In 1935, Bumingwan, the country’s first multi-purpose performance venue, was built opposite the Gyeongseong-bu Office (present-day Seoul City Hall). The building, which is currently used as the Seoul City Council building, was an ultra-modern building equipped with heating and air-conditioning systems, a 1,800-seat auditorium, and ancillary halls. The opening of a municipal facility dedicated to the performance arts led to the invigoration of creative stage dramas. After the country’s liberation, the building was used as the National Assembly building. With the launch of the local autonomy system, the building came to be used by the Seoul Metropolitan Council. It is one of the few landmark buildings dating back to early modern period left in Seoul.