Incheon(Jung-gu) , Incheon Center

Discover the Incheon Art Platform: A Hub of Ever-Evolving Art and Culture Introduction to Incheon Art Platform When planning a trip to Incheon, South Korea, a must-visit destination is the Incheon Art Platform. Opened in September 2009, this vibrant cultural and artistic space was created as part of Incheon’s old downtown regeneration project. It offers a unique blend of history and modern creativity, making it a perfect spot for art enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike. A Historical and Modern Fusion Incheon Art Platform is situated in Haean-dong, an area known for its well-preserved architectural heritage. The complex comprises 13 buildings that were originally constructed in the 1930s and 1940s. These buildings have been thoughtfully remodeled to retain their historical charm while being repurposed into studios, galleries, performance halls, and other cultural facilities. This transformation has created a space where the past and present coexist harmoniously, providing visitors with a rich cultural experience. Facilities and Attractions The Incheon Art Platform is more than just a collection of buildings; it is a comprehensive cultural ecosystem designed to support and promote the arts. The facilities include: - Building A (Training Center): Home to the Incheon Foundation for Arts & Culture Life Culture Center. - Building B (Exhibition Hall): Features an exhibition hall and storage rooms. - Building C (Performance Hall): Equipped with a performance hall, practice rooms, and waiting areas. - Building D (Archive): Contains material rooms, a media lab, and spaces for facility management and policy research. - Buildings E1-E3 (Studios): Provide 22 studios, resting rooms, media labs, and workspaces for artists. - Building F (Guesthouse): Offers guestrooms, a laundry room, and rest areas. - Building G1 (Small Gallery): Used for exhibitions. - Building G2 (Platform Lounge): A research and meeting area for registered workers and a participation area for citizens. - Building G3 (IAP Promotional Hall) - Building H (Community Hall): Includes a café, community hall, and life culture center. Cultural Activities The platform hosts a variety of activities that cater to both artists and the public. It operates artist residency programs, and organizes exhibitions, performances, and educational programs that encourage community participation. This makes the Incheon Art Platform not only a place for artistic creation but also a space for cultural exchange and community engagement. Nearby Attractions In addition to the art platform, the surrounding area offers several other attractions: - Incheon Chinatown: A vibrant area where you can explore unique architecture and enjoy delicious Chinese cuisine. - Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village: A whimsical village decorated with fairy tale-themed murals and sculptures, perfect for families and children. - Wolmido Island: Known for its amusement park, scenic views, and seafood restaurants, it’s a great place to relax and have fun.  Visitor Information - Address: 11-5 Haean-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon - Hours: 09:00 - 21:30 - Admission: Free (Some special programs and performances may have fees) - Parking: Not available - Directions: From Incheon Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 1. Take Bus 15 or 28 and get off at Jung-gu Office. The Incheon Art Platform is a dynamic space where historical architecture meets contemporary art, offering a rich and engaging experience for all visitors. Whether you are an art lover or simply looking to explore Incheon’s cultural heritage, this platform is an essential stop on your itinerary.


Seoul(Seocho-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

The Seoul Arts Center is the representative art complex of Korea. It is comprised of the Opera House, the Concert Hall, the Art Gallery, the Art Morgue, the Calligraphy Hall and the Performance Theater which is exclusively for plays. You can enjoy various performances and exhibitions at this one site.One of the prominent aspects of the Seoul Arts Center is that it was built to the quality of the world's ten best art centers. The Opera House that stands in the middle of the complex, represents the Gat - a traditional Korean hat made of bamboo. You will notice that the roof of the building is the shape of the Gat. Since it is the only place in the world that has a well-preserved collection of written Chinese Characters, the Calligraphy Hall is a nice place for foreigners to visit. You can watch movies and videos at the Art Morgue.The plot of this complex is approximately 276,800 square yards. Even if you do not enter the buildings of the complex, you will be surprised at the facilities. The outdoor space is fit for the citizens of Seoul and tourists to rest and relax. Behind the complex you will see the mountains. Follow the trail up the mountains and you will reach Daesungsa Temple, a Buddhist temple in the mountains.The Seoul Arts Center is famous for its free, relaxing outdoor space. At the 'Jangteo' (meaning 'market') there are many events and shows. There is an outdoor theater, which has a half-moon shaped stage along with a square where many performances are held. You can also rest by Umyeonji, the Korean-style pond. You can find further information about the Seoul Art Center, the programs and events held there, on its online English homepage.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

