Seoul's landmark 63 Square undergoes cultural makeover

63 Square skyscraper in Seoul's financial district of Yeouido / Courtesy of Hanwha Life Insurance

Timed to the upcoming opening of Centre Pompidou Hanwha, the first Korean outpost of the iconic Paris museum, its host skyscraper, 63 Square, is getting a sweeping makeover into a destination for art and leisure, Hanwha Life Insurance said Monday.

At the heart of the project is Centre Pompidou Hanwha, a four-story museum designed by French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, the same architect behind renovations at the Louvre.

Nestled within the skyscraper’s annex, the museum is set to welcome the public on June 4. Drawing on Europe’s largest collection of modern and contemporary art, the Seoul branch will debut with an eclectic selection of Cubist masterworks, headlined by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque.

Centre Pompidou Hanwha / Courtesy of Hanwha Life Insurance

The museum, however, is only part of the plan. Hanwha is also reimagining the 40-year-old landmark with a High Line-inspired garden, a revamped observatory featuring immersive media art and a new lineup of restaurants, cafes and design retailers.

Despite its prominent place on Seoul’s skyline, the gold-tinted tower has long existed somewhat outside the city’s main tourism circuit. Located in eastern Yeouido — an area traditionally associated with finance and office towers rather than cultural attractions — it has often been viewed more as a landmark to admire from afar than a destination to visit.

Hanwha says the arrival of Centre Pompidou marks the beginning of a new chapter.

The building’s observation deck has been reintroduced as "63 Sky Picnic," pairing panoramic views of the Han River from 250 meters up with immersive media art installations and interactive exhibits. A dedicated gallery space features holograms and light-based works set against the city’s skyline.

"63 Sky Picnic" / Courtesy of Hanwha Life Insurance

At ground level, visitors will find the newly created 63 Oudolf Garden, designed by renowned Dutch landscape architect Piet Oudolf, whose projects include New York’s High Line and Chicago’s Lurie Garden. Inspired by the full life cycle of plants, the garden is designed to change with the seasons.

The retail and dining offerings have also been overhauled. Among the 25 new tenants are Hawaii’s popular coffee-and-acai chain Island Vintage Coffee, Tokyo ramen institution Ramenya Shima, Michelin-recognized Pyongyang naengmyeon restaurant Seoryeong, and Nordic design brands ROOMING and HAY.

“By bringing the innovative spirit of the Centre Pompidou to 63 Square, we aim to develop it into a next-generation lifestyle platform,” a Hanwha Life Insurance official said.