Sayart.net - Itaewon Transforms with Itaewon Art Week: Clubs Reimagined as Media Art Galleries

  • September 05, 2025 (Fri)

Itaewon Transforms with Itaewon Art Week: Clubs Reimagined as Media Art Galleries

Nao Yim / Published November 28, 2024 09:33 PM
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The poster of the event, Courtesy of the yongsan district office

The Yongsan District Office in Seoul, led by Mayor Park Hee Young, has announced the launch of Itaewon Art Week, a unique cultural event running from December 5 to 8. During this period, four clubs in the vibrant Itaewon area will be transformed into immersive media art galleries. This initiative seeks to redefine the local nightlife scene while lowering cultural barriers and promoting Itaewon’s artistic and cultural value.

The event features the works of five renowned media artists from three countries: South Korea (Park Yoo Seok, Shin Jae Young, and Hwi), Belgium (Eva Giolo), and Australia (Dave Court). Their innovative media art installations will be on display at BBCB (Beton Brut Concrete Bar), Nyapi, Parlor Seoul, and Pistil. The event will be open from 5 PM to 10 PM on December 5 and 6 and from 1 PM to 6 PM on the weekend of December 7 and 8.

The opening ceremony will take place on December 5 at BBCB, featuring artist talks, DJ performances, and live music events. This diverse program not only highlights the artists’ unique perspectives but also celebrates Itaewon’s cultural dynamism.

A key aspect of Itaewon Art Week is its accessibility. All exhibitions are free of charge, encouraging a wider audience to engage with contemporary art. Visitors who tour all four exhibition venues and collect stamps to verify their attendance can also receive exclusive merchandise, such as T-shirts and pouches.

Mayor Park emphasized the broader mission of the event, stating, “This is more than an art exhibition. It’s a bridge connecting Itaewon’s culture with the public. We are committed to ensuring visitor safety through measures like on-site security staff and thorough pathway management.”

This initiative is part of Yongsan District’s efforts to strengthen Itaewon’s local brand and economic vitality. By reimagining clubs as cultural spaces, the event highlights the potential of Itaewon as a hub for artistic innovation, blending local nightlife culture with global creative trends.

The media art installations promise to captivate audiences with their unique use of light, sound, and interactivity, turning the venues into multisensory experiences. This fusion of art and nightlife serves to redefine Itaewon’s cultural landscape, making it more inclusive and appealing to a broader audience.

With its focus on community engagement, cultural accessibility, and artistic collaboration, Itaewon Art Week is poised to leave a lasting impression, solidifying Itaewon’s reputation as a cultural hotspot in Seoul.


Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com

The poster of the event, Courtesy of the yongsan district office

The Yongsan District Office in Seoul, led by Mayor Park Hee Young, has announced the launch of Itaewon Art Week, a unique cultural event running from December 5 to 8. During this period, four clubs in the vibrant Itaewon area will be transformed into immersive media art galleries. This initiative seeks to redefine the local nightlife scene while lowering cultural barriers and promoting Itaewon’s artistic and cultural value.

The event features the works of five renowned media artists from three countries: South Korea (Park Yoo Seok, Shin Jae Young, and Hwi), Belgium (Eva Giolo), and Australia (Dave Court). Their innovative media art installations will be on display at BBCB (Beton Brut Concrete Bar), Nyapi, Parlor Seoul, and Pistil. The event will be open from 5 PM to 10 PM on December 5 and 6 and from 1 PM to 6 PM on the weekend of December 7 and 8.

The opening ceremony will take place on December 5 at BBCB, featuring artist talks, DJ performances, and live music events. This diverse program not only highlights the artists’ unique perspectives but also celebrates Itaewon’s cultural dynamism.

A key aspect of Itaewon Art Week is its accessibility. All exhibitions are free of charge, encouraging a wider audience to engage with contemporary art. Visitors who tour all four exhibition venues and collect stamps to verify their attendance can also receive exclusive merchandise, such as T-shirts and pouches.

Mayor Park emphasized the broader mission of the event, stating, “This is more than an art exhibition. It’s a bridge connecting Itaewon’s culture with the public. We are committed to ensuring visitor safety through measures like on-site security staff and thorough pathway management.”

This initiative is part of Yongsan District’s efforts to strengthen Itaewon’s local brand and economic vitality. By reimagining clubs as cultural spaces, the event highlights the potential of Itaewon as a hub for artistic innovation, blending local nightlife culture with global creative trends.

The media art installations promise to captivate audiences with their unique use of light, sound, and interactivity, turning the venues into multisensory experiences. This fusion of art and nightlife serves to redefine Itaewon’s cultural landscape, making it more inclusive and appealing to a broader audience.

With its focus on community engagement, cultural accessibility, and artistic collaboration, Itaewon Art Week is poised to leave a lasting impression, solidifying Itaewon’s reputation as a cultural hotspot in Seoul.


Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com

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