Seoul is home to many high-quality museums that are completely free to enjoy. In this post, I’d like to introduce the Seoul Museum of Craft Art.
Many visitors walk through Samcheong-dong Hanok Village, but surprisingly few realize that there is an impressive museum right along the way. It’s a fairly large building, and many people mistakenly pass by thinking it’s a hotel. In fact, this building is the Seoul Museum of Craft Art.
This museum is dedicated to traditional Korean crafts, and best of all, all exhibitions are free. If you’re visiting a hanok village, I highly recommend going beyond just taking photos of traditional houses and taking some time to truly appreciate the essence of Korean aesthetics inside this museum.
[Museum Information]- Museum Name: Seoul Museum of Craft Art
- Address: 4, Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Near Anguk Station, Exit 1)
- Opening Hours: Tuesday–Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM/ Closed on Mondays- Official Website: www.craftmuseum.seoul.go.kr
The museum consists of permanent exhibitions and special exhibitions.
Special exhibitions change regularly and feature works by professional artists, while the permanent exhibitions focus on traditional Korean crafts.
From the 2nd to the 3rd floor, you’ll find the permanent exhibition galleries. Here, you can explore traditional Korean woodworking, furniture, and the intricate art of mother-of-pearl inlay (najeonchilgi).
It’s hard to believe these delicate and detailed pieces are made from seashells- their shimmering colors are truly mesmerizing.
The museum also displays Korean ceramics, where you can admire the subtle beauty of white porcelain and celadon.
In addition, you’ll learn about traditional Korean patterns and motifs inspired by nature. Floral designs, in particular, offer a glimpse into the refined aesthetics of the Joseon Dynasty.
The museum is made up of two separate buildings. After finishing the exhibitions in the main building, be sure to continue to the neighboring one. Starting from the 2nd floor, this section features exhibitions on Korean embroidery, traditional clothing, and jogakbo (patchwork wrapping cloths).
You’ll be amazed by how scenes and images are created entirely with thread. The jogakbo, made by piecing together leftover fabric scraps, reflects the frugality, wisdom, and quiet beauty of people in the past.
On the 1st floor, there is a small gift shop worth visiting. It offers a variety of beautifully designed items inspired by traditional crafts from cups to small decorative objects. I personally found so many things I wanted to buy! It’s a great place to pick up a meaningful and stylish souvenir from your trip to Korea.
Not only the permanent exhibitions but also the special exhibitions feature many outstanding artists. Because the exhibitions change regularly and maintain such a high quality, I find myself visiting the Seoul Museum of Craft Art every season.
If you feel tired while exploring the hanok village, this museum is a perfect place to take a break and recharge. I hope your journey through Korea becomes even richer and more inspiring through these exhibitions.
Comments
Post a Comment