Culture Station Seoul 284: Free Art Exhibitions and Experiences
In the heart of Seoul, Korea near one of the busiest, if not the busiest, station sits an old building that houses stories to tell and free exhibitions to tell them. The Culture Station Seoul 284 (문화역 서울 284) is one of my favorite places to visit and it’s just outside of the bustling Seoul Station.
Passerby on nearby Seoullo 7017 over look this building while taxis and buses stop out front dropping off travelers. It’s busy around Seoul Station all of the time, and yet Culture Station Seoul 284 manages to be a hidden gem of quiet and calm.
Get ready to see more in downtown Seoul. Here’s what to know about Culture Station Seoul 284:
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How To Get There
Address: 1 Tongil-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 통일로 1)
By Public Transportation: Culture Station Seoul 284 is just outside of Seoul Station which is on line 1 and line 4 of the subway system and is also where the Airport Railroad and train lines converge. Additionally, dozens of buses stop here so suffice to say, it’s easy to get to. If you’re looking at the front of the Seoul Station building, just look right and you’ll see the older Seoul Station building and that’s where to go.
Basic Info
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 7:00pm (The last Wednesday of the month, Culture Day, it’s open 10:00am ~ 9:00pm)
- Closed on Lunar New Year’s Day and Chuseok, and if Monday is a public holiday, it will be closed on the following Tuesday.
- Check the exhibition schedule, as the building is also closed when there is no exhibition/a new exhibition is being curated.
Admission: Free
Amenities: Restrooms, a cafe
Website: www.seoul284.org
The History
Originally erected in 1925, Gyeongseong Station, the original name of Seoul Station, was built in the Renaissance, Byzantine, and Neoclassical styles pointing to how important this station was and is. Nammanju Railway Company using the design of Yasush Tsukamoto, led the construction of this prominent train station during the Japanese colonial period. At the time, the goal was to integrate the Korean peninsula into Manchuria via the railway system.
In 1936, the station became home to a new express passenger train that could get travelers from Seoul to Busan in 6 hours and 45 minutes. Renamed “Seoul Station” in 1947, he station suffered damage during the Korean War in 1950 but once again became a hub of travel in the post-war rebuild and was used up until 2004 when the new Seoul Station opened its doors.
In 2004, old Seoul Station was closed to make way for a newer and larger thoroughfare for travelers and from 2009 to 2011, the building underwent an extensive restoration project. The aim was to preserve the building’s historical integrity while transforming it into a thriving cultural hub under the name of Culture Station Seoul 284. Today, the space offers a vibrant platform for diverse artistic endeavors.
What does the 284 in Culture Station Seoul 284 mean?
In 1981, the old Seoul Station was designated was designated as Historic Site No. 284. The 284 in the name is an homage to the historical relevance of this building.
What To See and Do
A s you first enter, take in the Central Hall of the building with 12 stone columns and a dome. This originally housed the ticket office, information desk, gift shop, and a snack bar. From there, take a left, as exhibitions usually continue into the “3rd Class Waiting Room”. This was a space for passengers with a general-admission ticket.
From here, cross back through the Central Hall to continue the tour into the rooms on the left side, the “1st and 2nd Class Waiting Rooms”. Prior to 1945, there were separate rooms for men and women which you can see here and then at the end of the hall is the more lavish “VIP Lounge”. Appreciate the wallpaper here. This was where the royal representatives, presidents, and other high-ranking government officials waited.
Head upstairs and there was originally a large restaurant, actually the first Western-style restaurant in Korea called “The Grill” was here. This restaurant was in Seoul station all the way up until the end of 2021, but has closed unfortunately.
There are small signs which sort of direct you around naturally so you go up the steps on the left side of the building and you’ll come down the steps on the right side making an entire loop through the first and second floor. There’s a cafe now in the RTO, which was the former baggage collection area which is the furthest space on the right side. You can enter from the back or front of the building.
Arts and Culture Exhibitions
Culture Station Seoul 284 hosts a wide range of exhibitions, presenting both contemporary and traditional art forms but they are usually based on Korean culture, tradition, or design in some way which is why I always find them appealing.
Walk through the buildings of the old station to find visual arts, sculptures, photography, and captivating multimedia installations. There are also often experiential installations which is especially great if you’re taking kids with you.
Experiential Programs
On top of the experiential installations, there are often experiential programs to get involved in as Culture Station Seoul 284 is committed to fostering creativity, cultural exchange, and lifelong learning. The venue offers a wide array of educational programs, workshops, and seminars to go along with the themes of each exhibition. These initiatives provide a platform for local and international artists to share their insights, skills, and knowledge with an eager and curious audience.
Do note that some experience programs require a reservation in advance as they have limited spots, so make sure you follow their SNS pages as they highlight when things are open and when you can sign up.
Step Back in Time
There is an Architectural Heritage Center within the building where you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the architectural styles prevalent during the Japanese colonial period and their impact on Seoul’s urban development. At the very least, grab a brochure at the front so you can learn more about the building, the history, and the architecture that you’re seeing as you walk from room to room seeing the arts and culture pieces.
I’m personally quite drawn to the windows and insets and there is some really appealing wallpaper in a few rooms if you ask me.
Whether you are an art aficionado, a history buff, or a curious traveler, a visit to Culture Station Seoul 284 promises an enriching experience. On top of that, you’ll likely be at Seoul Station at some point, so it’s easy to add to a Seoul itinerary whether you’re here for a short time or longer. And, as it’s free, it’s a great and budget friendly thing to do in Seoul.
So, what are you waiting for? Immerse yourself in the cultural exhibitions, see performances, and sign up for a stimulating educational program at Culture Station Seoul 284.
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