called Culture Station Seoul 284. The new name commemorates the building, which was built in 1925 and was designated Historical Site No. 284 in 1981.

The renovated station presents the “Countdown” exhibition, featuring a variety of works from sculpture to performance art, prior to its grand opening in March 2012.

“Seoul Station, where people dashed to take trains, is reborn as a cultural space embracing history and the future,” said Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Chung Byoung-gug at the opening ceremony of Culture Station Seoul 284, Thursday.

The exterior of the station remains just as people remember it with its signature red bricks and domed roof. The VIP lounge was restored based on old photos of former Presidents Syngman Rhee and Park Chung-hee that were taken in the room.

Ahn Chang-mo,Seat,” a series of red benches with wheels, reminds visitors of riding trains.

Choreographer and dancer Ahn Eun-me presented “Ga Seum Geol Rae — Made in Seoul Station” at the opening. Ahn was dressed in white like a queen, spraying water on guests as she stood on a landing. Twenty-three performers, including 10 dancers and nine actors, wearing aprons made from white cotton gloves and holding cleaning equipment, wandered around the station and wiped the building, symbolizing “ssitgim-gut,” or a shamanic ritual of purification.

Video artist Lee Tae-seok recorded the performance, which will be screened throughout the exhibition for those who could not attend the opening.

The Restoration Exhibition Room on the second floor reveals the original structure from 1925. Construction materials collected during the restoration process are also on display.

Meanwhile,