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| Visitors take a look inside one of the oil tanks at the new cultural complex in Seongsan-dong, western Seoul. The park will open to the public on Sept. 1. / Yonhap |
Seoul's urban renewal project to vitalize cultural gatherings
By You Soo-sun
West of Seoul World Cup Stadium in Mapo-gu, a new park for various cultural activities will open to the public Sept. 1. Inside the park are oil tanks and a platform that have been renovated into six distinct spaces for performances, art displays and other gatherings; hence, it's title: "Oil Tank Culture Park."
The renovation of the 140,022-square-meter space is an initiative taken by the Seoul city government as part of its ongoing urban renewal projects. It follows the recent reopening of the overpass-turned-park Seoullo 7017 that connects the area around Seoul Station using an old overpass.
Just like Seoullo, the new cultural complex was born using existing structures: tanks that once held 69 million liters of including gasoline and diesel. They were constructed in 1976 in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis, and the area has since been closed to the public for security reasons. In November 2000, it was classified as a hazardous facility and permanently shut down. Its opening therefore marks the land's return to the citizens, who have been denied access for the past four decades.
The renovated five tanks still bear some of their organic features. One tank, partway up the slope of Mt. Maebong, is preserved in its original shape and form and is the only space visitors are denied inside access.
Each tank has a unique vibe, offering a distinct sense of how the space could be used. One tank has been reformed into an oval-shaped space enclosed by glass walls surrounded by trees. One tank is completely dark, with videos and images projected on its round walls. Another is an open space with a stage spanning across the tank wall and chairs scattered on its opposite side.
The first event at the complex takes place this weekend, from Friday to Saturday, allowing visitors a preview before its official opening. An arts market festival will present street art and concerts, opening up space for artists and visitors.
Various affairs are planned until the end of the year. Programs include music festivals, circuses and art workshops. A tour around the complex will be offered from its opening until the end of October. A gallery presenting a historical timeline of the space, from its life as oil tanks to a cultural complex, is also available until then.
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