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Category: Design & Culture

  • Seoul, A Walk Through Art: 10 Charming Galleries & Museums

    Seoul, A Walk Through Art: 10 Charming Galleries & Museums

    Top 10 Must-Visit Art Spaces in Seoul

    I always enjoy exploring the galleries and museums of a city whenever I travel abroad. While famous and massive collections are, of course, magnificent, I find a unique fascination in distinctive local collections that truly embody the neighborhood’s atmosphere and spirit. Even in the immense city of Seoul, I seek out those quiet, deep spaces. I am willing to endure the inconvenience of public transport for the thrill of discovering a quiet local artist all on my own, a true joy of travel. Laying aside my familiarity as a Seoul citizen, visiting these 10 museums gave me, too, profound inspiration, as if I were traveling in an unfamiliar city.

     Art in Nature

    Breaking away from the bustling city center, the museums nestled in the foothills of Bugaksan and Inwangsan Mountains in Jongno are spaces where art and nature perfectly harmonize. Here, you can wander between traditional hanok and modern architecture, enjoying a moment of contemplation.

    First, there is the Seokpajeong Seoul Museum of Art, where the modern art building meets the traditional villa of Heungseon Daewongun. Visitors can experience the structure of a traditional hanok and the elegant culture (pungnyu) of Joseon-era literati, while also enjoying seasonal photography exhibitions at the adjacent Seokpajeong Museum.

    Furthermore, the Seoul Museum of Art Archive (SeMA Archive) is situated in Pyeongchang-dong, an affluent village and tranquil, relaxed neighborhood offering a welcome escape from the complexity of central Seoul. Surrounded by mountains, it carefully records and researches the history of Korean contemporary art as if it were a secret library. All in all, this cluster offers an art experience steeped in history, authority, and introspection, providing a distinctly different atmosphere not found in other city museums.

    Institution Location and Key Features
    Seoul Museum of Art Archive (SeMA Archive) ↗Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno-gu. A specialized space for the Seoul Museum of Art’s art archive. Focuses on exhibitions and programs centered on research, preservation, and documentation.
    Seokpajeong (Seoul Museum of Art Annex) ↗Buam-dong, Jongno-gu. A unique cultural complex combining the traditional garden, which was the royal villa of Heungseon Daewongun in the Joseon Dynasty, with a contemporary art museum.
    Zaha Museum ↗Buam-dong, Jongno-gu. A nature-friendly space located on the slopes of Inwangsan Mountain. Primarily holds experimental and fresh exhibitions by contemporary Korean artists.
    Whanki Museum ↗Buam-dong, Jongno-gu. A private museum collecting and exhibiting the works of Korean abstract art master, Kim Whanki. The architecture itself is renowned for its beauty.
    National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul (MMCA) ↗Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu. The representative art museum of South Korea, located near Gyeongbokgung/Jongmyo. Features diverse exhibitions and collections of modern and contemporary art from home and abroad.
    Arario Gallery Seoul ↗Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu. Located near MMCA, it showcases trendy and contemporary domestic and international artists.
    SeMA, Seoul Museum of Art Archive

    Intersection of Trend and History

    The galleries in Gangnam, Seongsu-dong, and the Southern Seoul area capture the vibrant energy and trends of the city.

    First, Shinsegae Gallery in Cheongdam luxury street presents exhibitions where fashion intersects with design. Moving on, The Page Gallery in trendy Seongsu-dong showcases masterpieces and special exhibitions of contemporary art from home and abroad.

    Although situated slightly outside this immediate area, I must introduce this next place: Nam-Seoul Museum of Art. Specifically, this museum uses the original 1905 Belgian Consulate building and offers a unique experience where the historic architectural space itself becomes the art, thereby providing diverse perspectives that encompass both the past and present of contemporary art.

