Why you shouldn’t just walk by Seoul City Hall
The Seoul City Hall (서울특별시청) in downtown Seoul just across from Deoksugung Palace is one of the most striking buildings and most people just walk right by. With its grand architecture and captivating wave structure, it’s hard not to be captivated by its exterior beauty. The large glass wave towers above the older Seoul Metropolitan Library building and Seoul Plaza. Heard of the Korean Wave? This is the architectural representation of it and it is beautiful.
Let me tell you a little secret though, don’t just walk by this iconic landmark; instead, take a moment to explore its unique interior and experience the breathtaking installations that lie within. Trust me, it’s cool.
Here’s why you shouldn’t just walk by Seoul City Hall:
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How To Get There
Address: 110 Sejongdae-ro Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 세종대로 110 서울특별시청)
How To Get There: City Hall Subway Station, exit 5. Walk around the outside of the Metropolitan Library to find the City Hall Building.
Basic Info
Hours: Every day 9:00am ~ 6:00pm; Saturdays: 9:00am ~ 3:00pm Tours: From Tuesday to Friday there are tours at 10:00am and 2:00pm
Admission: Free
What To Know
The former Seoul City Hall
Something to notice when you’re walking up to Seoul City Hall is that it hugs the former Seoul City Hall. What is now the Seoul Metropolitan Library is just in front of Seoul City Hall and was built in 1925 during the Japanese occupation of Korea and is an example of Imperial Crown Style architecture. It was the city hall from 1945 until 2008.
Today, the building is a library and you can go inside and up to the rooftop for some great views of Gwanghwamun Square and the new Seoul City Hall from a different vantage point. Here is information about how to get that view and other great views in Seoul from rooftops.
The Architecture
As you approach Seoul City Hall, you’ll notice the wave-shaped structure that embraces the building. This stunning design was designed with two concepts, horizon and deep shadow, in mind and is brought out through a design based on the eaves of traditional Korean houses, or Hanok, and is one of the coolest architectural spots to find in Seoul.
The wave structure serves as a metaphor for the city’s perpetual motion and its commitment to growth and innovation and was opened to the public in 2012. The unique shape designed by Yoo Kerl of iArc is actually built in this unique shape to be climate responsive and is angled to maximize the amount of diffused sunlight coming into the lobby while limiting the direct light at the same time. About 28.3% of the energy used in the building comes from eco-friendly energy sources including photovoltaic, solar thermal, and geothermal energy. The building is eco-friendly and stunning from every angle.
What To See
While most people view the exterior only assuming that because it’s a government building, they can’t go inside, I’d be remiss if I didn’t very pointedly say, GO INSIDE! While 62% of the functions as government offices and space, 38% is for public use.
The Green Wall
The interior is just as stunning and features an enormous green wall, or living wall which holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest vertical garden in the world. Spanning an area of 1516m², the size of a soccer field, the vertical garden hugs the inner walls of the building from the first floor up to the seventh floor. There are over 70,000 plants of 14 different species that help to eliminate contaminants and fine dust and regulate the temperature and humidity.
Meta Epic: SeoBeol or Metaseosa-Seobeol
To me, the most stunning feature though, is the artistic work called “Meta Epic: SeoBeol”. The artwork has “tornado” like characteristics and hangs down from the ceiling almost touching those that pass by beneath as they walk. The symbolic work is meant to express the long history of Seoul, which has been the capital city for 2000 years.
A part of the structure is called the “Path of Myth” which symbolizes the dynamic myth of Seoul, the “Light of Hope” symbolizes the hope of Seoul citizens, and the “Tornado of Life” symbolizes how the Seoul city communicates with its citizens. It’s beautiful and so many people miss it because they never walk in the front door. But do do do!
Sky Plaza Gallery and Cafe
Don’t stop at the lobby. Using the elevator on the right that is for visitors and not workers, you can head up to the 8th floor to the Sky Plaza Gallery where you can get a bird’s eye view of Seoul Plaza. The space also plays host to art exhibitions and and art education programs. Head up another floor and you’ll find a cafe where physically challenged baristas serve coffee and cookies.
- Sky Plaza Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
- Bakery and Cafe Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:30am ~ 6:00pm
Night Light Shows
Throughout the year, you can find Seoul City Hall lit up in various colors. This isn’t something you will see all of the time but for Christmas, you can see Seoul City Hall as well as other iconic buildings around the city lit up in reds and greens. It was lit up in purple in celebration of BTS and it was lit up in pink in celebration of Pinkfong’s “Baby Shark” and in an effort to spread cheer to Seoul citizens.
If you get there at the right time, you can see the colors from the exterior and the interior. Visit as government workers are leaving for the day, and you can enjoy the lobby in relative silence as they skedaddle.
Citizens Hall
After going up, don’t forget to go down. Citizens Hall is located on the basement level of the building and has various exhibition spaces. Take the spiral stairs down or an elevator and you’ll find historic relics in an excavation site along side an open lounge space, sound gallery, media wall, and more. It’s also a great place just to take a rest if it’s cold or rainy outside and you need a break.
- Hours: November – February: 9:00am ~ 8:00pm; March – October: 9:00am ~ 9:00pm
Gungisi Relics
An large exhibition hall located in the basement of Seoul City Hall was established to preserve and exhibit the archaeological relics that were discovered and then excavated during the construction of the building. There are a total of about 590 relics, including a “Breech-loading gun” that were discovered at the site and date back to the Joseon Dynasty.
Gungisi was a government agency during the time of the Joseon Dynasty. Established in 1392, they were responsible for the manufacturing and preservation of weaponry. It’s a great space with information provided in Korean and English.
Suggested Course
So, the next time you find yourself near Seoul City Hall, resist the temptation to merely walk by. Step inside, embrace the artistic wonders, and witness the beautiful installations that await you. Seoul City Hall is not just a government building; it’s a cultural hub, an artistic sanctuary, and a testament to the city’s vibrant spirit.
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