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INTERVIEW Seocho District fuses global culture with artistic flair
Seocho District Mayor Jun Sung-soo speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at Seocho District Office in southern Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
By Park Ung
District extends global footprint through arts, culture and smart tech
Defining Seocho District in a single word is difficult, even for Mayor Jun Sung-soo.
Located in southern Seoul, the district is home to Korea’s top legal institutions, including the Supreme Court and the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office. It also houses the research and development centers of major conglomerates such as Samsung and LG. Beyond business and law, Seocho also serves as a cultural center, with landmarks like the Seoul Arts Center.
But that is not the only source of pride for Seocho.
Building on its strengths at home, the district is working to expand international ties and raise its profile on the global stage.
“Seocho is a district that builds friendships with the world through culture,” Jun said in an interview with The Korea Times. “Exchanges in culture, arts and education with countries ranging from France and the Czech Republic to Ghana have become valuable assets that showcase the district’s international stature and brand.”
Of the 13 countries with which Seocho maintains exchanges, France holds particular significance, thanks to Seorae Village, home to Korea’s largest French community. The neighborhood began taking shape in 1985, when Lycée Français de Séoul (French School of Seoul) relocated from central Seoul’s Yongsan District. Today, hundreds of French nationals live in the area, which has taken on a distinctly French ambiance, its streets lined with cafes and French-style restaurants.
Seocho’s embrace of global culture extends to its public spaces, where international symbols and partnerships continue to take root.
In May, Korea’s first Vaclav Havel bench was installed along the district’s Yangjae Stream. The public art project, which honors the Czech Republic’s first president and serves as a symbol of democratization, has been introduced in 18 countries, including the United States, France and the United Kingdom.
“This year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and the Czech Republic,” Jun said. “I hope the bench will serve as a lasting symbol of democracy and friendship between the two countries.”
Pianist Cho Seong-jin performs at the Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall in Seocho District, Seoul, July 4, 2023. Yonhap
The district is also a major hub for Korean music. Located in Seocho, the Seoul Arts Center hosts a wide range of performances year-round, while the music and dance schools of the Korea National University of Arts have produced internationally acclaimed artists such as pianist Lim Yun-chan and Son Yeol-eum.
The National Gugak Center, just next door to the Seoul Arts Center and the Korea National University of Arts, works to preserve and promote traditional Korean music. Across the street from these institutions lies Seoripul Instrument Street, home to 207 instrument shops and practice studios, forming a strong backbone for the local music scene.
This rich musical foundation is an important way for the district to engage with the world and promote cultural exchanges.
Since April last year, the district has hosted exchange programs that invite Ghanaian students to learn and connect with local peers, including music classes where each student learns to play an instrument.
Every September, the district hosts the Seoripul Music Festival, a celebration of culture and the arts. This year’s festival will take place Sept. 27–28 along Banpo-daero, a 10-lane road in the district, and feature world-renowned soprano Sumi Jo and violinist Danny Koo.
“The festival has grown from a local event into one of Seoul’s signature cultural celebrations,” Jun said. “Last year, it drew 200,000 visitors who enjoyed everything from classical and K-pop to traditional Korean music and media art. Scenes like this, unfolding in the heart of the city, offer real inspiration to our residents.”
Visitors enjoy the Seoripul Music Festival in this 2024 file photo. Courtesy of Seocho District Office.
Bringing a digital element to the festival experience, the district has rolled out an AI-powered service that replaces paper maps and helps visitors easily locate stages, restrooms and more.
The entire 900-meter stretch of Banpo-daero has been digitally mapped with AI technology. Festivalgoers can scan QR codes placed throughout the venue to access a web platform where an AI guide provides information on booths, programs and amenities, offering a seamless way to navigate the event.
Seocho’s ongoing efforts to improve the area have translated into high levels of satisfaction among locals. In a 2023 survey of 3,879 residents aged 15 and older, 94.7 percent said they wanted to continue living in the district.
The district also ranked first among Seoul’s 25 districts for the fourth straight year in the Korea Security Index 2025, a nationwide study evaluating community safety and quality of life to determine the most livable areas.
For the mayor, such recognition comes with equal measures of pride and responsibility.
“I’ll keep listening to residents, thinking through issues together and working toward solutions, so people can continue to say, ‘I’m truly glad to live in Seocho,’” Jun said.