are possible," and added, "Many residents and visitors welcome the transformation of Seokchon Lake into a cultural landmark."

Currently, the West Lake of Seokchon Lake houses 'Seoul Nori Madang,' the educational and exhibition space 'Cultural Experiment Space Hosu,' and the small theater 'Seokchon Lake Atelier.'

In particular, Seoul Nori Madang is Seoul's only traditional performance facility. This spring, Mayor Seo undertook a major renovation of the aging stage, dome ceiling, and seating after 40 years since its establishment. He proudly stated, "Along with facility repairs, Seoul Nori Madang, enhanced with the latest technology to meet changing times, is a world-class venue where you can enjoy various performances such as talchum (mask dance) and musicals."

He continued, "Please look forward to another change at Seokchon Lake to be completed in the first half of next year," revealing new plans.

In April next year, the ultra-large media art gallery 'Lake Bridge Gallery (Hosugyo Gallery)' will be unveiled at Seokchon Lake. The district plans to convert the underpass connecting the East and West Lakes at Jamsil Hosugyo Bridge into an exhibition space. It will showcase immersive media art and special exhibitions by artists.

Around the same time, 'The Sphere' will be established on the site of the former West Lake management office. It is the first of three media artworks to be implemented as part of the 'Seokchon Lake Media Forest Creation Project,' a key project of Songpa District's 'Songpa-daero Luxury Street' initiative. It is also the nation's first permanent media art installation in an urban waterfront park.

Mayor Seo explained, "Next spring, when you visit Seokchon Lake, you can enjoy large-scale media art at Jamsil Hosugyo Bridge along with cherry blossoms, then walk along the trail to Songpa-daero and admire the 7-meter spherical light sculpture created by 'The Sphere.'"

In addition, the district has organized various events this year using Seokchon Lake as a stage, including the public art project exhibition 'Lobster Wonderland,' the youth artist festival 'Yaho Festival,' and the 'Songpa Youth Festival.' Until February 28th next year, the event 'Autumn and Winter of the Lake and Luminaria' is being held to provide a wide range of cultural and artistic experiences.

Seogang-seok, Mayor of Songpa District, emphasized once again the importance of culture and arts, saying, "The criteria that distinguish humans from other animals are intelligence, refinement, culture, and art." He added, "Going forward, the cultural flowers of Songpa District will bloom more fully centered around Seokchon Lake. We will broaden the base so that residents and visitors throughout the region can enjoy diverse culture and arts, and create a cultural city where talented artists can freely pursue their dreams."