As the heat wave continues, art museums in the city are gaining attention as new summer retreats. The Seoul Tourism Foundation has introduced four newly opened art museums, each established within the last four years, where visitors can enjoy cultural activities while escaping the heat. These include the Seoul Museum of Photography, the Seoul West Art Museum, the Jongno Kim Chang-yeol House, and Museum Hanmi Samcheong, each offering unique exhibition spaces that attract weary citizens.
The Seoul Museum of Photography, located in Chang-dong, Dobong-gu, is the country's first public photography-focused exhibition space. Opened in May 2022, it combines exhibition, education, and archival functions in a dedicated photography venue. The building's exterior is designed to resemble a twisted cube inspired by a camera aperture, with walls that shift from black to gray, symbolizing how photographs capture light.
Currently, a major retrospective titled 'Martin Parr: We Are Martin Parr' featuring the renowned British photographer is on display until October 18. The third floor includes a section called '90 Selected Photo Books,' where visitors can browse through Martin Parr's photo books published from 1982 to the present. The fourth floor photo library offers resources on the history of photography and academic databases, operating from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on days other than Mondays and holidays.
The Seoul West Art Museum, which opened in March this year within Geumnarae Central Park in Geumcheon-gu, is the eighth branch of the Seoul Museum of Art and specializes in new media. The museum has removed barriers between the museum and the park to enhance accessibility. Its hammered stainless steel exterior reflects the surrounding landscape, creating a visual effect that blends with nature.
The first exhibition hall in the basement features a high ceiling that opens up to the first floor, allowing for both open and white box exhibition setups. The first-floor media lab serves as a digital art creation space. Currently closed for exhibition preparations, it will host media artist Kim Hee-cheon's solo exhibition 'Moles' from August 20 to November 8.
Located in Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno-gu, the Jongno Kim Chang-yeol House is the former residence of the late 'Raindrop Painter' Kim Chang-yeol, where he lived and worked for 30 years starting in 1988. The space was recently renovated and opened as a public cultural venue by Jongno-gu in May. The four-story structure, originally designed by architect Woo Gyu-seung in 1988, has been remodeled by architects Hong Jae-seung and Choi Soo-yeon, incorporating the concept of 'return' into its design.
The upper two floors serve as relaxation areas and exhibition spaces. The inaugural exhibition, 'Kim Chang-yeol: Traces of Raindrops,' runs until the 23rd. The two basement levels house the artist's studio, preserving his tools and sketches in their original condition. Parking is not available, so public transportation is recommended. Residents of Jongno-gu and visitors wearing traditional hanbok receive a 50% discount on admission.
Museum Hanmi, located in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, is a newly opened space that expanded from the Hanmi Photo Museum, which was established in 2003. It serves as an exhibition platform encompassing both analog photography and new media art. Designed by architect Min Hyun-sik, the main building features a 'water garden' resembling a courtyard, connecting three wings while overcoming height restrictions with a vaulted roof to create an open ceiling.
The main building currently hosts the exhibition 'Every Moment is a Bud,' highlighting four contemporary Korean photographers, running until the 9th. The annex, which opened in November 2019, will feature the 'Gimpo Jerry Ulsman Memorial Preview' exhibition until September 30, showcasing the surreal landscapes of Jerry Ulsman's notable works. Residents of Jongno-gu and local workers can enjoy a 50% discount on general admission, and the museum is free on the last Wednesday of each month.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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