    Institution Location and Key Features
    Shinsegae Gallery Cheongdam ↗Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu. Located in the luxury shopping area. Features trendy exhibitions on fashion, design, and contemporary art.
    Daelim Changgo ↗Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu. An iconic location in Seongsu-dong, utilizing an old factory building for exhibitions and a unique café atmosphere.
    The Page Gallery ↗Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu (near Seoul Forest). Primarily deals with special exhibitions and masterpieces by contemporary domestic and international artists, functioning as a commercial gallery.
    Nam-Seoul Museum of Art ↗Namhyeon-dong, Gwanak-gu. Utilizes the historic 1905 Belgian Consulate building. The architecture itself is a sight to see, hosting various planned exhibitions.
    Shinsegae Gallery
    Nam-Seoul Museum of Art
    Kwon Jin Kyu Forever Home
    Permanent Exhibitions

    Seoul is vast, but the galleries and museums within it quietly preserve their regional characteristics and history. Just as we explore unfamiliar alleys and discover new local shops while traveling, a museum tour in Seoul is therefore a journey to understand the city’s deep sensibility. Ultimately, I hope the 10 museums introduced today can become your ‘nearby destination abroad.’ I am already looking forward to which neighborhood, and which small gallery, will be waiting for me on my next tour.

    Therefore, I encourage you to open your map, and journey through Seoul to find the traces of local artists that match your own taste. If you need a guide for your museum tour, refer to the Jongno-gu gallery list below and start creating your own art map!

    https://maps.app.goo.gl/t5HLZVAb2iRm8mt36

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  • The Endless Banchan: How Many Side Dishes Truly Make a Korean Table?

    The Endless Banchan: How Many Side Dishes Truly Make a Korean Table?

    The Legacy of the Banchan Battle: My Mother’s Generation

    In my mother’s generation, preparing new Banchan (side dishes) for three meals a day was the norm. If not freshly made, there was always a backup of staple, long-lasting Banchan neatly waiting in the fridge. The main dish changed daily, depending on the season or a special occasion.

    My favorites were always Mom’s homemade Tonkatsu, where she meticulously grated the breadcrumbs herself before frying, and grilled fish like Gulbi. Her Gyeran-mari (rolled omelet) was never simple; she always diced vegetables and cheese to make it colorful and vibrant.I realize now that even seemingly simple side dishes required significant effort in the process and ingredients. Indeed, it took me years to truly understand the immense devotion behind it all. I am deeply regretful for the times I was picky about banchan—what we call ‘Banchan-tujeong’…

    Egg rolls and soy-glazed black beans were staple side dishes — both served as my go-to sources of protein.

    My Modern, Minimalist Korean Table

    Today, I choose to let go of the rigid expectations for my own meals. I no longer feel the need for a mandatory soup or obligatory kimchi, unlike many who still consider these essential. While my mother diligently prepared lavish meals (and even had to pack lunch and dinner for my school days—but let’s save the Dosirak story for later!), my approach is different. Although the count of dishes on my table is humble, I focus on making each plate generous and visually appealing. This is my way of ensuring a balance of the five major nutrients. That should be enough, shouldn’t it?

    Tradition: Banchan Count as a Symbol of Status

    In Korea, a meal is centered around rice (bap), accompanied by soup or stew, and basic side dishes like Kimchi or Jangajji (pickles). Historically, the number of side dishes served, known as ‘Cheop’ (첩), signified a family’s wealth and social status.

    • 3-Cheop: The table setting of commoners.
    • 5, 7, or 9-Cheop: The number increased according to social standing.

    12-Cheop: Reserved exclusively for the royal court, symbolizing the ultimate power and hierarchy of the monarchy.

    Understanding the 5-Cheop Bansang (오첩반상)

    The 5-Cheop Bansang was a table setting used by affluent Banga (noble families). Above all, it was crucial that the five side dishes were diverse in ingredients and cooking methods, ensuring harmony with the rice.

    This traditional format includes:

    • Rice (Bap)
    • Soup/Stew (Guk or Jjigae)
    • Kimchi (essential)
    • Five Side Dishes (e.g., seasoned vegetables, grilled, braised, battered/fried, and preserved banchan).

    Aesthetics also played a major role. Dishes like Samsek-namul (three-color seasoned vegetables – spinach, bellflower root, bracken) were important for their contrasting colors. Even simple Korean pancakes (Jeon) were garnished with red chili or mugwort to brighten the plate. The overall goal was a colorful harmony: the clean white rice, the clear soup, and the vivid reds, greens, and yellows of the various Banchan.

