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In South Korea, when people think of moments of life's intersection, they often remember "Seoul Cultural Station 284." The station is like a living diary, recording stories of young people coming to Seoul to start their careers, enthusiastic students, and families reuniting after long separations. Now, within that historic space, art abounds, transforming the station into a vibrant living museum where visitors can find peace and uplifting emotions.
Historical landmarks in Seoul
Upon arriving at Seoul Station, visitors will encounter a large, modern building – the new Seoul Station. Modestly situated beside it is a building with an older architectural style, featuring a vaulted roof and red brick walls weathered by time – this is the old Seoul Station. On July 5, 1900, along with the opening of the Hangang Bridge, the first bridge across the Han River, construction of the Gyeongin Railway began, connecting Seodaemun in Seoul with Jemulpo in Incheon, a bustling trading port. Construction of the old Seoul Station also began at that time.
A place that takes Koreans back in time to rediscover old memories.
The old Seoul Station is not just a simple architectural structure, but a living witness to Korean history. Its red bricks, stained by time, tell countless stories of the people's lives and the nation's ups and downs. The image of King Yeongchin and Princess Deokhye boarding a train to leave the country and flee to Japan under pressure from the Japanese colonial government has become one of the most tragic marks in Korean history. It can be said that the station holds immense significance in the modern period of Korean history.
Before the railway system, and transportation in general, was well-developed, anyone wishing to travel from Seoul to other areas, or vice versa, had to pass through the old Seoul Station.
After the new station was completed, coinciding with the opening of the KTX high-speed train line, the old station ceased operations and forever became a place of nostalgia. The old Seoul Station still holds many unforgettable memories for the Korean people. Having shed the dust of time that covered it for seven years, the station recently officially reopened to welcome visitors as a proud historical landmark of Seoul.
The station was originally located near Yeomcheon Bridge and was called Namdaemun Station. It was rebuilt in 1925.
The place where past and present intersect.
From a bustling station, the old Seoul Station has been transformed into Seoul Cultural Station 284, a unique integrated cultural space. The number 284, the station's historical code, serves as a historical marker, linked to the ups and downs of a bygone era. The new name is not simply a change but carries profound meaning, affirming the cultural and historical value of this building.
The opening of the old Seoul Station in 1925 completely transformed the face of Seoul.
Visiting Seoul Cultural Station 284 is like stepping into a vibrant living museum. Every corner of the station bears the mark of time, from the ancient brick walls to the antique decorative objects. The art installations are subtly displayed, creating a space that is both familiar and novel, transporting visitors back to Korea in 1925.
Old Seoul Station is designed with a sophisticated symmetrical structure, showcasing balance and harmony in its architecture. Upon entering the first floor, visitors are impressed by 12 rough granite columns, strongly reminiscent of ancient Greek style. This floor follows the Doric style, exuding a simple, majestic, and masculine beauty. Moving up to the second floor, the space transforms into a more feminine and refreshing Ionian style.
Modern space right from the outside.
To the right of the ticket counter, the third-class waiting room opens into a spacious area with high ceilings. Although not elaborately decorated, the room still exudes a rustic and cozy charm with its four concrete pillars clad in tiles. In the past, the bench in the middle of the room was where passengers relaxed while waiting for their train.
In contrast to the simplicity of the third-class lounge, the first and second-class lounges offer a more luxurious and private space. In particular, the lounge for ladies, with its warm wooden walls, was once a tranquil haven for elegant women waiting. This small room, despite the passage of time, retains its refined and cozy charm.
Shining like an ancient castle.
From the back door of the restaurant, following another corridor leads visitors to a small room filled with fascinating sounds, where they learn the history of the station through sound. Here, visitors will hear a variety of sounds such as: train noises, engine noises in the engine room, the conversations of staff members… all evoking memories of Seoul Station's past. At the end of the corridor, visitors are led back to the central hall. Returning to the starting point of the tour and looking up at the ceiling, visitors suddenly experience a completely new feeling.
Visiting Seoul Cultural Station 284 is like taking a journey back in time, rediscovering distant memories and experiencing new aspects of Korean culture. The opening of the old Seoul Station in 1925 completely transformed the face of Seoul. Having weathered countless historical ups and downs, it still retains its material and spiritual values in the 21st century. If you're looking for a place to enjoy unique art festivals during your trip to Korea, there's no better place than Seoul Cultural Station 284.
