A cultural space pushing the boundaries of art, SJ Kunsthalle
Photo credit: SJ.Kunsthalle
Uniquely built out of 28 ISO cargo containers, SJ.Kunsthalle
serves as a culture hub for non-mainstream artists and other
sub-cultural campaigns. The exterior, made of construction materials,
aptly expresses the philosophy of the group to break stereotyped ideas
for a more open line of communication. In that sense, SJ.Kunsthall is a
special cultural space that values exhibition itself rather than space.
Since its opening, this unique cultural space has
drawn visitors of all backgrounds as it often hosts events that cross
cultural barriers, turning and shifting its functions into a gallery,
bar, café, workshop, party venue, club, performance space, or even
library. To give back for all the popularity it has received, the
exhibition spaces from floor 1 to 4, which were previously limited to
artists, have now combined and opened for the public's viewing. Its
walls are painted white, which offers up a cool effect and even a
futuristic aura at some points, giving visitors a unique experience
while inside of SJ.Kunsthall.
Besides the cool galleries, cultural programs and
impressive works of young up-and-coming artists to browse, the space is
also known for quality eatery choices. Lots of unique dining brands from
the Itaewon area are introduced here, adding more reason for you to pay
a visit.
More Info
- ☞ Address: 5, Eonju-ro 148-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- ☞ Tel: +82-10-2014-9722 (Korean, English)
- ☞ Operating Hours: 11:00–01:00 of the next day (closed on Sundays and public holidays)
- ☞ Website: www.sjkunsthalle.com (Korean, English)
- ☞ Directions: Hakdong Station (Seoul Subway Line 7), Exit 10. Walk for about 200m and cross the street. Turn left and walk straight for another 600m. Turn right at the corner where Hana Bank is located and walk down the street.
Combining art and Hongdae's youthful vibe, Sangsangmadang Hongdae
Located in Hongdae, Sangsangmadang is a multi-cultural space run by KT&G. KT&G Sangsangmadang Hongdae
is housed in an eleven-floor building with seven above ground floors
and four below ground. The building features a theater, performance
hall, design shops, galleries, studios, and cafes.
Come and enjoy exhibitions, performances, movies,
and other activities in this cultural space that radiates
creative ideas. Visiting Hongdae's Sangsangmadang is a great way to
escape the sizzling summer heat of Seoul. Note that the cafes,
galleries, and design shops do
not open until noon.
The Design Square on the first floor shines with
unusual style and original ideas. All the design products on exhibit are
for sale. The gallery on the second and third floors features special
exhibitions with a different theme each time, such as media art,
illustration, or calligraphy. Most works are from emerging artists. The
exhibitions are organized in tandem with performances, seminars, or
concerts to further engage the public into the exhibitions.
The theater on the fourth floor of the basement level
is dedicated to independent artistic films from various countries.
Visitors can enjoy rare movies with a unique theme in a cozy environment
that is very different from the average, large
and impersonal multiplex theaters.
More Info
- ☞ Address: 65, Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- ☞ Website: www.sangsangmadang.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- ☞ Directions: Hongik University Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 9. Walk 150m straight ahead and turn left. Walk 150m more and cross the street. Walk along Eoulmadang-ro street, and Sangsang Madang is located 400m ahead on the right.
Landmark of Seoul, 63 Square
Photo credit: Seoul 63 Square
Seoul 63 Square
offers a variety of entertainment choices under one roof. Proudly known
as a landmark of Seoul, the building has become an indoor theme park in
the busy bustling city offering the convenience of strolling through
the various leisure and entertainment outlets along with restaurants. An
added bonus is the nearby Hangang River Ferry Cruise.
Make a plan to finish your active day of entertainment at the square on
a relaxing note, by watching the beautiful night view of Seoul on a
cruise.
63 Wax Museum, located in the basement level, presents a total of 70 wax models in 10 different sections. Also, stop by 63 SeaWorld
for a visit to the more than 20,000 marine lives of 400 different
species, coexisting in the water tanks. The aquarium has gained
popularity with "Go Go Adventures," where guests can see playful otters
in a three-dimensional aquarium, and the "touch pool" area, a semi-open
enclosure perfect for observing penguins directly in front of visitors'
eyes.
63 Sky Art Museum,
at the height of 240m, is the only place in the city to appreciate art
exhibitions and the beautiful night scenery of the Hangang River at the
same time. Sipping a cup of tea while gazing at the city's beautiful
nightscape and appreciating art pieces will truly make for a perfect
getaway from the hectic lives of city dwellers.