    Therefore, it is because I am theoretically aware of this tradition that I cannot help but cheer like a king when I occasionally visit a Korean full-course restaurant and see a table so overloaded with dishes that the legs of the table threaten to snap. Even if at home, my own meals rarely reach the 3-Cheop mark…

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  • Doljabi: The Korean First Birthday Ritual of Fortune

    Doljabi: The Korean First Birthday Ritual of Fortune

    Doljabi is more than just a game; it is a profound Korean first birthday ritual.

    Doljabi is more than just a game; it is, in fact, a profound Korean first birthday ritual. In old Korea, the survival rate of infants was low. Therefore, making it to the first birthday (Dol) was a massive achievement—a true milestone that called for a huge celebration. Furthermore, this tradition wasn’t just about sharing cake; it was a powerful ritual to celebrate survival, announce the child’s triumph over past difficulties, and pray for their future health and destiny.

    Typically, parents prepare gifts… They want the cookies to evoke pleasant memories of the day.

    The Heart of the Party: Doljabi

    The best part of the whole celebration is definitely the ‘Doljabi.’ I know, the idea of a tiny hand picking their life path sounds super intense, right? But here’s the secret: Doljabi was never about sealing their fate. It was a super heartfelt wish from the whole family. They’d put out cool stuff symbolizing long life, smarts, wealth, and all-around happiness, and just watch and hope the baby would touch one. It wasn’t about the result; it was totally about the good vibes and deep love they were sending out.

    What Happens During Doljabi

    At a Doljabi, a few special items are laid out on a table, and the baby gets to grab one—no help allowed!
    Each item has its own meaning: a brush might symbolize a scholar, money means wealth, and thread stands for a long, healthy life.
    Traditionally, people believed that whatever the baby chose could hint at their future path.

    *Doljanchi & Doljabi

    Creating a leaflet explaining each item used in the Doljabi ceremony.

    How Doljabi Items Have Changed Over Time

    The stuff on the Doljabi table has changed with the times, showing what people valued most. Here’s a quick peek at the symbols:

    EraMain Doljabi ItemsWhat They’re Wishing For
    Past (Farming Days)Rice, Noodles, Raw Silk ThreadWealth, full bellies, and a super long, healthy life
    Past (Elite Class)Brush, Book, InkstickBecoming a top scholar, getting a high-ranking job, being smart
    Modern DayMicrophone, Stethoscope, Gavel, MouseMaybe a star, a doctor, a lawyer, or a tech genius!

    Remember, it’s not about the stuff itself. It’s totally about the massive hopes the parents have! Like, grabbing the raw silk thread isn’t just holding yarn; it means saying, “Live a long, long, healthy life!” Touching the money or rice? That’s just wishing they’ll be comfortable and never go hungry.

    The True Value: A Random Pick, an Endless Wish

    These days, Doljabi is a super fun, picture-perfect moment for families.
    Sure, parents still grin when the baby grabs a judge’s gavel or a stethoscope—but the meaning is much more relaxed now. Doljabi isn’t some serious, fate-determining moment anymore. It’s a beautiful tradition that reflects a family’s deep love and support. It celebrates the baby’s health and happiness—whatever path they choose later. No matter what the baby grabs, the parents’ message is always the same:

    “Whatever life you choose, we’ve totally got your back.”

    And that’s exactly why this timeless Korean tradition continues to warm hearts today.

    So… What Did I Pick?

    I know, it sounds like a cliché ending—but yes, I picked up a brush!
    My parents might have secretly hoped I’d go for money or books instead, but… well, here we are.
    Turns out, I actually ended up in a career where I hold a brush (well, a stylus now)—so maybe there’s some truth to it after all!

    Image Note _ A thankful treat for our special guests! I baked handmade cookies, perfectly replicating the symbolic Doljabi items on the table.

