New “Seoul Gallery” cultural space draws over 10,000 visitors during opening weekend

(Photo by Seoul Metropolitan Government/courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)

A newly opened cultural complex beneath Seoul City Hall has drawn strong public interest following its three-day launch event, which concluded on February 7 with more than 10,000 visitors recorded.

The venue, known as “My Friend Seoul Gallery,” hosted its opening celebration from February 5 to 7 and attracted a combined total of 10,113 visitors, including residents and international tourists.

Lines formed before opening each day despite cold weather, with visitors gathering across exhibition halls, the souvenir shop, and photo zones.

The opening program was designed as a participatory experience showcasing Seoul’s identity and future vision through interactive content.

Activities included a stamp tour, mini concerts, and public lectures, encouraging visitors to explore multiple themed spaces within the gallery. The stamp tour, which guided participants through various exhibits, proved particularly popular.

Interactive features such as media art displays, AI-powered information kiosks, and large-scale city models also drew steady crowds.

These installations offered visual overviews of Seoul’s development and global standing, while allowing visitors to explore neighborhoods and travel information through digital interfaces.

Family visitors were especially drawn to the Kids Lounge, which hosted hands-on educational experiences tied to city health and lifestyle initiatives.

The on-site retail space featuring Seoul-themed merchandise and limited-edition collaborations also saw consistent traffic from both domestic and international guests.

USAG Yongsan