Tadao Ando / Japan
Designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, this art museum is located near Cape Seopjikoji, one of the most beautiful spots in Jeju Island. Attracted by the area’s superb natural landscape, Ando intended to create a building that perfectly mingled with the surrounding nature. The museum was originally designed as a meditation center, and the traffic line that leads to the underground exhibition hall was meant to allow visitors to immerse in mediation while experiencing Jeju’s wind, stone and sea.
Upon entering the museum, the first thing that comes to sight is a pond reminiscent of Claude Monet’s Water Lilies. The pond is followed by a series of gardens carefully designed by the architect—Stone Garden, Women Garden, and Wind Garden. At the end of the outdoor gardens, there is a gently sloping path that leads to the underground exhibition hall. Byeokcheon Falls can be seen and heard along both sides of the path, and the “View Finder,” a framelike rectangular opening in the wall that offers a magnificent view of the Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone and the mustard flower field, will stop any visitor to admire the impressive harmony between architecture and nature.
Next, the downward path lined by two contrasting walls—exposed concrete and basalt—will naturally draw your eyes up to the sky. Here, visitors can take a moment to meditate and refresh while surrounded by the museum’s tranquil atmosphere, as initially intended by the architect.
Finally at the end of the path is the underground exhibition space where a collection of works by leading French Art Nouveau artists is exhibited. Visitors will be captivated by the greatness and pure beauty of the masterpieces on display.
TIP : Phoenix Seopjikoji, where the museum is located, also houses Glass House, another creation of Tadao Ando, and Agora, the members-only club house, and Hillius Villa designed by Mario Botta.
phoenixhnr.co.kr
Location : 107 Seopjikoji-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Island
Telephone : 064-731-7791
How to go : Taxi (1:10hrs) from Jeju Int’l Airport
Operating hours : 09:00–18:00 (Closed on Tuesdays)
Admission Fees : 12,000won
Cape Seopjikoji
Aqua Planet Jeju
Phoenix Seopjikoji
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