New public library, concert hall planned for Seoul by 2025

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By Lee Suh-yoon

Seoul will open a new public library and a concert hall by 2025 in the eastern and western areas of the metropolis, the city announced, Thursday.

The 35,000-square-meter library will be built in Dongdaemun-gu, replacing the Seoul Metropolitan Library next to City Hall as the main center for the city's public library system.

The mega-library will archive information on Seoul's history, policies and urban culture. It will be equipped with the latest technologies, including a 3D printer and VR headsets.

A 2,000-seat concert hall will open in Mullae-dong in Yeongdeungpo, creating a cultural platform in southwestern Seoul like Gwanghwamun's Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul.

The city hopes the library and concert hall will make up for the lack of cultural facilities in the less developed parts of Seoul.

Designs for the new structures will be chosen through an international competition next year. The city has set aside 387.8 billion won ($326 million) for the two projects.

“All Seoul residents have the right to enjoy information and culture without discrimination,” Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon said. “To guarantee such rights, we are expanding cultural facilities to areas that lack cultural services.”