Life
Ordinary yet special moments await at Domoheon
Domoheon
A multi-purpose space on the second floor.
Dahal Lecture Hall
An archive exhbition featuring the work of video artist Nam June Paik, "Recorded Dreams," runs until Nov. 20.
After four decades, the former Busan mayoral residence has been transformed into a mixed-use space called "Domoheon." The two-story building, nestled within beautifully landscaped gardens on the slope of Hwangnyeonsan Mountain in Suyeong-gu District, is now open to the public.
Built in the 1980s as a presidential retreat, the site was nicknamed the "Regional Blue House." For many years, only certain areas were open to the public, serving as a museum and event venue. However, under Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon's leadership, Domoheon has been returned to the citizens. Mayor Park fulfilled his pledge to transform the site into a community space where citizens can gather and relax. Remodeling on the complex began in July 2023 and it officially opened on Sept. 24, 2024.
Officials designed Domoheon under the ethos of "Walk, Stay and Remember," reflecting the site's mission to provide ordinary yet special moments for citizens. The venue will host live performances, talks, concerts, conferences, cultural events and film screenings.
On the first floor, visitors can enjoy an Americano at Momos Coffee, the newest branch of one of Busan's iconic cafes. The Sosopung Lounge, an inviting open space, offers a relaxing spot for reading or viewing exhibitions.
There is also the bi-level Dahal Lecture Hall for lectures and presentations. Shared workspaces, conference rooms and meeting areas are spread throughout the first and second floors, making Domoheon the ideal space for business activities.
Outside, visitors can explore Sosopung Garden, Busan's first "living garden." A living garden is an open, publicly maintained green space for rest, cultivation and community engagement. The garden features walking trails, an expansive lawn, a pond and views of Gwangalli Bridge.
Domoheon is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday and until 9 p.m. on Saturdays. It is closed on Mondays and public holidays.
To celebrate its grand opening, Domoheon is hosting a special exhibition by the artist Nam June Paik (1932-2006). Mr. Paik, widely credited as the father of video art, was a visionary who examined how mass media, digitalization and the Internet would impact society.
The archive exhibition, titled "Nam June Paik's Recorded Dreams," runs until Nov. 20. It features Mr. Paik's plans, sketches, and photographs for the production of his works, as well as posters and prints from his solo exhibitions. The exhibition is free.
For more information, visit (busan.go.kr/domoheon).
<Vocab Spotlight>
multi-purpose: 다용도의, 다목적의
Lecture Hall: 강연장
nestled: 자리잡은
presidential retreat: 대통령 휴양지
pledge: 서약하다, 약속하다
ethos: 정신
cultivation: 재배, 경작
lawn: 잔디