Docking Seoul: An Abandoned Spiral Ramp Now A Public Art Space
As people rush around Seoul Station, jumping onto train, bus, or subway to get to and fro, I often wonder if they just see the area as a thoroughfare and not the artistic adventure that it can be. From Seoullo 7017 to Culture Station Seoul 284, there is a lot to see around Seoul Station and now there’s another cool spot to check out called Docking Seoul (도킹서울). The Seoul Metropolitan Government created the “Seoul is a Museum” initiative and are creating arts and culture spaces open to the public all over. A prime example of this endeavor is the transformation of an abandoned spiral ramp into a public art space.
This ambitious project not only breathes new life into a once-forgotten space but also encourages us to reflect on the concept of where we exist in the world and the galaxy. Get ready to discover a cool arts spot that might be a little hidden, but will stand out once you know about it.
Get ready to explore Docking Seoul:
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How To Get There
Address: Seoul Private Railway Station, 405 Hangang-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울 중구 한강대로 405 경부고속철도서울민자역사)
Directions: Seoul Station, exit 15. Turn right and you’ll see the spiral ramp on the right. You can enter from up above on the Seoullo 7017 or from the rooftop garden on the fourth floor of Lotte Mart.
Basic Info
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00am ~ 8:00pm
- Admission: Free
What To Know
The journey of Docking Seoul began in 2022 when the Seoul Metropolitan Government, in collaboration with local artists and private construction companies, set out to reimagine the disused circular ramp that is connected to Seoullo 7017 and the north end of Seoul Station.
This ramp, which was once a conduit for traffic to Seoul Station, stood dormant since 2004 when the new Seoul Station building was constructed to accommodate KTX bullet trains.
What To See
You can find an entrance to Docking Seoul either from Seoullo 7017 or the rooftop of the Lotte Mart. As you walk along the spiral ramp, you’re drawn into a world of immersive art experiences spread across five distinct sections.
These sections house seven installations make this a fun quick spot for an exploration. I always find it interesting to explore the way Korea uses urban environments and regenerates them for cultural and artistic experiences.
As visitors ascend or descend the ramp, there are a number of great artistic installations to check out. “Moving Daily Life,” created by artist Yang Jeong-wok, greets you with digital installations reminiscent of spaceship windows. These captivating displays shift and change as you view them from different angles, offering a glimpse into different spaces and perspectives.
Continue further and you come upon the super colorful “My Universe Color” by Park Jiyoun. Stand between the columns that change color thus changing the ambiance of the entire tunnel around you. Bask in the universe’s great colorful show.
The heart of Docking Seoul, nestled within the hollow center of the circular ramp, houses a magnificent blue structure that looks like a spiraling galaxy working it’s way up to burst out of the top. This installation, a tribute to the cosmos, serves as a testament to human creativity’s boundless potential to transform the mundane into the extraordinary.
“Deep Surface” an awe-inspiring creation by local artist Chung So-young, mesmerizes with its spiral form that mirrors the birth of stars. The rings at the top are a halo to shoot for and then through.
Continuing your journey, “Net of Life” by Kim Ju-hyeon comes into view. This illuminated masterpiece, crafted from intertwined iron pipes, symbolizes the interconnectedness of individuals and society. As the yellow light dances upon the metal framework, it serves as a poignant reminder of how we are all woven into the fabric of our surroundings.
Whether you’re a Seoul resident or a curious traveler, Docking Seoul welcomes you to explore its immersive art experiences. The industrial charm of the original structure intertwines with modern artworks and dynamic lighting installations, creating an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and futuristic.
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