This summer, Seoul is transforming into a vast cultural refuge. As temperatures soar above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the city has launched extensive summer programs utilizing cultural facilities and parks to help residents enjoy a cool and safe summer without traveling far.
On July 13, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that during the summer vacation months of July and August, it will offer cultural arts and garden leisure programs across the city for children, teenagers, and families. These programs will take place in museums, art galleries, libraries, performance venues, traditional cultural spaces, and parks.
This initiative stands out as a form of 'cultural welfare in response to the heatwave.' The city is significantly expanding access to indoor cultural facilities where residents can escape the heat and is enhancing evening programs to provide a new model for summer leisure.
Friday Nights Turn Cool in Seoul
A key program, 'Cultural Nights,' will be held every Friday. Eight cultural facilities, including the Seoul Museum of History, Seoul Museum of Art, Hanseong Baekje Museum, Seoul Craft Museum, Seoul Library, Namsangol Hanok Village, Unhyeongung, and the Sejong & Chungmugong Story Center, will open from 6 PM to 9 PM.
As the heat of the day subsides, these venues will transform into free cultural spaces for all citizens to enjoy.
Additionally, 223 public libraries in Seoul will serve as summer retreats. Through the 'Libraries are Cool (Off & Library)' campaign, they will offer 1,665 programs, including reading camps, performances, author talks, and special exhibitions, providing a safe haven for residents during the heat.
Museums as Living Classrooms
Experience programs for children during summer vacation will also be significantly expanded. The Hanseong Baekje Museum will host outdoor picnics and moonlight camps, while the Seoul Craft Museum will offer special workshops where children can design their own crafts.
The Seoul Museum of History will provide online history education focused on the Joseon Dynasty and the Office of Special Investigations, while the Seoul Life History Museum and Cheonggyecheon Museum will present educational programs on daily life and market culture, respectively.
The Seoul Museum of Photography and Buk-Seoul Museum of Art will feature a special seminar with renowned photographer Martin Parr and contemporary art programs incorporating advanced technology.
Enhancing Cultural Sensitivity Through Performances
The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will showcase its contemporary performing arts season 'Sync Next 26,' along with ballet, classical music, children's performances, and backstage tours.
Dream Forest Art Center and the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture will also offer various experiential programs focused on theater, dance, music, and traditional performances.
These initiatives emphasize participation and experience in the arts rather than mere observation.
Parks Transform into Summer Playgrounds
Ten major parks in Seoul will also become summer schools in nature. Parks such as Seoul Forest, Namsan Park, World Cup Park, Seoul Botanical Garden, and Boramae Park will host various seasonal programs, including night ecological explorations, water play, terrarium making, garden design, insect observation, and archery.
Notably, night ecological explorations will allow visitors to observe insects and plants that can only be seen after dark, providing a way to enjoy nature while avoiding the daytime heat. The Peace Park at World Cup Park will also feature a water play area.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government emphasizes that this program is not just a summer event but a policy that simultaneously realizes cultural welfare and heatwave response in the daily lives of citizens.
Min Soo-hong, head of the Seoul Cultural Headquarters, stated, "Summer vacation is an important time for children and teenagers to experience culture and develop sensitivity. We hope citizens can enjoy cool and pleasant times at cultural facilities throughout Seoul, even in the sweltering summer."
Kim Young-hwan, director of the Seoul Garden City Bureau, added, "We hope this will be a time for people to feel, learn, and enjoy nature in nearby parks, and we will work to make parks a seasonal hub for garden leisure activities."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.