The cold month of January has forced us to look for more indoor activities to pass the time until the spring arrives. We decided to stay local and just head up a few stops to check out the Buk Seoul Museum of Art near Hagye station. This place has a particular sentimental value, as Jill and I both watched the museum being constructed from our apartment in See&Me beside Home Plus which is located just across the street.
How to get there: By subway you need to head to Hagye station (Line 7) and depart from Exit 1. You will walk straight for about 100 meters until you encounter an intersection. Cross the street and you will enter Junggye Park. The museum is located in the park. Keep an eye out for the rainbow bridge. It connects the two parks and the museum. By bus, the best one to choose is the 100 Blue bus. It will take you right pass the park.
Lay of the Land: The museum is three stories high, but includes a children’s area in the basement. For this article, I’m going to break down each floor and post some beautiful pictures of art from Korean artists.
Floor 1 (SeMA Art Shops, SeMA Gallery Cafe, Exhibition 1, Gallery 1, Infant and Nursing Stations)
Random but standard keychains you can purchase in the gift SeMA gift shop.
The SeMA Art Shop
More items to fulfill your art souvenir needs.
Photo Gallery 1:
The Layer by 진현미 (Jin Hyeon Mi)
The Layer – Sideview
Thought II by 지요상 (Ji Yo Sang)
Where Is My Mother? by 안국주 (Ahn Kook Ju)
Darm A Do by 이동협 (Lee Dong Hyup)
Exhibition Hall 1: The New Scenes Part II
The Exhibition Hall 1 focuses on contemporary art from the past, present and future from Korean artists. Read more below.
The Exhibits
Episode Shop #3 and #4 by 양주헤 (Yang Ju Hye)
Episode Shop #6 and #7 by 양주헤 (Yang Ju Hye)
Level Table by 한경우 (Han Gyeong Woo)
After Mount Tiger by 황인기 (Hwang In Jee)
Sixteen By Nine_Life is Good by 박찬경 (Park Chan Gyeong)
Organic Geometry by 홍승혀 (Hong Sung Hye)
Gesture to be a good girl / Magic Gown by 송상희 (Song Sang Hee)
Gesture to be a good girl / Magic Gown by 송상희 (Song Sang Hee) Sideview
Gesture to be a good girl / Magic Gown by 송상희 (Song Sang Hee) The Magic Gown
Second Floor (Photo Gallery 2, Exhibition 2, Art Library, SeMA Cafe, Sculpture Terrace)
We decided to stay inside and not check out the sculpture terrace, but it would be an excellent spot to get a great view of the park in the warmer weather. We didn’t eat at the SeMA Cafe, but it was a simple cafe of coffee, tea, juices and desserts. The photo exhibit focused mainly on contemporary artists from the year 2000 to the present, and gives a peak into the future of the Korean artist. Read more below.
How Far Away Is The Horizon by 나형민 (Na Hyeong Min)
It’s Okay To Get Married by 변윤희 (Byun Yoon Hee)
When I Enter The First Grade by 변윤희 (Byun Yoon Hee)
A Massive Poverty by 이정배 (Lee Jeong Bae)
Stairway to Heaven by 나형민 (Na Hyeong Min)
Exhibition Hall 2
Flower of Universe by 윤정원 (Yoon Jeongwon)
Love Tower by 우주 림희영 (Woo Ju and Lim Hee Yeong) Sideview
Love Tower by 우주 림희영 (Woo Ju and Lim Hee Yeong) Front view
Love Tower by 우주 림희영 (Woo Ju and Lim Hee Yeong) Overview
Memorization by 김인배 (Kim In Bae)
Tourist by 홍성도 (Hong Seong Do)
Fame Freedom Paradise by 김윌식 (Kim Wolsik)
ARTE Art Cafe had some simple drinks such as coffee, juice, soda and desserts like ice cream.
The Art Library (it was closed on Sunday)
3rd Floor – Cellen Kitchen
Jill and I were still full from lunch, but we decided to have a little snack before we walked home. We were actually quite impressed with the menu and the atmosphere. A casual, modern Italian restaurant with an open kitchen and an excellent view. The price was fairly reasonable, with entrees ranging anywhere from 12000KRW – 39000KRW.
B1 – Children’s Gallery, Community Gallery, Lecture Hall, Studio 1,2,3, Multi Hall and Parking
We made our way down to the Children’s Gallery. There really didn’t seem to be a whole lot of stuff for kids to do, so I was a little disappointed in that. That said, if you were in the neighborhood, it would worth a visit to entertain the kids for about 30 minutes.
Value: The Buk Seoul Museum of Art is free of charge, although it is suggested that you make a donation. The restaurant was a good vale for a light lunch, and it was family friendly. Overall, this was a pretty cheap and fun way to spend a cold winter afternoon.
Who Should Visit Buk Seoul Museum of Art: Art lovers and families who want to kill a little time with the kids.
Who Should Avoid Buk Seoul Museum of Art: If Logan was a little more active, this might be too boring for him. I can’t encourage families to spend too much time at the museum because it is not really designed for families to kill a day. This would be a great place to come inside out of the cold if your kids were getting bored at the park. However, would we personally make a day to come up here? Probably not. There are more kid friendly places in the city.
Derek Versus Lonely Planet 
Wow, very nice! I can’t stop looking at the brain.
That was one of my favorites Juwon! An excellent piece.
Wow, there are some interesting pieces but I don’t quite get the Gesture to be a Good Girl one. Hope the weather is getting warmer in Korea!
Yeah it’s an interesting piece. I interpreted as a women is bound by certain societal pressures and expectations, such as being good wife and their duties as a mother. Hence, the person being bind in the display. A powerful piece. I really enjoyed the museum as a whole. Thanks for reading as always!
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Reblogged this on tigerpendant and commented:
Another informative & inspiring blog entry by Derek. He doesn’t know this yet, but he’s one of my main inspirations for starting TIGERPENDANT. I will explain in my next post….