South Korea's Culture and Sports Minister Chae Hwi-young announced Tuesday that the government will implement comprehensive measures to facilitate more large-scale K-pop concerts at Seoul World Cup Stadium, currently the capital's only venue with a capacity exceeding 50,000 spectators. The minister's announcement came during a parliamentary audit of his ministry, where lawmakers had raised concerns about the country's insufficient number of suitable venues for major K-pop events.
The primary challenge has been protecting the stadium's turf during concerts. Minister Chae revealed that the government is exploring the use of protective mats similar to those employed at London's iconic Wembley Stadium to prevent lawn damage at the venue, which is also known as Sangam World Cup Stadium. This solution would address the main obstacle that has made renting the venue difficult for concert organizers.
The stadium has successfully hosted recent solo concerts by top Korean artists including Lim Young-woong and IU, demonstrating its potential as a premier concert venue. However, concerns about potential turf damage have significantly limited its availability for musical performances. Minister Chae committed to having the culture ministry provide these protective mats to the Seoul metropolitan government for stadium use, stating that officials will test methods to make the venue available for performances as quickly as possible.
The ministry's comprehensive plan extends beyond just protective equipment. Officials are also planning to support budget allocations for extensive stadium upgrades specifically designed for concert use, including turf restoration systems, enhanced lighting equipment, advanced sound systems, and the purchase of protective mats. These improvements would transform the venue into a world-class concert facility capable of hosting the largest K-pop events.
According to media reports, the ministry has already begun collaborating with the Seoul government on this initiative, having held discussions about the plan last month. The ministry is actively seeking to increase next year's budget by 2.1 billion won, equivalent to approximately $1.46 million, to fully implement these stadium enhancement plans.
Looking toward the future, the ministry has outlined an ambitious timeline for expanding South Korea's large-scale performance venue capacity. The long-term strategy aims to ensure that several major new entertainment facilities open as scheduled, including Seoul Arena in 2027, Cheongna Dome in 2028, Goyang K-Culture Valley in 2029, and Jamsil Dome in 2032. These venues would significantly expand the country's capacity to host major cultural events.
Additionally, ministry officials revealed plans for a comprehensive feasibility study scheduled for next year. This study will examine the potential construction of a new arena specifically designed for entertainment purposes, with a targeted capacity of 40,000 to 50,000 seats located in the greater Seoul metropolitan area. This facility would provide another major venue option for large-scale K-pop concerts and other cultural events, further supporting South Korea's position as a global entertainment hub.
