Listen Closely And You May Hear Echoes Of Past Days

The trading floor of the Korea Stock Exchange, a symbol of the Seoul stock market, will soon disappear. The Korea Stock Exchange said Wednesday it will convert its trading floor into exhibition and event halls by the end of the year. The exchange plans to spend 1.5 billion won ($1.2 million) on the conversion.

Before stock trades were computerized in September 1997, stock trade contracts were made at seven hexagon posts on the trading floor. At the end of the year, brokers strewed order sheets on the trading floor to mark the end of trading. After stock trades were computerized, the trading floor was deserted and unused.

Some of the area will be converted into showrooms to exhibit products of listed companies. In the remaining area, a stock market history exhibition hall, a hall of fame to honor companies with good corporate governance and event halls will be erected.

One of the three stock quotation bulletin boards on the walls of the trading floor will be replaced with an electronic display panel.

"The new exhibition hall will be a good place to learn about the Seoul stock market," an official at the Korea Stock Exchange said.

by Kim Dong-sun