A Bit of Culture, Old and New

A Korean friend, Mr Jung, took the boys and I around Seoul on Saturday. We explored Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Folk Museum of Korea. It was nice to see some traditional Korea architecture. The forms were repeated all over the grounds but it is a very different style compared to what I have seen in Europe. The ceilings are painted with neon electric patterns, and the simple furniture and minimal interior finishes offer a contrast. The backdrop of the mountains makes the setting and removes you from the modern city. 

We spent a bit of time in a buddhist temple near Insa-dong where we were able to sit in and observe. Next stop, Cheonggyecheon. The current President of South Korea was Mayor of Seoul from 2002 – 06. While he was Mayor he built a river running through the center of Seoul. Everyone I have spoken to about it referred to it as the 'artificial river'. Besides how planned it is with established rest stops and built in photo displays, I think it is a peaceful break from the concrete and neon lights of the Korean capital.

Sunday was my first day dabbling in Korean art. I ventured to Leeum Samsung Art Museum and soon feel in love. 

There are three buildings; Museum 1 was designed by Mario Botta. It is inspired by the forms and systems of traditional Korean pottery. A rotunda holds a spiraling staircase that guides the viewer through different galleries of ceramics, metal work, and calligraphy of Korea's past. 

Jean Nouvel is the mastermind behind Museum 2 which houses the modern art. A mix of Korean artists and famous European and American art pieces fill the space. Mini galleries jut out of the glass box, which holds great views of the surrounding environment and offer breaks from the bold art pieces. I was graced with the presence of a few favorites like Cy Twombly and Rothko, and excited by the discovery of new Korean artist like Moon Beum and Kank Ik-Joong's I Have to Learn English.   

REM Koolhaus designed the final building, representing the future and its possibility. The Children's and Cultural Center is formed with colored concrete and angular planes of glass. Overlooking the courtyard where Louise Bourgeois' Maman lives.