Whanki Museum

210-8 Buam-dong, Jongno-gu
tel. 02/391-7701
www.whankimuseum.org [1]

HOURS: Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

COST: ₩3,000 adult, ₩2,000 student

SUBWAY: Gyeongbokgung (Line 3)

This museum was built as a tribute to the life and work of Kim Whanki (1913-1974), Korea’s foremost modern abstract artist and among the first to receive some measure of international acclaim.

Nestled in the valleys of Buam-dong, the structure with its unusual undulating roof is meant to evoke the surrounding mountains as well as the bold curves that dominated much of Kim’s work. Though he took cues from his American and European contemporaries, Kim’s paintings are undeniably Korean, focusing heavily on the country’s changing seasons and hilly landscapes.

His talent and profound influence on the current generation of Korean contemporary artists cannot be overstated, making this a virtually mandatory stop for any modern art buff. Kim’s creations regularly share the space with work by other contemporary artists who explore similar techniques and themes.