KSPO Dome sits inside Seoul’s Olympic Park, a cable-domed arena that began life as the Olympic Gymnastics Arena for the 1988 Summer Olympics. Built between 1984 and 1986, it was the first self-supporting cable dome of its kind, designed by engineer David H. Geiger with a distinctive four-layer fabric roof.
After a 2016-2018 remodel upgraded its acoustics, sightlines, and facade for live entertainment, the venue was rebranded KSPO Dome and quickly became one of South Korea’s most in-demand concert halls. With a 15,000-seat capacity, it now ranks among the largest arenas in the country for touring artists, awards shows, and esports events.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Songpa District, Seoul, South Korea
- Type: Indoor arena (concerts, sports, esports)
- Opened: April 30, 1986
- Renamed/Remodeled: 2018 (as KSPO Dome)
- Capacity: About 15,000
- Famous for: BLACKPINK’s Born Pink World Tour opening shows (2022)
From Olympic Gymnasium to Concert Arena
The venue’s roof structure made it an engineering landmark long before it became a music destination. Its cable-dome design let the arena span a huge column-free interior, originally built to host gymnastics competitions at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
The 2016-2018 remodel reworked the interior specifically to improve conditions for concerts, adding modern rigging, sound treatment, and a redesigned facade, positioning the arena to compete for major touring acts alongside Seoul’s other big venues.
A Stage for K-Pop’s Biggest Names
KSPO Dome has hosted a steady stream of major K-pop acts, including BTS, Charlie Puth, and BLACKPINK, whose Born Pink World Tour launched here in October 2022 with sold-out shows. It has also served as the site of televised award ceremonies, including the 12th Circle Chart Music Awards in February 2023.
Located a short walk from Olympic Park Station on Seoul’s Line 5 and Line 9, the arena remains one of the easiest major concert venues in the city to reach, drawing fans to Olympic Park alongside the district’s other Olympic-era stadiums.
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KSPO Dome FAQs
What is KSPO Dome’s seating capacity?
KSPO Dome holds about 15,000 people, making it one of the largest indoor arenas in South Korea for concerts and events.
Was KSPO Dome originally built for the Olympics?
Yes. It opened in 1986 as the Olympic Gymnastics Arena, built to host gymnastics competitions at the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics.
Which major artists have performed at KSPO Dome?
BLACKPINK, BTS, and Charlie Puth are among the acts that have performed there, and it has hosted award shows including the Circle Chart Music Awards.
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Photo: InSapphoWeTrust from Los Angeles, California, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.