Enjoy Classical Music, Theatre and Dance Without Going to Gangnam
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
Mapo Arts Foundation, which runs Mapo Art Center (MAC) in Daehyeong-dong, is expanding its programming so residents in northern Seoul can enjoy high-quality classical, theatre and dance without traveling to Gangnam. CEO Ko Young-geun, who took the helm last year, plans to widen the foundation’s brand from its successful M Classic series to “M-Choice,” adding new plays and ballets through co-productions with leading local troupes like Mabangjin and Gongnori Club. MAC’s main hall (over 1,000 seats) and strong acoustics make it attractive for artists; shared-cost co-productions aim to be mutually beneficial. New initiatives include a matinée classical series called “MAC Morning,” a 50-member project orchestra with Kim Yong-bae as concert guide, an indie music festival to support Hongdae bands’ overseas promotion, and outreach to international students and tourists via nearby universities. Ko emphasizes using Mapo’s university and middle-class population to build accessible, diverse cultural offerings and to make MAC a welcoming gateway to Korea’s fine arts. (Hongdae: Hongik University neighborhood known for indie music and youth culture)
