Latest news with #SeoulMuseumofCraftArt
Korea Herald
02-05-2025
- General
- Korea Herald
For first time, SeMoCA holds Buddhist-themed embroidery exhibition
Visitors will have rare opportunity to see robes worn by revered monks who played key roles in Korea's history In celebration of Buddha's Birthday, the Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) is presenting South Korea's first and largest Buddhist-themed embroidery exhibition, showcasing traditional works and treasured artifacts rarely available for public viewing. Buddha's Birthday, celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, falls on May 5 this year. Titled 'Weaving Devotion – Sacred Stitches Leading to Nirvana,' the exhibition offers a rare look at traditional embroidered 'Kasaya,' Buddhist monastic robes, including one that has not been on public display in 47 years since its last appearance at a special exhibition at the National Museum of Korea in 1978. Originally a simple garment symbolizing a practitioner's commitment to the path of enlightenment, the Kasaya was adapted across East Asia to suit local climates and cultural norms. In Korea, it evolved into a ritual robe worn over the monastic inner garment, often conferred upon highly esteemed monks who contributed to national peace, social order and unity during times of crisis, according to the SeMoCA. "By looking at the exhibition, visitors will have a deeper understanding of the people's desires, hopes and dreams from that time. They could also compare them to the dreams we have today and see the differences and similarities," Kim Soo-jung, director of SeMoCA, said during a press tour on Wednesday. Among the highlights is a restored Kasaya robe donated by the late Heo Dong-hwa, former president of the Korean Museum Association, restored in collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Conservation Science Center. The exhibition features some 55 pieces, including embroidered Kasaya robes and portraits of esteemed monks dating from the Goryeo era (918–1392) to the modern era. Many of the artifacts have been carefully preserved at major temples nationwide. Of particular note are ceremonial robes once worn by Seosan Daesa and Samyeong Daesa, two revered monks who played critical roles during the Japanese invasions of Korea in the late 16th century. The robes were conferred by King Seonjo of the Joseon era in recognition of the monks' leadership in organizing monastic militias to reclaim the capital. Running alongside the main exhibition is 'Light Awakens the Heart,' a special display in the museum's lobby commemorating the fifth anniversary of Yondeunghoe — the Lotus Lantern Festival -- being inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 'Weaving Devotion – Sacred Stitches Leading to Nirvana' runs through July 27 at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art. Admission is free. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Mondays.
Vogue Singapore
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
The best museums to visit in Seoul—from art to food
@leeummuseumofart There's plenty to look forward to when visiting the city of Seoul, South Korea. Its booming entertainment scene, for one, thanks to the massive forces that are K-pop and K-dramas. Buzzy pop-ups and conceptual stores are dotted throughout the city's charming enclaves, belonging to the nation's coolest beauty and fashion brands. Then there's the dining scene, from the street food found in tented roadside pochas and traditional markets, to the city's eclectic cafes and vibrant fine-dining offerings. It's a city where tradition and innovation exist side-by-side—quite literally, as rows of hanoks and majestic palaces sit amidst skyscrapers and modern technological marvels. If you're seeking to gain a deeper understanding of Korean culture, there's no better place to do so than the city's many museums. Seoul has one of Asia's most dynamic art scenes—evident in events such as the rising international art fair Frieze Seoul—and this certainly comes through in the city's various art museums, which spotlight everything from photography to traditional craft. Beyond that, get a glimpse of Korea's rich culture through exhibitions dedicated to its history and its food. For those planning a trip to the Korean capital, we round up the best museums to visit whilst in Seoul. @seoulmuseumofcraftart 1 / 7 Seoul Museum of Craft Art While crafts like embroidery or metalwork might not have been as recognised as fine art mediums, the Seoul Museum of Craft Art seeks to change this. Housed in what was previously Pungmoon Girls' High School, the museum shines a spotlight on Korean crafts both traditional and contemporary. From embroidery to ceramics, a wide range of mediums showcase the technical, creative, practical and cultural value of craft. Seoul Museum of Craft Art , 4 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea @nationalmuseums_korea 2 / 7 National Museum of Korea This behemoth of a museum is the one to visit if you can only spare the time for one. With over 13,000 works on display at any given time, it spans three floors, delving into the many facets of Korean history, culture and art. Within its premises, you'll also find immersive digital spaces, a children's museum full of multi-sensory interactive experiences and expansive outdoor grounds. National Museum of Korea , 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 04383 @museumkimchikan 3 / 7 Museum Kimchikan A side dish consisting of salted and fermented vegetables, kimchi is a quintessential part of Korean culture—a staple in its cuisine since the first century. Nestled amidst the teahouses and traditional craft shops of Insadong, Museum Kimchichan is