Gallery sights in South Korea
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A
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…
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B
Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
In Museum 1 visitors start on the 4th floor and descend a white staircase, a decor that contrasts with the black galleries, where the ancient Korean ceramic metal and art treasures are superbly lit to bring out their inner beauty. Museum 2 has an entirely different look, with outdoor lighting, natural construction materials and a collection of 20th-century Korean and international art. Museum 3 is reserved for special exhibitions. An audio guide costs W2000. Tours in English (free) start at 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.
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C
Museum Of Korean Buddhist Art
The permanent exhibition is displayed in one section, and just down the street is the second section which hosts changing exhibitions. The entry price includes admission to both. The permanent exhibition is small but the paintings and carvings, many 200 years old, suggest that Korean Buddhist art is undervalued by the global art scene. The Yeonam teashop has homemade teas - hibiscus petal tea is worth trying.
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D
Sejong Gallery
Next to the famous theatre and concert hall is this less famous gallery, but the changing exhibitions are generally worth a look as modern Korean artists often display wonderful work in the four gallery rooms. There’s a relaxing garden out the back.
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E
Seoul Museum of Art
Ultra-modern, bright galleries hide behind the forbidding brick-and-stone facade of the 1927 Supreme Court building. The gallery hosts top-notch exhibitions that are always worth a visit. Check the website for painting classes and other details.
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F
Opera Gallery
The only gallery in Seoul to see work by famous-name, cutting-edge Western artists and sculptors. Artists nowadays are a kind of brand, so Brand Name St is a suitable location for this always impressive gallery.
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G
Hwabong Gallery
Cutting-edge Korean art is usually on show in two of the galleries, while the third contains a couple of fascinating books – the smallest book in the world (no more than a dot), as well as the largest book.
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H
Soma Museum of Art
The bunkerlike Soma Museum of Art has a tempting café and shop, a permanent display of Olympics-themed video art by Nam June Paik and five galleries for special exhibitions.
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I
Seoul Museum of Art Annexe
Two large, white, hangarlike structures make up this unusual art gallery with ever-changing exhibitions that cover everything from traditional brush and ink to modern angst.
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J
Rodin Gallery
This unusual glass pyramid building has two large sculptures by French sculptor Rodin on permanent display, plus changing contemporary art exhibitions in two galleries.
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K
Dia Gallery
The building is traditional but the puzzling experimental digital art on display is anything but. Just like the universe, the definition of art is expanding…
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L
Mokkumto Gallery
Like most of the theatres in Daehangno, the art up here on the 3rd and 4th floors is on the fringe. The 4th floor also has craft.
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M
Arko Art Centre
Avant-garde art of all genres is assembled here in a couple of galleries overlooking Marronnier Park.
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