If you are fan of BTS, you're likely interested in the artistic and cultural preferences of Kim Namjoon, also known as RM… so stand by, this could be a long one!
RM is known for his appreciation of contemporary art and artists and often visits galleries not only in Seoul, but in various cities during his overseas schedules. Its not just art, that RM has shown an interest in but history and culture also, often reflecting on historical events and their significance. Namjooning is a name coined by his fans for enjoying art, culture and reading...taking a little time out to experience these things. Here are just a few ideas!
The Arario Museum in Space
The Arario Museum in Space is a contemporary art museum in Sogyeok-dong, Seoul. Part of the Arario Gallery, a leading contemporary art gallery in South Korea known for its promotion of emerging and established artists. The building itself is an architectural landmark designed by architect Kim Swoo-geun.
Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA)
SeMA is a contemporary art museum located in the heart of Seoul, near Deoksugung Palace and City Hall. The museum has two main locations: Seosomun Main Building and Nam Seoul Annex. Established in 1988 with the aim of promoting contemporary art and culture in Seoul, the museum has played a significant role in fostering artistic creativity and providing a platform for both Korean and international artists. The museum has permanent collection that includes works by prominent Korean artists from the 20th century to the present day. The Seosomun Main Building of the Seoul Museum of Art is a historic structure. It was originally built as the Seoul Metropolitan Library in 1928 during the Japanese colonial period. The building underwent extensive renovation and restoration before becoming the museum's main exhibition space.
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA)
MMCA is a prominent cultural institution in South Korea dedicated to modern and contemporary art. MMCA Seoul is in the heart of the city, near Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. It is housed in a modern building designed by architect Mihn Hyun-jun, featuring sleek lines and expansive gallery spaces, with a mission to collect, preserve, and exhibit modern and contemporary artworks. Over the years, the museum has expanded its collection and programs, eventually becoming the MMCA with multiple branches across South Korea. The MMCA Seoul's collection encompasses a wide range of modern and contemporary artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photography, video art, installations, and new media. The collection features work by Korean artists as well as international figures, providing a comprehensive overview of modern and contemporary art movements.
Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA)
SeMoCA is a specialized museum dedicated to traditional and contemporary craft art located in the heart of Seoul, in the neighbourhood of Insa-dong. Insa-dong is a cultural district known for its traditional Korean crafts, antique shops, and art galleries. The museum is housed in a modern building designed to showcase craft art in various forms. SeMoCA aims to preserve, promote, and exhibit traditional Korean craft techniques and contemporary craft art practices and serves as a platform for both established and emerging craft artists to showcase their works and engage with the public. Collections include a diverse range of traditional Korean crafts such as pottery, ceramics, lacquerware, metalwork, textiles, and paper art along with contemporary craft art pieces that incorporate traditional techniques in innovative and creative ways. SeMoCA has a gift shop that sells a curated selection of handmade craft items, including ceramics, textiles, jewellery, and other artisanal products created by Korean craft artists which offers visitors the opportunity to purchase unique and high-quality craft souvenirs.
Kukje Gallery
Kukje Gallery is a lesser-known art gallery and one which doesn’t often feature as highly as the national galleries and museums. Renowned for its promotion of Korean and international contemporary artists, Kukje Gallery was established in 1982 by Hyun-Sook Lee as one of the first contemporary art galleries in South Korea. Since its inception, the gallery has played a pivotal role in introducing Korean contemporary art to the international art scene and vice versa. The Kukje Gallery has two main locations in Seoul, one in Samcheong-dong which is the original gallery space and remains an important venue for exhibitions and events, and the second at Gallery K3 in Sogyeok-dong, near Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is a newer addition to the gallery's portfolio, providing additional exhibition space. Both host regular exhibitions featuring works by both emerging and established contemporary artists from Korea and around the world, and showcases a diverse range of artistic practices, including painting, sculpture, installation, photography, video art, and new media. The Gallery represents a roster of acclaimed contemporary artists, including many prominent figures in the Korean art scene such as Lee Ufan, Kimsooja, Haegue Yang, and Do Ho Suh. With its diverse exhibition program, roster of artists, and commitment to artistic innovation, Kukje Gallery continues to shape the landscape of contemporary art in South Korea and beyond.
