(Photo by Seoul Metropolitan Government/courtesy of haps Magazine Korea)
A long-unused underground passage beneath central Seoul has been transformed into a permanent cultural venue, opening to the public on August 24 after remaining largely inaccessible for more than 40 years.
The new K-Culture Station stretches 335 meters between City Hall Station and Euljiro 1-ga Station, covering 3,261 square meters approximately 13 meters beneath Seoul Plaza.
The tunnel-like space is believed to have been created in the early 1980s while connecting the two subway stations, which were built at different elevations. Its concrete walls, columns and distinctive underground structure have largely been preserved.
The space was first opened temporarily to the public through an exploration program in 2023. Since then, ventilation, fire protection, evacuation routes and electrical systems have been installed to allow it to operate as a permanent venue.
Its first major exhibition celebrates BIGBANG’s 20th anniversary. The immersive media exhibition, titled COSMOS, uses the full length of the underground space to explore the group’s music and career through light, video and sound.
Visitors move through 11 experience zones featuring projection mapping, media art, VR, holograms and interactive installations.
COSMOS runs from August 24 through September 27, with regular operating hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is by advance reservation in one-hour sessions, with no on-site ticket sales. The venue will be closed on Mondays following its opening day.
The K-Culture Station is intended to remain open beyond the inaugural exhibition, with future plans including K-pop collaborations, fashion exhibitions and shows, entertainment technology experiences, brand showcases and pop-up events.
The project is part of Seoul’s broader Fun Station initiative, which converts unused areas within subway stations into spaces for recreation, fitness and culture. Previous projects have included running facilities at Yeouinaru Station and recreational facilities at other stations across the city.