The Sejong Center Grand Theater facade and front steps on a clear day, with a stage-like wooden deck in front

Sejong Center Backstage Tour in English, Every Thursday in Gwanghwamun (70 Minutes)

Published Oct 21, 2026

Why NOW picked itA 70-minute look at Sejong Center from the other side of the curtain. English commentary is Thursday mornings only, and the tour is cancelled if four or fewer book, so check the booking page first.

If you have only seen Sejong Center from your seat, go behind the stage. Every Thursday morning the Gwanghwamun landmark runs its backstage tour with English commentary.

When and where to meet

Check-in is at 9:50 a.m. in the Grand Theater lobby on the first floor. The tour runs 10:00 to 11:10 a.m., about 70 minutes.

Tuesdays are in Korean and Thursdays in English. Each tour takes up to 25 people, first come first served.

What you see backstage

The route starts with a look at the building's exterior, then goes through the Grand Theater, Chamber Hall, M Theater and S Theater, and on to the troupes' rehearsal rooms.

The highlight is seeing where the Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Music Orchestra and the other Seoul arts troupes make their shows. Photography is restricted in some places for copyright reasons.

Story, symbol, showcase

The tour is built on three threads: the history and opening-day anecdotes of the hall in Gwanghwamun (STORY), the symbolism of its exterior and interior (SYMBOL), and a look at how the troupes produce performances (SHOWCASE).

The rooftop observatory is left out from Sept. 29 until December while a café is built.

Price and booking

The ticket is 35,000 won, free for children 7 and under. While the rooftop is closed, pick the 'limited discount during rooftop construction, 30%' option when you book. Groups of five or more get a discount.

Booking and payment happen on the official booking page: choose a date, time and headcount, then enter your name, e-mail and a password. The tour is cancelled if four or fewer people book.