where you can learn all about the dish, from its evolution through the years to the communal nature of its preparation. Sample different kimchi varieties, discover all the ways it can be used in cooking, and try your hand at making the dish on your own in the museum's short kimchi-making workshops. Museum Kimchikan , 35-4 Insadong-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea @museumhanmi 4 / 7 Museum Hanmi A must-visit for photography enthusiasts, Museum Hanmi was founded in 2003 with the intention to develop domestic photography and revitalise it as an art form—although its curation has expanded to also include works of new media. A vast collection of more than 20,000 film rolls and prints are housed here, with a cold-storage space in the facility to ensure that vintage photographic prints are well preserved. Museum Hanmi , 45, Samcheong-ro 9-gil, Jongro-gu, Seoul @leeummuseumofart 5 / 7 Leeum Museum of Art Known for being one of the best private museums in South Korea, you'll find two distinct types of art at the Leeum Museum of Art. The first building features a collection of traditional Korean art—including calligraphy, ceramics and metal craftwork—of which 36 pieces are designated national treasures. The second houses modern art from both Korean and international artists, a clear contrast to the museum's traditional counterpart to illustrate the new mediums and styles that contemporary art today is evolving towards. Leeum Museum of Art , 60-16, Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 04348 @artsonje_center 6 / 7 Art Sonje Center Artistic innovation and cultural diversity lies at the heart of Seoul's Art Sonje Center—which focuses on introducing international art to Korean audiences, as well as growing Korean art on a global scale. Situated in Samcheong-dong, a neighborhood filled with buzzy art galleries, cafes and boutiques, the museum is known for its diverse range of arts programs—from exhibitions and performances to screenings and talks. Art Sonje Center , 87 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea @amorepacificmuseum 7 / 7 Amorepacific Museum of Art What started as the private art collection of Amorepacific founder Sungwhan Suh is now the Amorepacific Museum of Art. Located in the architectural wonder that is the new Amorepacific headquarters, the museum houses art both traditional and contemporary—many of which relate to beauty and fashion. In the same building, you'll also find a library dedicated to over 10,000 catalogues of exhibitions worldwide. Amorepacific Museum of Art , 100 Hangang-daero, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
Korea Herald
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Weekend picks: Bojagi, budget bites, rooftop brews
For this week, The Korea Herald offers three spots — a traditional bojagi exhibition, a beloved student malatang joint and a scenic cafe — to enjoy simple pleasures in different forms. Rethinking textiles 'Bojagi, Embracing Daily Life' is the kind of exhibition sparking contemplation on everyday household items, namely the traditional Korean wrapping cloth known as 'bojagi.' The exhibition at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art looks through 98 pieces, brought together by the late Huh Dong-hwa, a Korean collector who dedicated his life to assembling an eclectic textile collection spanning some 5,000 items, which include bojagi and embroidery. The collection from Huh, who gifted them to the museum in May 2018 before passing away the same month, helps rethink textiles, a medium that is both functional and expressive. The section on 'jogakbo,' a type of bojagi made of leftover fabric scraps, demonstrates color balance at its peak that supports the view that sewing is an art rather than a craft. The traditional Korean overcoat, 'durumagi,' stitched together with jogakbo is one example of thread work that could be mistaken for artwork, owing to its bold colors. Also on display is embroidered bojagi, or 'jasu bojagi,' made of cotton or silk with patterns and symbols like birds and trees, representing the beauty of nature and life, a guide explained. Wide applications of bojagi to household items like a box for valuables and 'norigae,' or decorative pendants, shed light on what life looked like in the 19th and 20th centuries, the period most items at the exhibit come from. The free exhibition runs throughout the year every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Mondays. Time-tested malatang Nothing beats a time-tested local favorite. Located near Hanyang University, the restaurant Maku has been a favorite among students for nearly a decade, known for its bold, spicy flavors and budget-friendly prices. The restaurant specializes in "malatang," a spicy, Sichuan-style soup made with mala sauce, as well as mala xiang guo, which literally translates as "spicy stir-fry hot pot." The restaurant also presents a lineup of stir-fried noodles, rice dishes and guo bao rou, crispy sweet-and-sour pork, which are commonly eaten alongside malatang. Maku's student-friendly pricing keeps it accessible, with stir-fried dishes typically costing 6,000 or 7,000 won. Malatang prices start at 6,000 won, with additional charges for added ingredients. Despite its tiny dining space, Maku draws a loyal crowd. Expect to see lines forming out the door during peak hours. While online reservations are not accepted, would-be epicures can join a digital waitlist on site to be notified when a table is ready. Maku is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a break between 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. A brew with a view While delicious coffee and desserts are often the main reasons people choose a cafe, sometimes