KB News Desk
A 335-meter-long underground passage that remained closed beneath central Seoul for more than four decades opened Monday as a cultural venue, launching with an immersive exhibition to celebrate Big Bang’s 20th anniversary.
Located 13 meters below Seoul Plaza between City Hall and Euljiro 1 (il)-ga stations, the formerly sealed-off space, now known as K-Culture Station, measures 9.5 meters wide and covers 3,261 square meters.
The passage lies between Korea’s first underground shopping arcade and the tracks of Subway Line No. 2. It is believed to have been created in the early 1980s when City Hall and Euljiro 1 (il)-ga stations, built at different depths, were connected, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
“We will continue uncovering hidden spaces across Seoul and turning them into places that offer something new with every visit, creating new attractions for both residents and K-culture fans from around the world,” Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said.
The inaugural exhibition, “Big Bang 20th Anniversary Media Exhibition: Cosmos,” features 11 experiential zones combining media art, virtual reality and interactive installations.
The exhibition runs through Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., except Mondays. Tickets are 20,200 won. Online reservations in advance are required.
The venue will remain open as a permanent cultural platform featuring rotating programs after the Big Bang exhibition ends.
K-Culture Station is part of the city government’s broader initiative to transform neglected underground spaces into recreational and cultural venues for residents and visitors.
It follows Runner Station at Yeouinaru Station, which opened in May 2024, as well as a fitness facility at Ttukseom Station and an indoor park golf venue at Meokgol Station.
The city plans to open 12 more cultural and leisure spaces in subway stations this year, including K-Culture Station, with each venue tailored to characteristics of its location.
