UNIQUE EXPERIENCE IN SEOUL :: VISITING BROADCASTING COMPANIES IN KOREA
Unique experience in Seoul :: Visiting broadcasting companies in Korea
Media is a very important factor in our everyday lives. It informs us about world affairs and also keeps us entertained. Thanks to Hallyu, or Korean Wave, Korean entertainment gained a lot of popularity overseas, mainly kpop and kdramas. When you visit Korea, you can actually visit the buildings of broadcasting systems to learn more about media in Korea, or even get to see your favorite Korean celebrity if you’re lucky enough! In this article I would like to present what the buildings of Korean media have to offer.
1. KBS
KBS (Korean Broadcasting System) is a national broadcaster and one of the biggest in Korea. It hosts numerous popular programs such as Music Bank, Battle Trip or Return of Superman. If you check the schedule and visit the KBS building in Seoul during the Music Bank broadcasting, you can actually see your favorite celebrity arriving or leaving the show! If you register on the KBS website you can actually get tickets for a few shows such as Gag Concert for free if you’re lucky enough. KBS also hosts radio programs and you can see the studio from a window. The KBS buildings are open to visitors and you can go there any time to see what they look like and also drink delicious beverages for a reasonable price in the cafeteria t;time.
Location: Yeouigongwon-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.
The closest subway stations are National Assembly Station (line 9, exit no 4) and Yeouido Station (line 5, exit 3).
2. SBS
SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System), like KBS is a national broadcaster which hosts music shows such as Inkigayo, variety shows and also produces a lot of popular dramas. If you visit the SBS building, you can see the posters of their most popular dramas. There are also vending machines where you can get prizes such as a golden coin with the SBS logo. The popular radio program Cultwo Show which hosts many celebrities is held there and you can see the studio from the outside but you have to be quick because it’s usually very crowded. Outside the building there are also stars on the ground with the handprints of popular celebrities.
Location: Mokdongseo-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul
Closest subway: Omokgyo Station (line 5, exit 2).
3. MBC
Located in the futuristic Digital Media City, the MBC Mall Park and MBC World building is definitely worth visiting. The architecture is unique and amazing, it really takes you to the future. Outside the building there is a star park with the handprints of many celebrities and also cardboard figures of actors which you can take a picture with. Inside you read about the history of MBC and get information about drama shooting sites such as Dae Jang Geum Park for the popular drama Dae Jang Geum (English Title: Jewel in the Palace). You can also see an exhibition of cameras, video tapes and other things used by media. There is also a souvenir shop where you can buy media-related and Korea-related things.
Location: Sangam-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Closest Subway: Digital Media City Station (line 6, Gyeongui-Jungang line, exit 2).
4. YTN News
Also located in Digital Media City, this building offers you a look on the world’s first 24 hour Korean news broadcaster. You can see the broadcaster’s history and see what the news presenters look like. There is also a souvenir shop. You can also watch TV on many screens that are displayed there.
5. SBS Prism Tower
Previously I wrote about the SBS Headquarters but this time I’m going to mention the SBS Prism Tower in Digital Media City. It’s a huge and futuristic building with an enormous TV where you can watch the popular SBS show Running Man. As for the inside only the lobby is open to visitors.
If you visit Seoul, make sure to visit the broadcasting system buildings to get the unique experience of getting close to Korean media. Be also sure to visit Digital Media City not only for the media experience but also the unique futuristic architecture. Try your luck and register on the broadcasters’ websites to get free tickets for your favorite programs and see the studio live. Don’t forget to check the schedule of your favorite celebrities. Have fun with your direct experience of Korean media!
Article by Rebeka Dondo
Photos by Rebeka Dondo