In 2013, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea opened a new branch in Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu at the former site of the Defense Security Command. The announcement for the construction of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul (MMCA Seoul) came out in 2009, and the architecture for the museum was selected through idea proposals and an architectural design competition in 2010. What makes the Seoul branch different from the others is that it introduced Korea’s traditional architectural concept of ‘madang’, which is a spacious courtyard where people can come in and gather together to socialize. MMCA Seoul's building is also designed to harmonize with the surrounding nature around the city.Equipped with facilities including a reference center, a project gallery theater and a multipurpose hall, MMCA Seoul strives to accommodate every mode of new artistic endeavor and to communicate with the public. The site is where Korea’s historical and political developments were achieved. Most of the old buildings are gone but a few still remains to remind people of its significant role.MMCA Seoul was inaugurated on November 12, 2013


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Eden Pottery specializes in Korean pottery from celadon to white porcelains. The shop is full of superb Korean pottery in its gallery-like atmosphere. Customers will be exposed to the rich history of Korean pottery and its diverse types. Products are made by experienced craftsmen.


Seoul(Songpa-gu) , Jamsil(Lotte World)

Operated by Byeokje Galbi restaurant, Bongpiyang (Bangi Branch) is the main store, featuring Pyeongyang-style naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) and dwaejigalbi (pork ribs). In particular, the combinations of deep meat broth and high-purity buckwheat noodles give a great taste.  


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

Mucha is a premium jewelry company owned and operated by Kim Jeong Ju, a renowned gemologist, jewelry designer and jewelry coordinator. The store carries fine jewelry under three brands - Mucha, Kiss by Mucha, and Mucha Arno, and offers custom-design services as well. Meanwhile, Mucha jewelry has been worn by many celebrities, and featured in many Korean dramas.


Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

Suwon Bus Terminal, located in Gwonseon-dong, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, offers pleasant facilities, mart, wedding hall, convenient facility, resting area that helps visitors enjoy their travel, shopping, and culture alike.


Seoul(Mapo-gu) , Hongik-University-Area

Slobbie is a place for those urbanites who are seeking “slow” food and a "slow" lifestyle that are part of the Slow Food Movement. This eco-friendly organic restaurant directly sources its food ingredients from local producers and uses healthy, wholesome and MSG-free cooking techniques to produce fresh dishes, draft rice wine, homemade deserts and traditional tea. Slobbie also houses an Eco Shop selling eco-friendly items; All Right Table, a cooking class; and Work Room with Kitchen, which hosts open kitchen sessions. The restaurant also publishes "Slobbie Life," a bi-monthly magazine. During the last week of every month, Slobbie holds its "Together Day," where small and medium-sized shops hold a collective campaign under diverse themes. Subsribe to the restaurant's "Eating Proper Meals" program, and you’ll get a coupon with a 10% discount covering 10 to 15 meals.    


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

The Itaewon Antique Furniture Street was formed in the 1960s when North American soliders stationed in Yongsan sold their furniture before returning back to the States. Over the years, the area has grown into a major furniture street where shoppers can find pieces from all over the world. Along with furniture, there is a large selection of wall clocks, tea sets, and interior design items that are not readily available elsewhere.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

Bongeunsa Temple, located on Sudosan Mountain in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, offers a 2-day, 1-night temple stay program designed to provide urbanites with an opportunity to take a break from their busy routines and meditate on Buddhist teachings. Every Thursday, the temple also holds ‘Thursday Temple Life’ for foreign visitors only. The temple has a volunteer group to help and accommodate the needs of foreigners attending the program.