Art and architecture enthusiasts' summer destinations
Must-Visit Art Museums Outside Seoul: A Cultural Journey
For art enthusiasts seeking a break from the bustling city, three unique museums outside Seoul are worth a visit. These cultural gems, the Mimesis Art Museum in Paju, the Koo House Museum in Yangpyeong, and the Johyun Gallery in Busan, each offer a distinctive experience that goes beyond traditional museum visits.
Mimesis Art Museum (Paju) is a cultural hotspot that showcases South Korea's evolving art narrative. Located in Gyeonggi Province, about a 30-minute drive northwest of Seoul, this architectural masterpiece by Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza Vieira offers a unique blend of visual art, coffee, nature, and culture, making it an immersive experience [1][2].
The museum, commissioned by Open Books and completed in 2009, spans a total area of 3,663 square meters. Currently, it is showcasing solo exhibitions of painters Suh Yoon-hee and Lee Hye-in, titled "Where am I" and "Eternal Sunset in My Mind," respectively.
Unfortunately, specific details about the Koo House Museum in Yangpyeong and Johyun Gallery in Busan could not be found in the current search results. However, these locations are generally appreciated for their specialized exhibitions and regional artistic significance.
The Koo House Museum, located in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, is a unique museum that offers a glimpse into the house of a collector. Designed by Korea's leading architect Cho Min-suk and built by Korean first-generation graphic designer Koo Jung-soon, this museum showcases Koo's collection of contemporary art and design works. Notably, the museum, which opened in 2016, is also where Koo resides.
Johyun Gallery in Busan, situated on the city's 8-kilometer Dalmaji coastal road, is recognised for contemporary art exhibitions contributing to the local art scene. At the moment, the gallery is showcasing a solo exhibition of Korean art master Kim Chong-hak.
Visitors to the Mimesis Art Museum can rest and grab a coffee at a cafe with a view of greenery outside the window. Pets are allowed in the Koo House Museum, provided they are in carriers or strollers. The interior of the Mimesis Art Museum is lit by indirect, natural light, enhancing the building's beauty and purity.
These three museums, each with its unique charm and artistic focus, provide a rich cultural experience for art lovers venturing outside Seoul.
[1] Mimesis Art Museum Official Website: https://www.mimesis.kr/ [2] The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/12/travel/south-korea-offers-a-rich-trove-of-art-and-architecture.html
- For those interested in home-and-garden art, the Koo House Museum in Yangpyeong would be a fascinating visit, as it offers a unique peek into a collector's house, showcasing contemporary art and design works.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts might also appreciate the Johyun Gallery in Busan, where contemporary art exhibitions are regularly held, contributing to the local art scene and found along Busan's scenic Dalmaji coastal road.
