Sogang University
Published on 13 May 2026
Sogang University and the Mapo Foundation for Arts and Culture signed a memorandum of understanding on March 31 at Mapo Art Center, formalizing a partnership aimed at expanding cultural arts access and developing joint programming for students, international scholars, and the broader Mapo community.
The agreement covers five areas of collaboration: industry-academia partnerships linking cultural content with human resources; expanded participation opportunities for both domestic and international students; ongoing joint program development; co-marketing initiatives; and shared infrastructure to strengthen the regional cultural arts ecosystem.
The partnership reflects Sogang's long-standing engagement with the performing arts. The university's Merry Hall, which opened in 1970, is the oldest university performance venue in Korea — predating the National Theater by three years — and continues to host over 70 productions annually, including the Seoul World Dance Festival and Seoul International Performing Arts Festival. Uniquely among university theaters in Korea, Mary Hall operates resident companies and functions as an active creative space for students and emerging artists. Its influence on Korean cultural life extends well beyond campus.
The MOU with the Mapo Foundation for Arts and Culture extends this institutional commitment into a formal community partnership. President Shim Jong-hyeok expressed his expectation that the agreement would establish a new model of collaboration linking education, the arts, and local society. Mapo Foundation CEO Ko Young-geun emphasized the joint commitment to creating an environment in which all residents can experience and engage with the arts.
The two institutions plan to pursue ongoing joint projects in support of regional cultural development.