Horim Museum Sinsa
Another lesser-known museum, the Horim Museum in Sinsa, close to the Gangnam area of the city, and is a private museum that houses a diverse collection of traditional Korean art, ceramics, and antiquities. Known for its extensive collection of traditional Korean art and ceramics, spanning various periods and styles, the museum's collection includes ceramics, paintings, sculptures, calligraphy, textiles, and other artifacts, providing insights into Korea's cultural heritage and artistic traditions. The museum hosts regular exhibitions featuring selections from its permanent collection as well as temporary exhibitions showcasing specific themes, artists, or periods of Korean art history. These exhibitions offer visitors opportunities to appreciate and learn about traditional Korean art and culture, as do the special events, lectures, workshops, and cultural programs aimed at promoting Korean art and culture. The museum has a gift shop that sells a curated selection of traditional Korean crafts, souvenirs, and art-related merchandise. Visitors can purchase unique items inspired by the museum's collection to take home as mementos of their visit. And after all that wandering, check out the café where visitors can relax and enjoy refreshments after exploring the museum's exhibitions. The café offers a selection of beverages, snacks, and light meals in a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
Now I did say this was going to be a long post, so if you are still with me…here are just a few more places you might really like to visit.
PKM Gallery
PKM Gallery is a contemporary art gallery located known for its focus on showcasing cutting-edge contemporary artworks by Korean and international artists. The PKM Gallery can be found in Samcheong-dong in Jongno-gu, in a modern purpose built building. Established in 2001 by Park Kyung-mee, an influential figure in the Korean contemporary art scene, the gallery is dedicated to promoting contemporary art and fostering cultural exchange between Korea and the international art world. Hosting regular exhibitions featuring works by both emerging and established contemporary artists from Korea and around the world, it features painting, sculpture, installation art, photography, video art, and new media; and represents a roster of acclaimed contemporary artists, including many prominent figures in the Korean art scene such as Lee Bul, Kimsooja, Kim Yong-Ik, and Haegue Yang. This is a dynamic and influential contemporary art gallery!
Buk Seoul Museum of Art
A branch of the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA), the Buk Seoul Museum of Art can be found in the Seongbuk-gu district of Seoul. Established as part of the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) to expand the museum's reach and provide additional exhibition space, it has been designed to host various contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events. The building is equipped with gallery spaces, multimedia rooms, an auditorium, and other facilities to accommodate exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and cultural events. Its architecture and interior design create an inviting environment for visitors to explore and engage with the art.
And last but not least…. for now….
Kumho Museum of Art
The Kumho Museum of Art is in the Jongno-gu district of Seoul, near Gyeongbokgung Palace and Insadong. It is housed in a modern building designed to accommodate contemporary art exhibitions and events. The museum was established in 1981 by Kumho Asiana Group, a South Korean conglomerate, with the aim of promoting contemporary art and cultural exchange. Since its beginning, the museum has housed permanent collection including paintings, sculptures, installations, video art, and new media, important in both Korean and international circles. Alongside the curated exhibitions, the museum offers educational programs, workshops, and lectures aimed at promoting art appreciation and cultural understanding. These programs provide opportunities for visitors of all ages to learn more about contemporary art and artists.
I hope that although long, this gives you some great ideas for a little… or a lot… of Namjooning!
Galleries and museums in Seoul are excellent to visit because of the ease of accessibility by public transportation, with several subway stations and bus stops often located nearby. In general they are also wheelchair accessible, ensuring that visitors of all abilities can enjoy the art, artifacts and exhibitions. And don't forget....RM loves his bike and uses it to cycle to these different places. You might like to hire one and do just the same...
