A Gallery Underground? Seoul Opens a Hidden Cultural Space Beneath City Hall

Seoul has just opened a new cultural destination and it’s not where most visitors would expect to find one.

Beneath the bustling plaza of Seoul City Hall, the city has transformed its underground floors into Seoul Gallery, a newly redesigned cultural complex that blends exhibitions, technology, rest areas, and everyday civic life into one unexpected space. Officially opening on February 5, 2026, the gallery invites visitors to experience Seoul from below ground.

From Forgotten Basement to Cultural Landmark

The underground area of Seoul City Hall had been closed for renovation since last year, after years of limited use. Rather than simply updating the facilities, the city chose to completely rethink the space.

The result is Seoul Gallery a wide, open complex spanning basement levels one and two, designed to feel more like a living city lounge than a conventional museum. The aim was simple but ambitious: create a place where Seoul’s identity, future vision, and daily life could coexist in one accessible setting.

Experiencing Seoul’s Future Through Interactive Exhibitions

At the heart of Seoul Gallery is an immersive exhibition zone known as “My Friend Seoul,” which introduces the city through large-scale models, digital installations, and interactive media.

Visitors can explore a detailed miniature of Seoul, watch multimedia presentations that visualize future urban projects, and interact with digital kiosks that help them discover neighborhoods, landmarks, and travel ideas. Rather than overwhelming guests with information, the exhibition focuses on visual storytelling making Seoul’s urban planning and global role easy to understand even for first-time visitors.

Another section highlights Seoul’s position among major world cities, using dynamic visuals to compare it with global capitals and present its long-term vision on the international stage.

A Space Designed Not Just to See, but to Stay

Seoul Gallery is intentionally designed as a place to linger. Families will find dedicated areas for children, where young visitors can explore city themes through playful activities. Nearby, young adults can access consultation spaces focused on careers, finance, and mental well-being.

Throughout the gallery, open lounges and resting zones encourage visitors to slow down, sit, and recharge a rare experience in the middle of one of Seoul’s busiest districts.

Culture, Coffee, and Seoul-Inspired Souvenirs

Beyond exhibitions and lounges, the gallery includes spaces that add warmth and personality to the underground setting. A small performance hall hosts concerts, talks, and cultural programs, while a robot café and bookstore bring unexpected charm to the space.

One of the highlights for visitors is the Seoul Goods Shop, where more than 100 Seoul-themed items are available, offering souvenirs that reflect the city’s modern identity rather than traditional clichés.

An Open Civic Space for Seoul Citizens

Seoul Gallery is not only a visitor attraction it also functions as a public civic space. Meeting rooms and workshop areas on the lower level are available for citizens to reserve and use freely, supporting community gatherings, discussions, and events.

This approach reflects the city’s intention to make the gallery part of everyday urban life, rather than a space reserved only for special occasions.

Opening Events Bring the Gallery to Life

To celebrate its opening, Seoul Gallery will host a series of special programs from February 5 to 7, including interactive pop-ups, stamp tours, mini concerts, and public talks. These events are designed to guide visitors through the entire space, encouraging exploration and participation rather than passive viewing.

A Hidden Stop for Travelers Looking Beyond the Obvious

Located directly beneath Seoul City Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul Gallery is easy to access yet feels surprisingly removed from the city’s fast pace above ground. Open year-round except Sundays and major holidays, it is expected to become both a quiet resting place for locals and a unique stop for travelers searching for something different.

In a city famous for constant movement, Seoul Gallery offers an unusual contrast a cultural space underground that invites visitors to slow down, explore, and see Seoul from a new perspective.