[Korea travel] Seokpajeong Museum: Where Korean History Meets Art

 

If You Visit Seoul, Don’t Miss Seokpajeong Museum

When visiting Seoul, many people naturally head to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. But as a Korean designer, the museum I most recommend to my foreign friends is Seokpajeong Museum. There is something truly special about this place. Seokpajeong is not just about appreciating art—it’s a place where you can experience history, culture, and nature all at once.

This painting is by Lee Ufan, a renowned Korean artist whose work has also been introduced in the illy Art Collection.

Lee Jung-seop and Bull

Artist: Lee Jung-seop (1916–1956)

Masterpiece: Bull is one of his most iconic works, characterized by bold, rugged brushstrokes that capture the strength and vitality of the animal.

Meaning: Amidst war, poverty, and separation from his family, Lee portrayed the bull as a reflection of both the resilient Korean people and his own inner struggles. The bull is often interpreted as a symbol of Korean diligence, perseverance, and life force.

Style: His works are marked by thick, rough lines and simplified forms, yet they radiate intense energy, leaving a powerful impression on viewers.

Why Is It Special?

Lee Jung-seop’s Bull is not just a painting of an animal—it embodies the life and spirit of Koreans in the post-war era. For this reason, it holds a significant place in Korean art history and is even featured in school textbooks.

A Space Steeped in History

Seokpajeong was once the villa of Heungseon Daewongun (1820–1898), father of King Gojong and one of the most influential political figures at the end of the Joseon Dynasty. Built in the 1860s, it served as his retreat, away from the intense political struggles of the royal court.

That’s the part you’ll usually find in history books. But what I’d like to share is something more: in the late Joseon Dynasty, just before the Japanese colonial period, Seokpajeong was considered one of the most prestigious sites of geomantic fortune in Korea—second only to the king’s palace. When you go there, you’ll see why. The villa sits slightly elevated, offering sweeping views of Seoul. Don’t you wonder what kind of home the second most powerful man of Korea enjoyed?

The name Seokpajeong (literally “the villa of stone waves”) reflects the beauty of the rocky landscape and flowing water that surrounds it. Its pavilions, gardens, and ponds embody the elegance of Korean traditional architecture in harmony with nature. Walking through, you can feel the atmosphere of old Seoul, where mountains, forests, and architecture blended seamlessly.

Why You Should Visit

✨ 1. Step Into Living History
Instead of just reading about the Joseon Dynasty, you can actually walk through the gardens where one of Korea’s most powerful men once lived and reflected.

✨ 2. A Perfect Fusion of Art & Nature
Today, Seokpajeong is part of the Seoul Museum, where exhibitions of modern and international art are held. It’s a unique experience—modern art indoors, and a 19th-century villa outdoors. What makes it even more special is that you can see works by Korea’s most celebrated artists here. Personally, I was deeply moved to see paintings by the renowned female painter Shin Saimdang, as her works are rarely exhibited.

✨ 3. A Quiet Retreat in the Heart of Seoul
Although it’s located right in the middle of the city, the atmosphere is peaceful and serene. Surrounded by pine trees and the green slopes of Inwangsan, Seokpajeong feels like a small sanctuary where you can pause and breathe away from the city’s busy rhythm.

✨ 4. A Photographer’s Paradise
Every corner of Seokpajeong is photogenic. From the elegant curves of traditional hanok rooftops set against the mountains, to tranquil ponds and stone bridges, it’s the perfect spot for your next Instagram-worthy shot.

How to Get There

• 📍 Location: Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (near Inwangsan Mountain)

• 🚇 Nearest Subway: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), then a short bus or taxi ride

• 🎟 Admission: Included with the Seoul Museum ticket (seasonal exhibitions may vary, so check before visiting)