Skating rink opened in Seoul Plaza

The Seoul Metropolitan Government opened an outdoor skating rink on the square in front of City Hall Monday.

It will operate the rink for 70 days until Feb. 23.

The rink will be open from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday and on Sundays, and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays.

During the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games from Feb. 7-23, it will operate from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Monday to Thursday and Sunday. The opening hours will be the same for Fridays, Saturdays and holidays.

Admission is 1,000 won per hour, including skate rental. The rink is 35 percent larger than last year. A corner for pre-schoolers has been set up as well.

Seoul will suspend operation when the atmosphere index hits the “bad” level due to minute dust from China. The index can be checked in real time on an electronic board at the rink. In case of operation suspension, admission fees will be refunded.

The city will hold a photo exhibition and special proposal events in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the opening of the rink.

Small-scale cultural performances will be held at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. A professional DJ will introduce stories of people who request songs at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. every day.

Seoul will also hold classes on skating, curling and ice hockey to wish for a strong performance by Korea in Sochi and a successful Winter Olympic Games in 2018 in PyeongChang. Those interested should apply at www.seoulskate.or.kr.

The rink was opened in a ceremony at 6 p.m. on Monday with the attendance of national speed skaters Lee Sang-hwa and Lee Kyu-hyuk.

By Chun Sung-woo (swchun@heraldcorp.com)