Seoul Sights

National Museum of Contemporary Art

#12 of 438 things to do in Seoul

#3 of 172 gallery sights in Asia

1 reviews | Write a review

  • Address
    • Gwacheon-si
  • Transport
    • line 4 to Seoul Grand Park, Exit 2
  • Phone
    • 02 2188 6000
  • Price
    • admission free, special exhibitions adult/child W3000/1500
  • Hours
    • 10am-6pm Tue-Sun Mar-Oct, to 5pm Tue-Sun Nov-Feb

Correct these details

Lonely Planet review for National Museum of Contemporary Art

A large and impressive art gallery spread over three floors, this museum also has sculptures in the garden. The outstanding exhibit is The More the Better – a 1988 installation of 1000 flickering TV screens piled up into a pagoda shape by leading Korean video artist Nam June Paik. Viewing this exhibit is like channel hopping without a remote. Other exhibits by the same artist include a piano jukebox – log onto www.paikstudios.com to learn more about this artistic pioneer. The international section contains a sculpture made of dice and another one utilising squashed petrol cans. Overall, the permanent collection of Korean modern art is disappointing, a mishmash of pictures with no real stand-outs or themes or styles, but the special exhibitions can be more worthwhile.

 

Traveller reviews for National Museum of Contemporary Art (1)

  • Avatar
    To write a review sign in, register or   Connect_light_large_long
    Recommend
     
    Add your experience “ ”
    Say more…
  • Avatar

    A kaleidoscope of art, sure to find something you like.

    ciderboy recommends this,

    I happened to prefer the statues outside of this Muesum, than most of the work inside, that said there is a wide range of pieces in all mediums and there is sure to be something that makes you think. The 'The More the Better' exhibit in the entrance/exit way stands out particularly, both in terms of it's size and impact. I would unusually recommend walking around the muesum in the opposite direction than designed. By following the directed path, you begin with the most contemporary work and end with the most traditional Korean art (ink paintings on silk). I much prefer to view the more traditional pieces before moving into the more recent pieces, (that way being able to identify possible evolutions of ideas and linking the old with the new rather than visa versa). If you prefer this too, climb the spiral walk way to the top of the building and work your way down, to the more contemporary and provocative modern art rooms on the ground (Korean first floor).
    This is a nice art museum with some fantastic pieces, and the building interior itself is simplistically beautiful, but sadly and please be warned that none of the pieces have provided histories about them (in Korean or English), which I wouldn't expect in an art gallery but would expect in a art museum, and therefore was unable to link the pieces into any kind of subjective time line loosing a star. The museum looses a second star as the curators are very intimidating and look at you with questioning eyes, (perhaps this maybe more to do with Korean culture), nether the less is doesn't induce a relaxing atmosphere to viewing the art when you are being watch so carefully.
    This is a worthwhile visit if you have spare time while in Seoul Grand Park, are an avid art follower or actually live in and around Seoul, looking for a new place to visit, other than that it can be skipped for more interesting places.

    report