Let’s talk about Daelim Museum in Seoul, South Korea: a museum with interesting exhibitions from inspiring artists who make their art come to life in the rooms of the museum. The current exhibition, “Serious Fun” by Jaime Hayon, is, as the title suggests, a very playful exhibition that makes it an interesting stop for adults and children both.
You can find Daelim Museum to the left of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, right in the middle of Seochon Hanok village in Tongui-dong. Its vision is to function as a museum where the everyday becomes art, hence the quote “Daelim Museum leads a ‘Lifestyle’ with art”.
Their exhibitions express that vision by suggesting new types of lifestyle, encouraging the public to enjoy art within everyday life and by bringing new value and interest to objects that surround them.
The building, designed by architect Vincent Cornu, is perfect for exhibitions like this: it has many uniquely shaped rooms providing open space the art can play with and the architect used traditional Korean textile patterns as inspiration for the stained-glass windows. From the balcony on the 4th floor, you can see Mount Bukhansan and Mount Ingwansan.
A very good mix of modern and traditional that makes the building an artwork of its own while respecting Korean culture and the landscape of the city of Seoul.
Daelim Museum’s vision is also clearly visible in the Serious Fun exhibition by Jaime Hayon that can be seen from April 27 until December 29, 2019. As the title of the exhibition suggests, it is a very playful exhibition where you feel like you’re transported to a magical world where everything is bigger than you.
You become Alice in Wonderland in front of a big white chair with minimal use of color in the room, or Ron Weasley when entering a room with large chess pieces surrounded by mirrors. Jaime Hayon uses design, furniture, sculpture, sketches, and large-scale installations to share his unique and intriguing perspective of the world.
To quote from the introduction of the exhibition: “In Jaime Hayon’s world, the objects have souls and forevermore speak to us through their own visual language. Through them, we are reminded of imaginary friends from childhood who once kept our side and spoke to our inner soul. Growing up and being submerged in reality perhaps we have forgotten our soul mates and inevitably neglected their stories. “Jaime Hayon: Serious Fun” recalls our imaginary friend, who has long waited to be remembered, and rekindles fantasy in our daily lives in bringing happiness and joy.”
I enjoyed my visit to this museum very much and if the next exhibitions are as interesting as this one, then I definitely recommend a visit. And that’s something, coming from someone who doesn’t go to museums often. The current exhibition is almost over (you can still make it!) but stay tuned for the next one as it is bound to be interesting as well.
You can combine a visit to Daelim Museum with a visit to Seochon Hanok Village. This Hanok Village, on the left side of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, is not as extensive as Bukchon Hanok Village, but it is far less crowded and also offers historical houses, traditional Korean tea houses and museums.
When exploring the narrow streets you come across many more museums, traditional houses and art galleries you can visit. Keep in mind that many museums and galleries, like Daelim Museum, are closed on Mondays. Find out more about things to do in Seoul in my Seoul 7 Days Itinerary.
Opening hours: Thursday and Saturday: 10:00 – 20:00; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday: 10:00 – 19:00. Daelim Museum on Google Maps. You can find more information on the current exhibition on the website of Daelim Museum, Seoul.
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