    ☻ https://www.behance.net/gallery/160038231/DOL-DOLJABI

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  • National Museum of Korea UX Yeobaek | Design & Slow UX

    National Museum of Korea UX Yeobaek | Design & Slow UX

    This is my favorite space in Seoul—a place that continuously gives without demanding anything in return. It’s where I find inspiration, tranquility, and deep comfort amidst the echoes of the past. Let me begin my story about the National Museum of Korea.

    1. The Design Solution to Overcoming ‘Scale Pressure’

    As the largest museum in South Korea and one of the top five worldwide in terms of annual visitors, the museum houses an immense collection of approximately 400,000 artifacts. Even after multiple visits, one cannot claim to have seen it all. I deeply sympathize with tourists who often rush through massive museums abroad in just a few hours, ending up with nothing but visitor fatigue. This platform is vast and poses a real risk of Information Overload for visitors. Yet, I dare to suggest: “Don’t try to conquer this giant space. Don’t rush to absorb the long history of Korea in one breath. Instead, enjoy it freely and leisurely, even if you only focus on one era or one artifact.” This is the ‘Slow UX’ experience that the museum subtly offers as an unspoken message.

    2. The Aesthetics of Yeobaek: Unforced ‘Visitor Flow UX’

    The most exceptional aspect of this museum is its commitment to the Korean aesthetic concept of Yeobaek (The Beauty of Empty Space) in its spatial utilization. The design never compels the visitor’s focus; rather, it expertly orchestrates a rhythm of intense focus followed by rest within the empty spaces.

    It is this Yeobaek that enables the free-flowing ‘Zoom In/Zoom Out’ viewing experience:

    A tiny fragment of a greater whole.
    Step closer, and you’ll find intriguing moments hidden in the details.
    Stories the big picture can’t show from afar.
    • Zoom Out (Macro View): The wide halls and pathways expand the sightline, allowing visitors to survey the overall arrangement of the artifacts and the spatial structure. This acts like a ‘Pause’ button for immediate rest.
    • Zoom In (Micro View): It provides the opportunity to set aside detailed explanations for a moment and quietly, deeply observe the artifact’s texture, color, and the static environment surrounding it. This unforced spatial experience makes me eager to return again and again.
    Modest, practical, and quietly witty.

    3. Immersive Gateway Design: Connecting Digital and Past

    The Immersive Digital Gallery is a creative stage production that bridges the past and present. While historical stories might be grand, the artifacts themselves can appear simple in material and texture by modern standards. However, the digital presentation gently encourages our imagination.The digital elements do not compel you to read information glaringly. Instead, they capture the four seasons or the shifting time of a specific historical site, reproducing the past with familiar landscapes to richly satisfy the five senses. This maximization of visual presence is an excellent example of Immersive Experience Design that allows visitors to briefly walk through and observe that era, fostering empathy for our ancestors’ lives through a warm connection to our heritage.

    Here, digital media plays only a supporting role — it gently inspires imagination rather than leading the scene.

    4. Seamless Integration with Nature: Urban Solace

    After fully experiencing the indoor exhibits, it’s time to step outside. Ascending the stairs reveals a striking ‘Top View’ of Namsan, framed by a wide, open vista. You can catch your breath at the outdoor cafe, looking out over the expansive lawn and the goldfish in the pond. This design, which allows visitors to enjoy nature and gain psychological solace right in the heart of the city, is truly magnificent. If the resting spaces are crowded, don’t worry. The surrounding neighborhood of Ichon-dong is filled with stylish and delicious restaurants and cafes. The museum experience naturally extends into the local community’s delights.

    5. Experience Expansion: Selectable Add-on Modules

    The National Museum of Korea is more than just a history museum; it functions as a Cultural Platform. If your energy permits, you can broaden your experience through various ‘Add-on Modules’ like the nearby Children’s Museum or the National Hangeul Museum. The frequent special exhibitions featuring neighboring Asian countries also offer a fascinating opportunity to compare the similarities and differences within Asian cultures, thus expanding your cultural perspective.

    My little secret place.
    A window seat with a view of the wide courtyard — perfect for reading and daydreaming. Come and find it.

