Culture Station Seoul 284

Culture Station Seoul 284 is a former railway station beside today’s Seoul Station, now used for art and cultural exhibitions. Its red-brick exterior, broad windows and detailed interior make the building a reason to stop, even if you have only a little time between trains. Exhibitions change, with past displays covering crafts, hanbok and cultural brands; many are free, though some events charge admission. Look up the current programme before you go, then leave time to take in the central skylight and the station’s historic rooms.

From railway station to cultural space

The building now known as Culture Station Seoul 284 began as Namdaemun Station. Built in central Seoul in 1900, it marked the start of Korea’s modern railroad history. In 1925, during the Japanese colonial period, the station was rebuilt in a European style and renamed Gyeongseong Station.

It later stopped serving as a railway platform. After restoration, the former station opened to the public as an arts and culture venue in 2011. Its position beside the modern Seoul Station makes the change easy to see: an older transport building stands next to the city’s contemporary station complex.

Architecture inside and out

The red-brick exterior gives the building a different character from the large modern station beside it. Inside, look for the broad windows, formal architectural details and central skylight, whose coloured panes bring light into the space. The building’s rooms and historic atmosphere are part of the visit, whether or not the current exhibition matches your interests.

Photography is a natural part of a stop here. The facade, windows and skylight provide details to focus on, while the interior gives a sense of the station’s earlier use. Take care to follow any instructions posted for the exhibition spaces.