Home DestinationsAsia Seoul’s Public Art

Seoul’s Public Art

by The Travel Captain

 

I can write ten posts about Seoul with no problem…. and I probably will.  The people of Seoul, the importance of Soju, South Korean street food, the fish markets, the architecture, the temples… the list goes on. Here is a city that has an old soul which is very much reflected in Seoul’s public art. No pun intended. hahaha. you’re not laughing. 🙁

I didn’t know what to expect when I visited.  Yeah, I had done my research and seen some photos, learned of what to visit of course… but you never know how a place is going to make you “feel” until you’ve spent a few hours walking around on its’ streets. Maybe I would see a very controlled atmosphere, a bit like Singapore, with towering buildings, no trash anywhere, a bustling food scene but still lacking in something you can’t quite put your finger on.  Great buildings yes, great food scene yes, but controlled No.

Funk and distinctiveness burst out from every seam, a lot like how my belly looks now after eating pizza and pasta all last week.  And like I said, it’s got a lot of soul.  Take a walk anywhere, even at the demilitarized zone (DMZ) which separates South Korea from its drama filled neighbor North Korea and you’ll see art, even humorous depictions of male and female soldiers telling you where not to walk or what not to do.  Some of Seoul’s street art is comical, some of it is urban, industrial, inspiring, just plain cool.  and I’m not focusing on museums or galleries here at all (that deserves a separate post), just Seoul’s public art scene and free form.  Some of it wasn’t meant to be art, it just is.  There is no pretension here.

Near the Gangnam District

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Do-ho Suh Karma Sculpture near Times Square Mall, Seoul

You can read more about the artist here.  I know its WSJ, don’t kill me.

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More of Seoul’s public art around town

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DMZ border with North Korea

at the DMZ border

at the DMZ border

The area of Hongdae, surrounding area of the University

Hongdae

Hongdae

in the young and arty district of Hongdae. Take Line 2 to Hongdae University Station

in the young and arty district of Hongdae. Take Line 2 to Hongdae University Station

in the young and arty district of Hongdae. Take Line 2 to Hongdae University Station

in the young and arty district of Hongdae. Take Line 2 to Hongdae University Station

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taken from the car

taken from the car

Hangang Park – A must visit

caricature at Hangang Park

caricature at Hangang Park

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2 comments

People of Seoul | The Travel Captain May 2, 2016 - 2:50 pm

[…] are art.  The People of Seoul are art. How they walk, their mannerisms, the clothes they wear, their […]

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See People of Seoul | The Travel Captain March 30, 2016 - 4:19 pm

[…] are art.  The People of Seoul are art. How they walk, their mannerisms, the clothes they wear, their […]

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