The last time we walked to the Seoul National Museum, I planned to visit more than once, so that the last few rooms could be studied carefully.
And this time I will go there, packed with energy snacks, so the strength will be enough to cross the finish line! And today I will introduce you to another museum, which is practically in the center of the old city of Seoul.
Visiting this or that museum in Korea, I was amazed that there were always Koreans among the visitors. I have not seen many things in the country that are very interested in museums from the local side. Not including art galleries or museums. In places like that people in the city are more likely to meet than tourists. But this, perhaps, depends more on each other's personal preferences, than on the place of residence.
The museum is located in Seoul and the entrance is free. In addition to temporary special exhibits, which often take place in museums. On weekdays, you can tour the museum from 9am to 8pm, and on weekends from 9am to 7pm. However, from November to February, working hours on weekends end one hour earlier, which is 6 pm. Every Monday, the door to the museum is closed.
See the Hanyang map
Museum project development began in 1985, and only in 1993 the construction was completed. Initially, the museum was called the "Seoul Museum", and in 2001, when the museum director was appointed by John Lee Hwi, the museum was given its current name.
If you look at the symbol of the museum, at first glance it appears that these are just a few numbers, such as triangles, circles, and squares. But in reality, this simple symbol has a very deep meaning.
A statue in the form of a triangle means Korean letters 'ㅅ' or 'C' Russian, and is associated with mountains that surround the city. Circle means 4 gates to the city (North, South, West and East). And the square is the Khan River, which flows in the city. The line that connects all these signs means the history of the city. And still, in the form of all these signs resemble two words Korea in Korea, namely Seoul, and a museum in English. The red color expresses Seoul as the capital of acoustic culture, where modern and traditional cultures are combined harmoniously.
Before entering the museum there is a fountain with an old map of Seoul. And the historical value and joy of children in the summer.
City map (only when I turned upside down)
This museum only has 4 floors.
On the ground floor there is a large information center where you can get audio guides and all the information needed in the museum. There is also a luggage room, classrooms where lectures and seminars are often held. And there is also a children's training room, where the youngest children in the form of games get acquainted with the culture and history of their city.
In addition, there are also historical archives, which contain various books, documents, manuscripts and all that can tell about the city of Seoul. And that's not all. On the same floor there is a hall with temporary exhibitions. Now there is a "Swedish" exhibition for children, so I'm not allowed to go there. Reminds me again of my age. Uh!
We climbed higher, passing the 2nd floor, because it was devoted to learning. Here there are spectators and special conference rooms, where films, reports and so on are displayed.
Presentation of various events at the royal palace
The third floor of the museum is divided into 5 zones: Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty (XIV-XX century), Korean Empire (XX century), Seoul during the Japanese occupation, Seoul Development, and theater, which I call space, where glass floors, and the bottom is imitation from all of Seoul on a 1/1500 scale.
Seoul during Japanese annexation
The development of Seoul from the mid-twentieth century
The fourth floor of the museum is a product information bridge for the city of Hanyang (formerly called Seoul), where various elements of Korean culture are exhibited. There is also a desk with a built-in monitor, where you can read about Seoul. By the way, throughout the museum stands a monitor, which in comic form depicts Seoul's history.
Walls with posters of all temporary exhibitions and events taking place in the museum
What I like about Korean museums is the corner for children. Although maybe not only for children, because I often spend more time in these gaps than in the whole museum. For example, here you can try your own paper to make Korean Hanbok national costumes, or in the form of a game, to complement your knowledge of history.
Make hanbok from paper
And I also like how Koreans are able to present their culture and history interactively. I saw this big table, where the royal palace and reception passed it's suitable.
Mini-exposure cafe
A large pavilion is right in the museum
Calligraphy Department (straight uncle as life)
But here before seeing the atelier. And the studio is two stories, if you pay attention. And this is 1: 1 size. Although, I would not be surprised if such a small atelier still exists.
And still, the museum reinvented Korean apartments in the 20th century.
From the museum you can go to the smallest royal palace in Seoul - in Kyonghweong. But I will no longer bother you today, I will leave this road next time.