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| The underground space beneath Seoul Plaza, which the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to open to the public / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government |
By Jung Da-hyun
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| A poster for a guided tour exploring the hidden space under Seoul Plaza / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government |
This concealed space, spanning 3,182 square meters, lies beneath the nation's first underground shopping area and alongside City Hall Station on Seoul Metro lines 1 and 2. The purpose and origin of this space remain unknown.
According to the city government, the space's appearance has not been altered since its original construction 40 years ago, thereby making it easier to open to the public.
The semiweekly guided tours ― available only on Fridays and Saturdays ― will run until Sept. 23, and will take place four times a day.
Additionally, Seoul will be collecting ideas from citizens on how to utilize the hidden space. Based on the suggestions, the city government will determine how to use and develop the underground space in the near future.
The program is part of Seoul's project to innovate subterranean spaces around the capital, transforming subway stations into attractions that reflect new trends and the characteristics of their localities.
The project, announced in January, is currently underway with projects at four different subway stations including City Hall Station.
Yeouinaru Station on Line 5, for instance, will be transformed into a runners-themed station by March next year, featuring a dashboard on the wall displaying running records. People can input their own running records for a designated course onto this dashboard as well.
The city is slated to host a b-boying performance at Sindang Station on lines 2 and 6 in October, reflecting the street culture of Generation Z. Munjeong Station on Line 8 is under review to create a spot for activities such as futsal or climbing.
"Our goal is to transform underground spaces in the city, including City Hall Station, into areas that reflect the lifestyles of citizens and enhance their appeal as new and exciting destinations in Seoul," said Hong Sun-ki, chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Urban Space Planning Division.
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