HK Audio gives Seoul plaza a live soundtrack
HK Audio gives Seoul plaza a live soundtrack
A public space in Seoul is being equipped to host concert broadcasts and cultural events, with an outdoor HK Audio system providing coverage for both high-level live playback and everyday use.
Munjeong Fun Station recently opened as part of a Seoul Metropolitan Government initiative to transform underused areas around subway stations into cultural and leisure destinations. Located near Munjeong Station in a busy business district, the plaza features a large LED screen for video screenings and broadcasts of performances from Seoul Arena, a concert venue currently under construction and scheduled for completion in the first half of 2027.
South Korean integrator Sama Sound was responsible for designing and installing the audio system, selecting HK Audio SI P10i and SI P10j column arrays to meet the project's requirements for high output, controlled directivity and outdoor durability.
Twelve SI Series loudspeakers are installed across four positions, each comprising two SI P10i and one SI P10j. Eight HK Audio S210 V subwoofers, with two at each position, provide low-frequency reinforcement for concert broadcasts. Four VORTIS 2 VR2-11510 loudspeakers, fitted with optional polyurethane coatings, provide additional coverage beneath the plaza's canopy.
The system is powered by Powersoft Quattrocanali amplifiers and controlled through a Q-SYS Core processor, which is integrated with the LED display. The SI Series' IP66 rating was also a consideration for the permanent outdoor installation.
Mounting the arrays presented a particular challenge, as the walls at each loudspeaker position had irregular surfaces. To maintain the precise positioning and angles required for the arrays' directivity, Sama Sound's structural design specialist developed bespoke brackets based on HK Audio's original mounting hardware.
Design consultations began in February, with the installation completed in October. Sama System Design handled the systems design, while the company's Video Project team delivered the video and broadcast infrastructure. Affiliate company Sama CDS undertook the onsite audio installation.
John Ju, senior research engineer at SAMA's System Design Team, said: “Munjeong Fun Station was a challenging project that required us to deliver the rich, powerful sound expected from a concert venue while maintaining harmony with the surrounding environment. The HK Audio SI Series delivered outstanding output and sound quality that exceeded expectations for its compact design. Its precise directional characteristics also allowed us to effectively meet the project’s demanding requirements. The excellent IP66 dust and water resistance rating was an important factor in selecting the SI Series for this outdoor installation, while its combination with the S210 V subwoofers delivered rich and impressive sound throughout the large open space.”
