{
  "id": 7725468,
  "title": "Seoul to replace historic Bank of Korea fountain with 7,000-capacity plaza",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/seoul-to-replace-historic-bank-of-korea-fountain-with-7-000-capacity",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-16T06:47:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/people-events/20260916/seoul-to-replace-historic-bank-of-korea-fountain-with-7000-capacity-plaza"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the heart of Seoul, a historic fountain in front of the Bank of Korea is set to be replaced with a vast new plaza. Officials aim to transform one of the city's busiest tourist corridors into a spacious pedestrian hub designed for walking, relaxation, and public celebrations. Situated along a major tourism route connecting Myeong-dong, Namdaemun Market, and Mount Nam, the site frequently hosts large gatherings, especially during major events and year-end festivities. The enlarged plaza will expand from accommodating about 2,300 people to a capacity of around 7,000. This ambitious redesign aims to alleviate congestion and enhance safety while providing visitors with more space to linger and enjoy various activities. The city plans to integrate cultural programs such as an outdoor library, open-air performances featuring buskers and K-pop groups, a floor fountain, and even a miniature recreation of Seoul Summer Beach.",
  "summary": "At a hectic intersection in central Seoul, a quiet piece of 1970s history is about to make way for the future. City officials plan to relocate the decades-old fountain in front of the Bank of Korea to carve out a sprawling, 7,000-capacity plaza — transforming one of the capital's busiest tourist corridors into an open pedestrian hub for walking, relaxation and public festivals. The site sits…",
  "key_points": [
    "Historic fountain in front of Bank of Korea to be replaced.",
    "New plaza to expand capacity from 2,300 to 7,000 people.",
    "Plaza will feature outdoor library, performances, and mini Seoul Beach."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The planned replacement of the historic fountain with a larger plaza aims to alleviate congestion and enhance safety in one of Seoul's busiest tourist areas, while providing more space for public activities.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Seoul to replace historic Bank of Korea fountain with 7,000-capacity plaza",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/seoul-to-replace-historic-bank-of-korea-fountain-with-7-000-capacity-7730553",
        "published": "2026-09-16T07:22:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}