Scheduled to Reopen in July
Former Sewage Treatment Plant Site to Become a Cultural Arts Space and Cafe
Seongnam City in Gyeonggi Province is holding a public contest to determine the official name of the 'Gumi-dong 195 Cultural Facility,' which is currently being developed on the site of the former sewage treatment plant in Gumi-dong, Bundang-gu. On April 30, Seongnam City announced its plan to transform the space into a leading local cultural landmark by adopting a name created directly by its citizens.
Perspective rendering of the 'Gumi-dong 195 Cultural Facility' in Seongnam City. Provided by Seongnam City
The contest is open to Seongnam citizens, who can submit an application form containing their proposed name and the reason for their suggestion by May 11. Applications can be submitted by email to the city’s Culture and Tourism Division (alje88@korea.kr) or online via a Naver Form survey, accessible through a QR code posted on the city’s official website.
The proposed name should reflect the symbolic nature of a space where culture, arts, and citizens come together. It must be original, easy to pronounce, and memorable. The name should also be suitable for use across various media, including signage and promotional materials.
The person whose proposal is selected as the best through the review process will receive a prize of 3 million won, and the results are scheduled to be announced on May 30.
The facility is being built on a 4,325-square-meter portion of the former sewage treatment plant site, which had been left unused for 28 years. The building will have one basement floor and one above-ground floor, with a total floor area of 881 square meters. The main components will include a cultural facility converted from the former inflow pumping station and a cafe to be established in the location of the old blower building. The venue will host various performances such as chamber orchestra and ensemble concerts, and will also serve as a space where citizens can relax and enjoy a cup of tea.
Seongnam City is aiming to complete construction and open the facility in July. The city also plans to create walking trails and green spaces, establishing the area as a hub for culture and leisure for local residents.
A Seongnam City official stated, "We hope that this naming contest will serve as an opportunity to breathe new life into the space through the creative ideas of our citizens."
The former Gumi-dong sewage treatment plant was built by Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), with construction starting in 1994 and completion in 1997. However, operations were halted during the trial run due to opposition from nearby residents, and the site remained unused for 28 years. In response, the city is pursuing a plan, as part of its eighth popularly elected administration’s pledges, to transform the former sewage treatment plant site into a rest and cultural space for citizens.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
