I am Telling a Lie (2012/2012) by Ligyung and 리경Korean Art Museum Association
Some of the must-see cultural sites in the South Korean capital
Seoul is a city of sharp contrasts. On one hand, it takes great pride in preserving its ancient palaces, shrines, and Buddhist temples. On the other, Seoul has a cutting-edge contemporary art scene and some of the most futuristic buildings in Asia. Here are seven of the essential art destinations — historic and contemporary — in the South Korean capital.
1. Korean Art Museum Association
A haven for new Korean talent
Founded in 2005, the nonprofit Korean Art Museum Association showcases the most innovative works by contemporary Korean artists. Many of the pieces at this museum use unorthodox mediums, like strobe lights or car parts, to explore current issues.
I am Telling a Lie, by Ligyung and 리경, 2012/2012 (From the collection of Korean Art Museum Association)
One example of the kind of work housed in this museum is the sculpture Assembling for Eternity-HMC by Byoungho Kim and 김병호, which is made entirely out of parts from a Hyundai car.
Assembling for Eternity-HMC (2013/2013) by Byoungho Kim and 김병호Korean Art Museum Association
Assembling for Eternity-HMC, by Byoungho Kim and 김병호, 2012 – 2012 (From the collection of Korean Art Museum Association)
2. Seoul Design Foundation
Honoring Jin Te Ok’s legacy
The Seoul Design Foundation was set up to enhance Seoul’s reputation in the global fashion industry. One way this foundation achieves its goal is by preserving and promoting the works of Korea’s most famous designer: Jin Te Ok.
Portrait of Designer JinTeOk by JIN Te OkSeoul Design Foundation
Portrait of Designer JinTeOk JIN Te Ok for JINTEOK (From the collection of Seoul Design Foundation)
Ok’s designs are internationally known for their daring combination of traditional Korean embroidery with contemporary fabrics like denim. In Ok’s pieces, viewers get a sense of Korea’s complex history and diverse identity.
Installation view, "Anthology" by JIN Te OkSeoul Design Foundation
Installation view, "Anthology", JIN Te Ok for JINTEOK (From the collection of Seoul Design Foundation)
3. National Museum of Korea
Breathtaking Buddhist artifacts
The National Museum of Korea’s mission is to preserve the finest paintings, relics, and artistry from Korea’s pre-history up to the present day. One of the main draws to the museum is its huge collection of rare Buddhist artifacts.
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National Museum of Korea
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Despite its small size, this gilt-bronze statue Buddha with Inscription: “Seventh Year of Yeonga” is one of the museum’s most valuable pieces because it’s the oldest dated Buddhist relic discovered in Korea (539 CE).
Buddha with Inscription: “Seventh Year of Yeonga” (Goguryeo, 539年頃(around 539)) by UnknownNational Museum of Korea
Buddha with Inscription: “Seventh Year of Yeong”, by Unknown, Goguryeo, 539年頃(around 539) (From the collection of National Museum of Korea)
The National Museum also houses the heaviest Buddha statue ever found in Korea. Completed in the 10th Century, this imposing iron statue measures about 9.5 feet tall and weighs a whopping 6.2 tons.
Buddha (Goryeo, 10th century) by UnknownNational Museum of Korea
Buddha, Unknown, Goryeo, 10th century (From the collection of National Museum of Korea)
4. National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
The Modernist master Yoo Youngkuk
Seoul’s National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) is committed to preserving the most influential works of 20th and 21st century Korean art. Some of the most famous works in MMCA’s collection are from Korea’s abstract art movement, especially from the revolutionary artist Yoo Youngkuk (1916-2002).
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National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
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Youngkuk was one of the first artists in Korea to use bold color contrasts and non-figurative shapes to depict natural scenery, especially mountains. His work continues to have a strong influence on contemporary Korean painting today.
Work (1989) by Yoo YoungkukNational Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea
Work, by Yoo Youngkuk, 1989 (From the collection of National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea)
Work (1988) by Yoo YoungkukNational Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea
Work Yoo Youngkuk, 1988 (From the collection of National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea)
5. National Theater of Korea
Preserving the Changgeuk opera
Founded just before the Korean War, the National Theater of Korea is home to the nation’s premier opera, dance, and orchestral troupes. All three of these groups are tasked with updating traditional Korean performing arts for modern audiences.
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National Theater of Korea
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The traditional opera genre changgeuk is so important to Korean culture that the National Theater created its own National Changgeuk Company in 1962. Incorporating folk “pansori” singing, drama, and orchestral music, changgeuk is considered a national treasure by both the South Korean government and UNESCO.
Simcheon-Ga (1992-06-22) by National Changgeuk Company of KoreaNational Theater of Korea
Simcheon-Ga, National Changgeuk Company of Korea (From the collection of National Theater of Korea)
6. National Palace Museum of Korea
Gems from the Joseon dynasty
Located on the Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds, the National Palace Museum of Korea has thousands of artifacts that help tell the story of the powerful Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
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Gyeongbokgung Palace at the National Palace Museum of Korea
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One amazing artifact in the National Palace Museum’s collection is an eight-panel folding screen that lists, in precise detail, the rituals that Joseon royals had to perform to honor their ancestors.
Illustrated Records of Procedures at the Royal Ancestral Shrine on Eight-panel Folding Screen (Late 19th century)National Palace Museum of Korea
llustrated Records of Procedures at the Royal Ancestral Shrine on Eight-panel Folding Screen, Late 19th century (From the collection of National Palace Museum of Korea)
For those more interested in the modern era, the museum also houses many vintage cars once used by Korean dignitaries.
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National Palace Museum of Korea
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7. DDP: Dream, Design, Play
Breaking all the boundaries
Dream, Design, Play (DDP) is an eye-catching center in Seoul’s historic Dongdaemun area that’s committed to re-imagining design for the 21st century. Organizers at DDP host numerous fashion, architecture, and furniture expos to inspire designers to think outside of the box.
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DDP
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Interestingly, this futuristic building has ancient roots... literally. Not only did Iranian architect Zaha Hadid base her design on traditional Asian gardens, she built DDP on top of the remains of a Korean fortress.
Hanyang Fortress Wall and DDP (2014/2014) by Seoul Design FoundationDongdaemun Design Plaza | DDP
Hanyang Fortress Wall and DDP Seoul Design Foundation (From the collection of DDP)
All of Hadid’s design choices were intended to break down traditional boundaries such as nature/urban, past/present, and interior/exterior. Hadid hoped this dynamic architecture would inspire locals to rethink the possibilities of contemporary design.
DDP birdview (2009/2014) by Zaha Hadid ArchitectsDongdaemun Design Plaza | DDP
DDP birdview, Zaha Hadid (From the collection of DDP)
Seoul’s identity continues to evolve. While still protecting past glories, Seoul has taken dramatic steps to become an ultra-modern, hi-tech megalopolis. All of the destinations in this list highlight the fascinating paradoxes of this energetic capital.
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