More Info
- ☞ Address: 50, 63-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
- ☞ Operating Hours: 10:00-22:00
- ☞ Admission: 63 Wax Museum 15,000 won / 63 SeaWorld 19,000 won / 63 Sky Art Museum 13,000 won
- ☞ Website: www.63.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- ☞ Directions: Yeouinaru Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 4. Walk straight for about 1 km to arrive at the destination.
Big city underground, COEX Mall
Photo credit: COEX Mall
COEX Mall
is the largest underground shopping mall in Asia and is also a culture
platform mixed with art, business, shopping, and sightseeing. The place
is comprised of 5 plazas of different themes, offering global and
domestic fashion brands, electronic goods stores, gift shops featuring
popular cartoon characters, kid's cafés and more. Visitors can take a
break between shopping and partake in a variety of street and guerilla
(pop-up) performances as well as exotic exhibitions throughout the
center's grounds.
Hallyu stars await your visit to SM Town, which is
located next to the main entrance of Parnas Mall. You may even get to
have a surprise meet and greet session with your favorite idol stars of
SM Town, such as TVXQ, SHINee or EXO, as they frequent the place to
record songs and have profile shootings for upcoming album releases.
Don't feel too disappointed if you miss the chance! Meet them through
vivid hologram concerts, showing real concert footage with amazing music
in the background. In addition to the concert, pictures of SM's
talented artists line the walls of this building, so there are plenty of
photo ops anywhere you go.
Exploration of COEX Mall is not complete without
trying the plethora of drinks and munchies available! The variety of
food options this mall has is perhaps what makes visiting here even more
tempting. From 300 outlets in total, 90 of them are gourmet stores
coming from hot places in Itaewon and Sinsadong's Garosu-gil areas, all
tested for great tastes.
More Info
- ☞ Address: COEX Mall, 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- ☞ Operating Hours: 10:30-22:00 (open all year round / some stores may be closed on certain days, please check the times at the official website to confirm in advance.)
- ☞ Website: www.coexmall.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- ☞ Directions: Samseong Station (Seoul Subway Line 2). Enter COEX Mall through the connecting passageway.
- * SM TOWN
- Operating Hours: 11:00-22:00
- Admission: Hologram Concert 44,000 won / Hologram Musical 77,000 won
- Website: www.smtownland.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
A landmark of Korean design, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
opened its doors to the public in March 2014. The acronym DDP also
stands for "Dream, Design, Play," and represents the plaza's function as
a multi-purpose design center that aims to foster innovation,
creativity and talent. Designed by renowned Iraqi-British architect Zaha
Hadid, the building is characterized by the lack of straight lines, a
curved shape, and a three-dimensional atypical architecture that make
everything in sight blend seamlessly.
From the curved windows to the coiling staircase, the
absence of angles gives the impression that there is no beginning or
end. The interior is divided into five themed areas that serve as an
international meeting venue, a concert hall, and a learning space
supporting children's creativity and imagination. At the Design Market,
visitors can find restaurants, cafes, and multi-brand shops.
More Info
- ☞ Location: 281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- ☞ Operating Hours: 10:00–19:00 (Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun) / 10:00–21:00 (Wed, Fri)
- * Closed on Mondays, January 1st, and public holidays
- * Some areas are open all year round
- ☞ Website: www.ddp.or.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- ☞ Directions: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, 4, 5). Go straight through the connecting passage leading to DDP's entrance.
Escape the heatwave on ice, Lotte World Indoor Ice Skating Rink
Located on the third basement level of Lotte World
Theme Park, the indoor ice skating rink is open year-round. This rink
is popular both in winter as well as in summer, when the ice provides a
refreshing retreat from the heat. Seats are available around the rink
and the rink-side restaurants serve up delicious international cuisine. A
trip to Lotte World Indoor Ice Skating Rink is a great one-day getaway for all.
More Info
- ☞ Address: B3 of Lotte Hotel World, 240, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
- ☞ Operating Hours:
- -Peak season (Jul-Aug, Dec-Feb)
- Mon–Fri 11:00-22:30 / Weekends and public holidays 10:00–22:30
- -Low season (Mar-Jun, Sep-Nov)
- Mon–Fri 10:00-21:30 / Weekends and public holidays 10:00–22:30
- ☞ Admission (includes skate rental): Adults and Teenagers 16,000 won / Children 15,000 won
- ☞ Website: www.lotteworld.com/icerink (Korean only)
- ☞ Directions: Jamsil Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, 8), Exit 4.
- ☞ 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Last updated on June 22, 2015
* This column was last updated in June 2015, and
therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise
you to check details from the official websites before visiting.
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