Galleries Visit in Insadong, Seoul

Most people go to Seoul for shopping and the great Korean cuisine. I am not gonna lie that I wasn't one of them ( who could resist the Korean foodporn ) but I also took sometime to look at the local galleries in Insadong-gil, a neighbourhood contains traditional and modern atmosphere (also a great spot for souvenir shopping). It was once the largest markets for antiques and artworks and has been the center of culture and art from the Joseon Dynasty period.

For those who want to take a glimpse at the Korean artworks during a short trip, this is a perfect place to visit. A lot of the galleries are hidden on the upper floor of buildings so keep your eyes open!

Insadong Street view

Not many of you might know that Korean artists and artworks have become prominent and in the international market and art fairs. You could also spot some impressive large-scale sculpture across the cities. No doubts this is a vibrant city full of talents and artistic vibes. Below are some of the artworks I admire and would like to share with you all:

Forgot the name of this small Gallery I visited. The exhibition title: Raumarbeiten ( means "Work space" in German) featured 3 German artists. I found the works from Michel Lamoller are quite intriguing. It's interesting to look closer at his works and exam how a person is immersed into the backdrop.  

Tautochronos #14. 2014 by Michel Lamoller (Archival pigment print 50x75 cm)

Tautochronos #11. 2014 by Michel Lamoller (Archival pigment print 50x75 cm)

" Raumarbeiten " exhibition

The second gallery I visited is called Gallery MISULSEGYE which is the open cultural space for artist as well as those who visit Insadong. It's named after the first Korean art magazine < MISULSEGYE >

Bronze Sculpture at the entrance of Gallery MISULSEGYE - Park, Chan girl

The gallery currently showcases " The 39th Korean Association of Figure painting artists " It's very much to my liking as my favourite subject of painting is people. Study the facial expression of a person when you are drawing them is a very special experience. It's like they are telling you the story about them. I spent quite sometime to look at these paintings and pretty amazed by how meticulous they are. And some of them depict very well the impression I have for Korean people. They are friendly, hard-working, disciplined and conscious about the way they look. 

The 39th Korean Association of Figure painting artists exhibition poster

Spacious gallery floor 

(tempera on Linen 100x122cm)

"She" 116.8 x 72.7 cm 2014 

I would like to get to know more Korean artists and artworks, unfortunately most of the painting's titles and artist are shown in Korean which I don't interpret... but I am sure I would find their trace in the galleries and art shows in Hong Kong.