SEOUL, May 3 (Korea Bizwire) — On Wednesday, the city of Seoul held an opening ceremony for Haneul-So, an observatory-like sculpture located in Yeolrin Songhyeon green space in Jongno-gu. Haneul-So, which means “a space that looks to the sky” in Korean, will serve as the theme pavilion for the 4th Seoul Biennale of Urban Architecture in September.
Designed to allow visitors to climb a 12-meter high staircase and explore the surrounding terrain, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Mount Bukhansan, and Mount Inwang, Haneul-So is made of “metal scaffolding” that can be easily assembled and disassembled, in line with the Biennale’s goal of being a waste-free event. The pavilion will be utilized as a resting place for citizens to enjoy the view and relax before the Biennale opens.
Once the main event of the Biennale begins on September 1, Haneul-So will be used as an exhibition space for the thematic exhibition, showcasing various works. The structure’s ability to be reused even after the Biennale closes makes it a sustainable and cost-effective choice.
Prior to the event, the Seoul Metropolitan Government held a ‘Cultural Exchange Cooperation Ceremony’ in the field of urban architecture with the ambassadors of Israel, Norway, and Hungary. The agreement includes cooperation in supporting artists participating in the Seoul Biennale of Urban Architecture, sharing innovative cases of public policy in the field of urban architecture, and establishing a public-private expert network.
Yeolrin Songhyeon green space, which covers an area of 37,117 square meters, was opened last year under the theme of ‘a place of rest and culture’. With Haneul-So now in place, the park has become an even more attractive destination for visitors seeking to enjoy the beauty of Seoul’s natural surroundings while also exploring the latest trends in urban architecture.
Image Credit: Yonhap / Seoul Metropolitan Government / photonews@koreabizwire.com
