Seoul Transforms into a Cultural Refuge Amid Heatwave

 
This summer, Seoul is transforming into a vast cultural refuge.
 
As temperatures soar above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the city recorded its highest number of heat-related illnesses last weekend, with 99 cases in a single day. In response, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has organized large-scale summer programs utilizing cultural facilities and parks, allowing residents to enjoy a cool and safe summer without traveling far.
 
From July to August, during the summer vacation period, the city will offer cultural and recreational programs at museums, art galleries, libraries, performance venues, traditional cultural spaces, and parks, targeting children, teenagers, and families.
 
This initiative goes beyond typical vacation programs, emphasizing 'cultural welfare in response to the heat.' The city has significantly expanded indoor cultural facilities where residents can escape the heat and has enhanced evening programs to provide a new model for summer relaxation.
 
One of the main programs is 'Cultural Nights,' held every Friday.
 
Eight cultural venues, 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, will open from 6 PM to 9 PM.
 
The city center, which is hot during the day, will transform into a cultural space that anyone can enjoy for free as the sun sets.
 
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, while also providing a safe haven for residents during the heat.
 
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 conduct 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 themed around daily life and market culture, respectively.
 
The Seoul Museum of Photography and Buk Seoul Museum of Art will also host a special seminar featuring renowned photographer Martin Parr and modern art programs incorporating advanced technology.
 
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.
 
The 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.
 
The emphasis is on increasing opportunities for direct participation and experience in cultural arts rather than merely observing.
 
Ten major parks in Seoul will transform into natural summer schools.
Seoul Forest, Namsan Park, World Cup Park, Seoul Botanical Garden, and Boramae Park will offer a variety of 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 at night, enabling them to enjoy nature while avoiding the midday heat.
 
World Cup Park's Peace Park will also feature a water play area at Nanji Beach.
 
The city emphasizes that this program is not just a summer event but a policy that simultaneously realizes cultural welfare and heatwave response in residents' daily lives.
 
Min Su-hong, head of the Seoul Cultural Headquarters, stated, "Summer vacation is an important time for children and teenagers to experience cultural arts and develop sensitivity. We hope residents can enjoy cool and joyful moments 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 residents to feel, learn, and enjoy nature in nearby parks. We will continue to make parks a seasonal hub for garden leisure activities."