Exploring Seoul: Fowl Art
There are two very eclectic museums in Seoul – The Seoul Museum of Chicken Art and the Owl Art and Craft Museum – that are located very near each other in the Samcheong neighborhood. Both are very small, consisting of only one room filled with all manner of objects related to chickens and owls.
Both museums have an admission fee, both of which in my opinion were a bit steep (Chicken Art Museum admission is 3,000 won and the Owl Art and Craft Museum 5,000 won. The Owl Museum throws in a drink and an owl museum pin for the extra 2,000 won. But given that a visit to Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace is only 2,000 won, the price is steep considering these are small one-room exhibits. But if you are into eclectic museums, then you definitely should take time to visit these two.
Chicken Art Museum
When I went to the Chicken Art Museum the room was full of very colorful wooden chicken ornaments that were used on Korean funeral pyres. The use of the bright colors and designs gave some of the art a Latin America flavor, but it was from good old Korea. The Chicken Art Museum rotates its exhibit four times a year with different themes regarding the history and art of chickens.
According to the museum’s handout, “in South Korea, the chicken has four different cultural meanings – Fertility, Success & Wealth, Fatherhood and Salvation from Evil Spirits.”
To get to the Chicken Museum: From Anguk subway station (line 3) take exit number 2 and follow Samcheong-dong Road.
Owl Arts & Crafts Museum
The Owl Museum was more a collection of souvenirs that the owner has accumulated over 30 years. According to the brochure “This museum was established by a housewife, Mrs. Myeong-Hee Bae, who is known as a 'crazy lady for owl,' and is full of 2000 owl-related articles, which Mrs. Myeong-Hee Bae collected for the last 30 years.”
The museum has owl knick-knacks from over 80 countries. Every square inch, including the ceiling, is filled with owls. The memorabilia includes statues, currencies, lights, photos, towels and owl shaped bread.
To get to the Owl Museum: From Anguk subway station (line 3) take exit number 2 and follow Samcheong-dong Road. As you are walking down this road, you will then take the side street on your right-hand side. You will pass the Korea Banking Institute and then walk in the direction of Samcheong Park. You will see a sign labeled “차와 부엉이” (Tea and Owls).
Both museums are unique in their own way. The museum staff is welcoming and happy to see visitors. Again if you are into eclectic museums that show you a different side of Korea, then you should make your way some afternoon to both of these museums. Afterwards you can relax in one of the many cafes in Samcheong-dong.
-
Doctors, Hospitals, Intl Clinics
UBA Plastic Surgery and Women's Health Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul -
Entertainment
National Theater of Korea, Traditional Arts, Seoul -
Dental Clinics incl. Dentists, Orthodontists
hus-hu Dental Clinic, English-Speaking Dentists in Apgujeong, Gangnam, Seoul. -
Alternative Health Care ex. Anti-Aging, Chiropractor, etc.
Itaewon Wellness Chiropractic Center, Itaewon, Seoul -
Business and Networking Associations
Asia Society Korea Center, Seoul -
Counselling, Coaching, EAP, Therapy, etc.
Adaptable Human Solutions, Counselling-Therapy, Seoul -
Schools Nursery to University
Branksome Hall Asia, English International School JK-Grade 12, Jeju Island, Korea -
Doctors, Hospitals, Intl Clinics
Chiro Song Clinic, Medical and Chiropractic Care, Gangnam, Seoul
Last Posts On Forums
Performances by Earth, Wind & Fire, George Benson, Al Di Meola, Eric Benet, Ledisi, Leessang and many more! Free Ticket draw 11 May.
Piano Duet concert with Kemenes Andras and Victoria Park. No tickets necessary.
Win 2 tickets for a Sunday matinee by entering the Korea4Expats.com draw by Thursday 10 May. Draw on Friday.
An opportunity to meet the Editor-in-Chief of Dow Jones and Managing Editor of The Wall Street Journal.
jbs, 2008-12-09 11:11:05