    6. The Noble Mission of the Donors

    This space is also a precious place where the contributions of many donors and patrons are recorded and displayed. I was quite surprised to find that a dedicated wing is filled with gifted artifacts. What kind of noble mission drives someone to painstakingly collect, preserve, and then donate these treasures? I applaud this profound gesture and convey my sincere gratitude.

    Practical Tips for Visiting the National Museum of Korea

    To help you maximize your visit to this magnificent Seoul landmark, here are a few practical tips:

    • Take Advantage of the English Guided Tour
    • Check the Night Schedule: For a more relaxed experience, note that the museum extends its hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays (usually until 9:00 PM). A sunset walk around the beautiful Mirror Pond and pagoda in the outdoor exhibition area is highly recommended.
    • Free Admission to Permanent Exhibits: The National Museum of Korea offers free admission to its permanent exhibitions, making it one of the best value cultural experiences in Seoul. (Note: Special exhibitions are typically ticketed.)

    For all details and references, please check the museum’s official website. ↗

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  • Breaking the Old Rule: Time and Place Decide Food

    Breaking the Old Rule: Time and Place Decide Food

    My Unspoken Soul Food: Naengmyeon Never Made the Cut

    When I was little, I was a picky eater. If something smelled too strong or looked weird—nope, I wouldn’t touch it.

    Special occasions always had a predictable menu: Chinese food, pizza, Korean BBQ, or a buffet. The birthday person just picked one from that “holy list.”

    Whenever I think of those foods, the whole atmosphere of that time comes back to me—even though, honestly, none of them were really my favorites.

    As a kid, I once said I’d marry the owner of a cold noodle shop. That’s how much I loved naengmyeon (Korean cold noodles). But it never made the cut for family celebrations.

    Shattering the Rules: The Corporate Lunch That Redefined Special Occasion Food

    Since Korean graduations are in December, school starts in March, and my birthday is in winter, even if I’d chosen it, my family probably would have vetoed the idea. It wasn’t that my parents ignored my preferences—it was just that naengmyeon was strictly considered a “summer food.”

    It’s like how people eat galbitang (beef soup) at weddings or yukgaejang (spicy beef soup) at funerals—we had our own family “rules” about food and timing.

    Naengmyeon: My soul food, but bound by the summer rule.

    Then, something funny happened. After decades of following those rules, I completely broke them.

    It was during my corporate life. After a long meeting with software engineers, we all went to a restaurant famous for sundaeguk (Korean blood sausage soup). I had never tried it before—honestly, I had always found it kind of… intimidating. But I told myself, “This is what grown-ups do,” and just went along.

    Wow. That first spoonful changed everything. The broth was rich and deep, the chewy sundae and garlic chives mixed perfectly, and the combo with rice and kimchi? Unreal. I was shocked—and a little upset that I’d wasted thirty years of my life not knowing this taste.

    Maybe my taste buds had matured—or maybe I’d just officially become an “ajeossihttps://www.90daykorean.com/korean-honorifics/“ (a middle-aged Korean guy who loves hearty soups). After all, sundaeguk and other hearty soups are stereotypically known as “hangover food for older men.”

    But now, I eat it on my birthday and even on Christmas. The funny thing is, I don’t eat it that often otherwise—it’s a bit too rich for everyday meals.

    Korean Office Worker Lunch Menu

    So, what do other office workers in Korea eat for lunch?

    Top 5 Lunch Menus for Korean Office Workers:

    • Korean set meals (baekban) — rice with several side dishes
    • Kimchi stew or soybean paste stew
    • Spicy stir-fried pork (jeyuk bokkeum)
    • Pork cutlet (donkatsu)
    • Noodle dishes (cold noodles, udon, pho, etc.)

    Other popular choices include gimbap, bibimbap, simple snacks, fast food, or Japanese and Chinese dishes.

    Sadly, sundaeguk didn’t make the list. It was a bit disappointing, sure—but I guess most people opt for lighter, more “office-friendly” meals.

    Still, I’ll keep saving sundaeguk for special days. Because for me, it’s more than just a dish—it’s the taste of breaking my own rules.

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