Floating Island
Made up of three buildings on the Han River that are connected by walkways, various aspects of the Floating Island are still under construction and the complex aims to be completed by April 2012. Each building features an impressive architectural design and has different facilities: Island 1 has a 712 sqm circular convention hall with a 12.2m-high ceiling and a car lift that can be used for automobile events, as well as rooftop space that can accommodate 80 people maximum for cocktail events. Island 2 has a vast banquet hall complete with balconies and a mezzanine floor that will be ideal for gala dinners and fashion events, while Island 3 will include a yacht club, private bar and rooftop space that can booked for events of up to 80 people standing.
Culture Station Seoul 284
The former Seoul Station was built in 1925 and became a venue for exhibitions and events in 2011, after a two-year renovation period. Utmost care has been taken to restore the colonial building to as much of its original form as possible. The station lobby remains the heart of the building and leads into what used to be the class-divided waiting rooms: one for third class, first and second class, spouses of first and second class, and the VIP room that was for the Korean president’s exclusive use. Upstairs housed The Grill, the country’s first Western restaurant.
All the available space is currently being used for a Countdown exhibition for installation art that will end in March 2012, after which Culture Station Seoul 284 will have finalised what each room can be used for, and its official capacity. There is also a terrace overlooking the railway track that can fit up to 150 people for cocktail events, and a building next door that has been kept in its original condition as another unique option for events – with an exposed ceiling, concrete floors and walls that have been stripped back to what they were like both in 1925 and in 1980.
Top Cloud
On the top floor of the 33-storey high Jongno Tower is Top Cloud, which has floor-to-ceiling windows, a stylish interior, impressive cuisine and views of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Mount Bukhansan and Cheongwadae (Blue House), where President Lee Myung-bak resides. Sony, IBM and cosmetics brand M.A.C have held events at the venue, which has three meeting rooms, a wine bar, grill restaurant that can seat 200 people banquet style, and a buffet restaurant for up to 800 people.
Gana Art Gallery
The upscale area of Pyeongchang-dong is home to Gana Art Gallery – a modern, light-filled gallery dreamed up by the architect responsible for the interior of the Incheon International Airport. There are three exhibition halls and an outdoor terrace with step seating, where it is possible to hold film screenings and which would be ideal for cocktail and fashion events. In addition, there is a spacious rooftop terrace decorated with large sculptures that can hold 200 people for cocktail events, an Italian restaurant, Wil, on the ground floor that can be booked out for business groups, and a Picasso Room next door for meetings, private dinners and press conferences. If given enough notice, the entire art gallery can booked for an event of up to 500 people. The gallery has held events for the French Cultural Center, located nearby, while the Korean International Art Fair held a cocktail party on the outdoor terrace.
On River Station
Located on the Han River, the building houses two restaurants and a lounge area on the first and second floors, while the third floor is venue space called On House, which features wood-panelled floors with space for 160 people for a sit-down dinner or 250 for cocktails. In addition, it has a terrace with sweeping views of the Han River and a stage equipped with a projector and 200-inch screen. The venue can also provide audiovisual equipment for live performances. On River serves Western, Chinese and Japanese cuisine buffet style or as a set menu, and can also prepare canapés. Samsung, Oracle and LG have held events there.
Samcheonggak
Nestled in a secluded area surrounded by mountains, this picturesque complex features traditional Korean architecture and was the site for meetings between high-ranking officials during the 1970s and 1980s. It has since been turned into a centre for Korean culture and art, with various venues that can be booked for events, having counted JP Morgan, Samsung Electronics and Toyota as clients. Its Cheongcheon Hall, which was used by former President Park Chung-hee, can be hired for cocktail parties for up to 50 people, while Yepuri is a larger banquet hall and can accommodate 150 standing. It has a Yuha Pavilion for more intimate events of up to 40 people and Ilwhadang, which can accommodate 200 maximum for cocktails. Alternatively, delegates can sit down for a fine dining experience at Igung, where they can feast on a 12-course meal that includes grilled scallops with sesame sauce, Korean-style pancake and beef bulgogi.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Seoul Tourism Organization (STO)
Tel +82 2 3788 0821~4
Web www.miceseoul.com