Winning Entry of the Design Competition Unveiled
Open Design Allows Access for All
Outdoor Stage and Rooftop Observatory for Citizens
Aiming for a Complex Cultural Facility... Completion Set for 2029
The 2nd Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, which the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to build in Yeouido, will be designed with the concept of an "open space" connecting the Han River and Yeouido Park. In addition to an outdoor performance venue, the rooftop will feature an observatory to serve as a space for citizens.
On November 4, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it had held a review for the international design competition for the construction of the 2nd Sejong Center for the Performing Arts at the multipurpose hall of Seoul City Hall, with more than 400 citizens and experts in attendance. The design proposal by Designcamp Moonpark DMP was selected as the final winning entry.
Perspective view of the winning design for the 2nd Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Seoul City
The 2nd Sejong Center for the Performing Arts is a core project of the "Great Han River Project." The main plan is to build a complex cultural facility on a 66,000-square-meter site on the northern side of Yeouido Park, including a large performance hall (1,800 seats), a medium-sized performance hall (800 seats), an exhibition hall (5,670 square meters), and a public observatory.
In this design competition review, the evaluation focused on the symbolism of the site as Seoul's waterfront cultural hub, the connectivity with Yeouido Park and the Han River, and the public nature of the space as an open area for citizens. In particular, the design guidelines called for an outdoor stage and a large screen so that anyone can visit and enjoy performances without having to purchase a ticket. In addition, the open rooftop observatory will allow visitors to enjoy views of the Han River and Seoul, securing its function as a cultural and recreational space for citizens.
The winning design places the two performance halls vertically, each facing the Han River and Yeouido Park. The open lobby is oriented in different directions, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of urban landscapes.
The ground level along Yeouidaero is planned as a plaza, enabling citizens to move comfortably between Yeouido Park and the Han River. At the outdoor performance venue, anyone can simultaneously enjoy performances from the main hall via a screen the size of the stage.
The judging panel commented, "We highly valued the proposal's careful interpretation of the urban context by presenting open spaces toward the Han River, Yeouido Park, and Yeouidaero. We expect it to become a new cultural landmark for Yeouido that harmonizes with the city."
The Seoul Metropolitan Government will sign a design contract with the winner within the year, and the basic and detailed design process will take about 14 months. Construction is scheduled to begin in December 2026, with completion targeted for December 2029. Cho Namjun, Director-General of Urban Space Policy at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said, "The 2nd Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will become a new cultural icon for Seoul and an open space that any citizen can enjoy in daily life. We will ensure transparency throughout the entire process, from design to completion, and actively reflect citizens' opinions."
Meanwhile, on the morning of November 10, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will hold an awards ceremony at the Sejong Lounge on the first floor of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, which has long served as one of Seoul's representative cultural and artistic spaces. Until November 16, five entries, including the winning design, will be on display.
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