Behind the Curtain: Seoul's Sejong Center Unveils Its Inner Workings with Backstage Tours

The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul, a landmark often taken for granted, is now offering the public an intimate look behind its grand facade with the 'Sejong Backstage Tour.' This initiative, initially available only to international visitors, has expanded to include domestic participants, providing a comprehensive exploration of the venue's architecture, operational intricacies, and artistic spaces.

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Sejong Center, designed by architect Eom Deok-moon in 1973, interprets Korean traditional houses with concepts of the main hall, courtyard, and living room. The grand theater is the main hall, the M Theater is the living room, and the space with stairs is the courtyard.

The tour delves into the building's history, starting with its architectural design by Eom Deok-moon, which interprets Korean traditional houses with concepts like the main hall, courtyard, and living room. Visitors learn about the symbolic artworks adorning the exterior and interior, including the bas-reliefs of musicians and Nam June Paik's media art installations.

Beyond the architectural insights, the tour immerses visitors in the functional aspects of a major performing arts venue. Participants can step onto the expansive main stage of the 3,022-seat grand theater, explore the backstage areas where performers and staff navigate bustling corridors, and witness the complex mechanics of stagecraft. This includes understanding how the 36 batons operate to change sets and scenery, how technicians manage the 485 lighting fixtures from high catwalks, and the role of the stage manager overseeing operations from a central console.

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I visit Korea every year to see musicals, and I always wondered how such spectacular stages were created while watching the set from the audience seats. Today, I was so happy to experience the backstage and understand the process and principles.

The experience extends to the artists' private spaces, offering glimpses into the quick-change tents, makeup rooms, and the storage of numerous props. The tour also includes a visit to the practice rooms, where visitors might observe resident dance troupes rehearsing traditional performances like the 'Hallyangmu,' even having the opportunity to try some steps themselves.

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It was like watching a magic show. Seeing the actors' dressing rooms and props backstage was the most impressive part.

Adding to the allure, the tour provides access to the rooftop observation deck, offering panoramic views of Seoul's key landmarks, including Bugak Mountain, Gyeongbok Palace, and Gwanghwamun Gate. Visitors have consistently expressed awe at the revealed inner workings, with international participants like Jenny from Malaysia and Ilonka from Australia highlighting the educational value and the magical quality of seeing how elaborate productions come to life. The Sejong Center aims to deepen the audience's connection to the performing arts by demystifying the creation process, making the venue a space not just for performance, but for discovery.

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Everyone sees Sejong Center as a building that's always there when they pass by on the bus, but this is a special place where performances and history have breathed together. There is a history here that is both proud and sad.