cabtag

National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea

National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea
58-1 Makgye-dong,Kwachon-shi
Kyonggi-do 427-080, Korea
(02) 503-7744 Main Switchboard
(02) 503-8677 Recorded Information

Hours: March - April 1000 - 700
May - August 1000 - 800
September - October 1000 - 700
November - February 1000 - 500
Admission is stopped one hour before closing
M and January 1st and 2nd Closed
Admission: 500 won Adults
200 won Children (under 18)

Museum emphasis: Multicultural collection with an emphasis on Korean works, painting, and sculpture.

Website:http://www.moca.go.kr/english/

Last visit: Jun 97

Last update: 16 Jan 99

entrance
Museum Entrance
Courtesy NMOCA

I found it easy to spend the day at the Seoul MOCA. The museum is off the Seoul Subway but the entrance to the museum is a good 20 minute uphill walk from the station. So be prepared.

The Seoul Contemporary is the largest art museum in Seoul. It's part of an amusement complex including a botanical garden, amusement park and zoo.
garden
Sculpture Garden
Courtesy NMOCA

The building's architecture is deceptively understated and simple. The more I wandered through the floors I found that there was more space than I thought of considering the size of the building and there were many interesting spots to sit, draw or watch the goings on. The building was very comfortable. The grounds of the museum are very well kept featuring several interesting and unusual sculptures on the grounds.
kim
A Song in Praise,
Kim, Heung Jong
Courtesy NMOCA

The collection features both contemporary works from around the world, emphasizing Korean works but with a good mix of artists and styles. I found a lot of pieces which I liked very much. Including a smaller version of the
HONG
90-Bearing Fruit II,
Hong, Suk Chang
Courtesy NMOCA
"Hammering Man" featured at the Seattle Art Museum. I liked the selection of pieces from the permanent collection. However, I would have liked to see a quicker rotation of works. On my three visits to the museum over a year and a half the same pieces were on display except for the one gallery for exhibitions.

As with most of the attractions in Korea, admission was a bargain at 500 won ($0.40!) Prices in the museum shop were about what you would expect for a museum but there was a large and diverse selection of items.
kim
Ceremony for Life,
Kim, Keun Joong
Courtesy NMOCA

The Seoul Contemporary was one of my favorite places to visit in Korea. The artwork, building and staff made every visit enjoyable and I would encourage everyone to take the time to see it.

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