Constructed from 50 tonnes of steel by American artist Jonathan Borofsky, this 22m-tall superman of a blacksmith built in 2002 is caught still in the motion of hammering. The statue provokes thoughts about work: is it just a meaningless ritual that dominates our lives? Borofsky has designed more than 10 other similar statues around the world.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Seoul Museum of History

0.08 MILES

To gain an appreciation of the total transformation of Seoul down the centuries, visit this fascinating museum, which charts the city's history since the…

2. Heunghwamun

0.12 MILES

The impressive entrance gate to Gyeonghuigung has toured around Seoul, and was moved to its present site in 1988.

3. SeMA Gyeonghuigung Museum of Art

0.17 MILES

Two large, white hangar-like structures make up this branch of Seoul Museum of Art. Periodically changing exhibitions of a variable quality and interest…

4. Gyeonghuigung

0.23 MILES

The Palace of Shining Celebration, completed in 1623, used to consist of a warren of courtyards, buildings, walls and gates spread over a large area. But…

5. Sejong Gallery

0.27 MILES

The regularly changing exhibitions at the gallery in the Sejong Center, the largest cultural complex in Seoul, are generally worth a look for an insight…

6. Seokjojeon

0.28 MILES

A good example of Deoksugung's potpourri of contrasting architectural styles, the grand neoclassical-style Seokjojeon was designed by British architect GR…

7. Admiral Yi Sun-Sin Statue

0.29 MILES

This statue is a downtown landmark. Seoul-born Yi Sun-sin (1545–98) designed new types of metal-clad warships called geobukseon (turtle boats), and used…

8. Daehan Empire History Museum

0.29 MILES

The Daehan Empire History Museum, with its opulent lobby, dining rooms and bedrooms, is in the neoclassical-style Seokjojeon. Visiting is only possible by…