Artistic Discoveries at Samcheong-dong
Passersby observe “Manjineun Samcheong-dong jido” which was created by the students of Seoul National School for the Blind.
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Wedged between Gyeongbokgung and Changdukgung Palaces, Samcheong-dong harbors traditions of the past and modernity of the present. This unique venue is a haven for those seeking a momentary, eccentric escape from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.
Old-fashioned restaurants and houses line both sides of the road while modern cafes and boutiques are peppered on the streets to attract hip and stylish strollers. Already featuring a vast variety of museums and galleries, Samcheong-dong has made yet another addition to its list of artsy attractions: the Seoul City Gallery Project ``Inside Outside.''
``Inside Outside'' is an artistic approach to introduce Samcheong-dong as a neighborhood that is rightfully co-owned by its residents and visitors. The vibrant venue, constantly flooded with tourists, is also an area of residence. Interestingly enough, the residential area and the sightseeing area are located side by side, naturally eliminating a bordering sense of ownership over the neighborhood by either party. By visualizing such shared spaces, the recent art project, which started at the end of last year, sought a way for the residents and visitors to interact.
The project is a reflection of the pressing need for the ``inside,'' the residents, and the ``outside,'' the visitors, to establish a firm connection through meeting, viewing, looking, revealing and sharing.
A casual stroller can begin the treasure hunt by picking up a special map of Samcheong-dong at the Jongno-gu information centre located in front of Jeongdok library. The map outlines the diverse project collection, ranging from paintings, installations and poems carefully hidden in various parts of the area.
A lineup of beautiful poems engraved on aluminum plates slows down one's pace and, each street greets a visitor with its own individual, eye-catching ``street plate.'' An observation platform, ``Inwangjesek,'' has been installed at a high altitude location, from where the most spectacular scenery of Samcheong-dong can be seen ― a panoramic view of Cheong Wa Dae, Mt. Bugak, and a tide of ``hanok'' (traditional Korean houses).
``Inside Outside'' is a project that is sponsored by the city of Seoul and planned by Community Design Lab and Design Locus. The fact that a viewer must walk ― or work ― in order to be rewarded with the discovery of different paintings and installations is especially appealing and boosts the originality of the project's purpose. As the weather warms with the coming of spring, ``Inside Outside'' represents a good excuse for city dwellers to plan a day trip to Samcheong-dong, the cultural hideaway.
Korea Times intern Hwang Sung-hee contributed to this article. ― Ed.