Classical music aficionados will soon rejoice. The Hoam Art Hall is transforming into Seoul’s first classical music concert hall north of the Han River.
Let’s step back in time. The Hoam Art Hall, built in 1985, has been a cultural cornerstone. It stands between Seosomun Park and City Hall Station. Imagine this area revitalized. A sprawling urban park will embrace the concert hall. This park offers a green oasis.
Hoam is actually the pen name of Lee Byung-chull. He is the late founder of the Samsung Group. His grandson is Samsung Electronics Executive Chair Lee Jae-yong. The building once housed the JoongAng Group headquarters. This adds another layer to its historical significance.
Samsung Life Insurance owns the Hoam Art Hall. They ceased renting out the space in 2017. Now, the city plans a major overhaul. The goal is to create a landmark. Seoulites and visitors can enjoy culture and leisure here.
The revamped Hoam Art Hall will accommodate 1,200 concertgoers. This doubles its previous seating capacity. Think of the possibilities. The new concert hall will fill a void. Currently, the Seoul Arts Center and Lotte Concert Hall are south of the river. Sejong Art Center hosts various performances. This includes musicals.
The city government is committed to expanding green spaces. About 51.4 percent of the land around the Hoam Art Hall will become a park. This translates to 8,388.8 square meters. The city approved a higher floor-to-area ratio. This allows the building to rise higher.
The expanded green space will be significant. It will increase from 8,010 square meters to 13,205 square meters. This is comparable to Seoul Plaza in front of Seoul City Hall.
The city recognizes the need for renewal. The Hoam Art Hall is 30 years old. An outdoor parking lot isolated the area. Now, the vision is a space where work and culture coexist. The garden and concert hall will welcome everyone. Get ready for a new chapter. The Hoam Art Hall is poised to become a cultural mecca.