it is just all about the view. Located on the west side of Seoul near Hapjeong Station, Cafe Blurr offers it all: great coffee, tasty desserts and a breathtaking view that opens up the sky. Just a 10-minute walk from Hapjeong Station — served by Seoul Subway Line Nos. 2 and 6 — this cafe occupies the fourth and fifth floors of a building well known for its panoramic windows with views of the Han River and National Assembly. Through the front windows, you can see the river, the skyline of Yeouido beyond and the iconic National Assembly. In contrast, the rear windows overlook the densely packed urban scenery of the Hapjeong area. The rooftop space on the fifth floor is styled like a cozy campsite, complete with a heater and camping chairs — and it is pet-friendly. Cafe Blurr's signature items include caneles and scones in a variety of flavors such as matcha, caramel, kaya jam and Earl Grey. In addition to a wide selection of coffee options, the menu also features bottled beer, tea and ade. A 10-piece canele gift box option is also available for purchase. Cafe Blurr is open daily from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. siyoungchoi@ yoonseo.3348@ jy@
![[Well-curated] Bojagi, budget bites, rooftop brews](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwimg.heraldcorp.com%2Fnews%2Fcms%2F2025%2F04%2F17%2Fnews-p.v1.20250417.acec97158bb84c09b39ced8a76d752d8_T1.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Korea Herald
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
[Well-curated] Bojagi, budget bites, rooftop brews
For this week, The Korea Herald offers three spots — a traditional bojagi exhibition, a beloved student malatang joint and a scenic cafe — to enjoy simple pleasures in different forms. Rethinking textiles 'Bojagi, Embracing Daily Life' is the kind of exhibition sparking contemplation on everyday household items, namely the traditional Korean wrapping cloth known as 'bojagi.' The exhibition at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art looks through 98 pieces, brought together by the late Huh Dong-hwa, a Korean collector who dedicated his life to assembling an eclectic textile collection spanning some 5,000 items, which include bojagi and embroidery. The collection from Huh, who gifted them to the museum in May 2018 before passing away the same month, helps rethink textiles, a medium that is both functional and expressive. The section on 'jogakbo,' a type of bojagi made of leftover fabric scraps, demonstrates color balance at its peak that supports the view that sewing is an art rather than a craft. The traditional Korean overcoat, 'durumagi,' stitched together with jogakbo is one example of thread work that could be mistaken for artwork, owing to its bold colors. Also on display is embroidered bojagi, or 'jasu bojagi,' made of cotton or silk with patterns and symbols like birds and trees, representing the beauty of nature and life, a guide explained. Wide applications of bojagi to household items like a box for valuables and 'norigae,' or decorative pendants, shed light on what life looked like in the 19th and 20th centuries, the period most items at the exhibit come from. The free exhibition runs throughout the year every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Mondays. Time-tested malatang Nothing beats a time-tested local favorite. Located near Hanyang University, the restaurant Maku has been a favorite among students for nearly a decade, known for its bold, spicy flavors and budget-friendly prices. The restaurant specializes in "malatang," a spicy, Sichuan-style soup made with mala sauce, as well as mala xiang guo, which literally translates as "spicy stir-fry hot pot." The restaurant also presents a lineup of stir-fried noodles, rice dishes and guo bao rou, crispy sweet-and-sour pork, which are commonly eaten alongside malatang. Maku's student-friendly pricing keeps it accessible, with stir-fried dishes typically costing 6,000 or 7,000 won. Malatang prices start at 6,000 won, with additional charges for added ingredients. Despite its tiny dining space, Maku draws a loyal crowd. Expect to see lines forming out the door during peak hours. While online reservations are not accepted, would-be epicures can join a digital waitlist on site to be notified when a table is ready. Maku is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a break between 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. A brew with a view While delicious coffee and desserts are often the main reasons people choose a cafe, sometimes it is just all about the view. Located on the west side of Seoul near Hapjeong Station, Cafe Blurr offers it all: great coffee, tasty desserts and a breathtaking view that opens up the sky. Just a 10-minute walk from Hapjeong Station — served by Seoul Subway Line Nos. 2 and 6 — this cafe occupies the fourth and fifth floors of a building well known for its panoramic windows with views of the Han River and National Assembly. Through the front windows, you can see the river, the skyline of Yeouido beyond and the iconic National Assembly. In contrast, the rear windows overlook the densely packed urban scenery of the Hapjeong area. The rooftop space on the fifth floor is styled like a cozy campsite, complete with a heater and camping chairs — and it is pet-friendly. Cafe Blurr's signature items include caneles and scones in a variety of flavors such as matcha, caramel, kaya jam and Earl Grey. In addition to a wide selection of coffee options, the menu also features bottled beer, tea and ade. A 10-piece canele gift box option is also available for purchase. Cafe Blurr is open daily from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. siyoungchoi@ yoonseo.3348@ jy@
