- Expansion of citizen-participatory cultural spaces, including an art picture book lounge and creative zones -

The Incheon Open Port Area (Gaehangjang), preserving key sites of Korea’s modern history, is set to be reborn as a citizen-centered cultural complex. Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that starting in May, the Incheon Art Platform will be reorganized into an open cultural space where citizens and artists can stay and experience art together, along with a gradual public opening of the former Open Port salt warehouse. Through these efforts, the city aims to establish the Open Port Area as an integrated cultural hub of Incheon.

From Creation to Enjoyment: Incheon Art Platform Returns to Citizens

Opened in 2009, the Incheon Art Platform is a notable creative hub in Korea, developed by remodeling historic modern buildings to support the work of domestic and international artists. To extend these achievements to the public, the city government is comprehensively reorganizing the space to transform it into “an open space where citizens and artists can stay and experience together.”

The former community culture center club zone (Building A) will be renovated into an “Art Education Lounge” for children. In collaboration with the Office of Education and local schools, experiential art education programs for elementary school students and young children will be offered.

The former residency space (Building E) will be expanded and reconfigured into a multi-functional space for interaction between citizens and artists. The first floor will feature a “Citizen Lounge” with permanent exhibition and rest areas, while the second floor will house “Creative Studios” supporting artistic activities, international exchange, and community collaboration.

Meanwhile, the former office space (Building H) will be transformed into an “Art Picture Book Lounge (Culture Lounge).” A curated collection of art-related picture books will be displayed, creating an environment where both children and adults can comfortably engage with art and foster their imagination.

The former project exhibition zone (Building G) will be reorganized as an “Art Lab,” hosting a variety of citizen-participatory programs such as creative workshops, exhibitions, and collaborative projects.

The existing exhibition area (Building B) and performance area (Building C) will maintain their functions, continuing to present a wide array of displays and shows.

The remodeling of the Incheon Art Platform is scheduled for completion in late April and will be opened to the public beginning with Children’s Day events on May 5.

Opening of the Salt Warehouse: Transforming the Open Port into a Space of History and Culture

The former Open Port salt warehouse, located approximately 400 meters from the Incheon Art Platform, will also be newly opened to the public.

This site, consisting of a modern-era residence built in 1939 and its adjacent storage facilities, will be opened in phases, starting with its outdoor areas in late April. From July, it is scheduled to be fully opened as a complex cultural space hosting exhibitions and cultural programs. With the opening of the salt warehouse, the city also plans to actively promote content development and collaborative projects linked to nearby historical and cultural assets.

These include four major modern cultural heritage sites in the Open Port area, including the Jemulpo Club, Incheon Citizens’ House, and the former mayoral residence in Sinheung-dong. They will be connected into a unified cultural route, with each site being developed into a dedicated space reflecting its historical significance, accompanied by experiential programs. Through these efforts, the city aims to evolve the Open Port Area beyond a simple tourist destination into a multi-dimensional cultural space where history and art can be experienced at once.

A city official stated, “Through the reorganization of the Incheon Art Platform and the opening of the salt warehouse, we aim to bring new cultural vitality to the Open Port Area. We will continue to expand opportunities for citizens to naturally experience history and art in their daily lives.”