Seoul's landmark 63 Building has drawn about 300,000 visitors in the first 100 days since reopening as a revamped cultural and lifestyle complex, Hanwha Life Insurance said Thursday.
The building, which reopened in June, marks its 100th day on Friday following a major renovation aimed at transforming the decades-old landmark from a destination best known for its observation deck into a venue combining art, dining, shopping and entertainment.
At the center of the revamp is Pompidou Center Hanwha, which has attracted as many as 7,000 visitors a day, according to the insurer.
Its inaugural exhibition, "Cubists: Innovators of Vision," runs through Oct. 4, featuring works associated with the cubist movement. The museum has also hosted performances and educational programs alongside its exhibitions.
Hanwha Life also brought in 25 new food, beverage and lifestyle tenants as part of the renovation. They include brands making their first entry into Korea, such as Hawaii-based Island Vintage Coffee and French pastry brand Pierre Herme Paris.
The building's food and lifestyle spaces have recorded about 150,000 visits since reopening, the company said.
The renovation also extended to the 60th-floor observation deck, now operated as 63 Sky Picnic. Located about 250 meters above ground, the space combines panoramic views of Seoul and the Han River with media art and other interactive content.
Visitor numbers at the observation deck have risen about 20 percent compared with the same period before the renovation, Hanwha Life said.
The revamp reflects an effort to broaden the role of the 63 Building, long one of Seoul's most prominent skyscrapers, to a destination for art, dining, shopping and other experiences.
"The renovation was about more than simply redesigning the space. It was about reshaping the value of the time and experience people have at the 63 Building," a Hanwha Life official said. "We will continue to develop it into a cultural complex for both residents and tourists through diverse exhibitions, performances and brand collaborations."
jwc@heraldcorp.com
