Uncover a hidden world beneath our feet. Here at the SeMA Bunker, a relic of Seoul’s past has been reborn as a space for art and history.
The SeMA Bunker was discovered in 2005. Workers found it during construction of the Yeouido bus transfer station. For years, it remained hidden from the public. The city opened it for a month in 2015. It opened permanently as an art space in October 2017.
This underground space tells a story of secrecy. The city believes the bunker was built in the 1970s. It may have been for President Park Chung-hee. It was a shelter in case of emergency. Above this bunker was a review stand. Park used it to watch military parades.
The SeMA Bunker is now a Future Heritage site. Seoul started this project to preserve historical places. The bunker has two entrances. There is a new staircase and an elevator.
Inside, you’ll find a large exhibition hall. It is 495 square meters. The hall holds contemporary art exhibitions. You can see photography, video, and installations. The history gallery is 66 square meters. It preserves the identity of SeMA Bunker. It shows related materials about the bunker’s history.
The SeMA Bunker once had two rooms. It had restrooms and shower facilities. There was also a spacious machine room. Its exact use is still unknown. Now, it’s a place for art and reflection.
The city decided to remodel the space into an art museum. The exhibitions reflect the location’s characteristics. They also show aesthetic features.
Mayor Park Won-soon said the bunker was once neglected. Now, it’s a special place with our history. He hopes many people visit this reborn space.
As you explore the SeMA Bunker consider its layers of history. From a secret shelter to a public art space. It embodies Korea’s journey. It reminds us that even hidden places have stories to tell. The SeMA Bunker invites us to reflect on the past. It encourages us to embrace the future.