City Insider: Teo Yang's Top 10 Picks for Seoul
ByJenevieve KokImage courtesy of Teo Yang.
Teo Yang is the founder of Teo Yang Studio, a design studio that specialises in high-end residential and branding commercial projects, with an emphasis on modern architecture. His mix of high art and personal treasures creates moments of timeless beauty in the spaces he creates, and this is reflected in his favourite places in Seoul.
This week, The Artling had the opportunity to learn more about Teo Yang's favourite places in Seoul, South Korea. From museums and contemporary galleries to speakeasy-themed cocktail bars and Michelin-star restaurants, scroll down to find out more about his top ten places!
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art. Image courtesy of Planet of Hotels.
The Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art is located in Hannam-dong and is run by the Samsung Foundation of Culture. With the topography of Baesu Imsu at the foot of Namsan Mountain overlooking the Hangang River, the museum achieves harmoniously blends themes of nature and architecture. The museum space is divided into two parts; one houses traditional Korean art and contemporary art in the other. The museum itself is worth a visit since the museum's three buildings were designed by internationally renowned architects Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas. The Leeum Museum of Art operates under a reservation system.
Address: 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Seoul Museum of Craft Art
Seoul Museum of Craft Art. Image courtesy of The Korean Herald.
Newest addition to Seoul's museum scene is the Seoul Museum of Craft Art. Opened in the summer of 2021, the museum has already taken its place as a local favourite in the city. It is within walking distance from National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the visit starts with a relaxing open space connecting to a mass collection of traditional and modern crafts. The Seoul Museum of Craft holds exhibitions that focus in on the technical, practical, artistic, and cultural values of crafts throughout time and space.
Address: 4 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Kukje Gallery
Kukje Gallery. Image courtesy of ArchDaily
Since opening its doors in 1982, The Kukje Gallery, which means 'international', has truly nurtured and helped expand the global art market in South Korea. Showcasing works by Korean and international artists and promoting modern and contemporary art, the gallery has three key exhibition spaces - and don't forget to visit the cafe on the ground floor. Always a great place to stop by for coffee or for the famous Korean Shaved ice. Major solo exhibitions have showcased the work of internationally acclaimed artists including Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Anish Kapoor, Robert Mapplethorpe, Candida Höfer, Jenny Holzer, Bill Viola, Ugo Rondinone, Roni Horn, Jean-Michel Othoniel, and Julian Opie.
Address: 54 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
SongEun Art Space
SongEun Art Space. Image courtesy of Archello
The new SongEun building is a monolithic and minimalist triangular prism designed by Renowned Swiss architect duo Herzog & de Meuron. The building also houses non-commercial art spaces within one of the most vibrant commercial areas of Seoul, renowned for luxury flagship stores, high-end restaurants, and bars. Be sure to visit this newly opened space dedicated to promoting contemporary art through significant exhibitions and various related programs.
Address: 441 Dosan-daero, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Art Sonje Center
Art Sonje Center. Image courtesy of Sotheby's.
Installation view, Mire Lee, Carriers. Image courtesy of Art Sonje Center.
Art Sonje Center is a private art museum which is dedicated to cutting-edge contemporary art. It is nestled in the historic Samcheong-dong area, a few steps away from Gyeongbokgung Palace. The museum showcases art from various genres, promotes young emerging artists, and hosts various cultural events. Since its opening in 1998, the museum has organized exhibitions, screenings, performances, and various education programs to contribute to the advancement of contemporary art and the sharing of its language with the public. The space always stimulates dialogue about contemporary art among younger audiences.
Address: 87 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Onjium
Onjium. Image courtesy of Elite Traveler.
An innovative culinary studio that focuses on bringing back traditional cuisine to a modern audience. The light-filled, concrete, and metal dining room overlooking Gyeongbokgung Palace makes the dining experience feel like travelling through time. The delicate and more than delicious menu at Onjium changes monthly to reflect the seasons.
Address: Jongno-gu, Hyoja-ro, 49 4층, Seoul, South Korea
Charles H.
Charles H. Image courtesy of TimeOut.
This cocktail bar, hidden behind an unmarked door, maintains that speakeasy atmosphere within the glamorous atmosphere at Four Seasons in Seoul. Surrounded by extravagant pieces of Korean artwork, Charles H. has fantastic cocktails and a variety of alcoholic beverages, such as whiskey, alongside a diverse food menu to pair with the drinks. The outstanding Charles H. is Always the regular on Asia’s 50 Best lists.
Address: 97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Gucci Gaok and Osteria da Massimo Bottura
Gucci Gaok and Osteria da Massimo Bottura. Image courtesy of Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong.
Taking its name from the Korean word ‘gaok', meaning ‘traditional home’, Gucci's flagship store in Itaewon pays homage to Korean tradition. The facade of the new flagship is inspired by an imaginary forest, Work by renowned Korean artist Seungmo Park, and the interior design combines traditional Korean motifs paired with more traditional furniture. Don't forget the new Osteria by Massimo Bottura located on the top floor
Address: 223 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
HONNÊTES GENS
HONNÊTES GENS. Image courtesy of Teo Yang Studio.
This restaurant serves delicate and beautiful French and Vietnamese fusion food with one of the best wine lists in Seoul. The space is inspired by French modernism with a touch of local crafts, designed by Teo Yang Studio.
Address: B1, 13-7 Seolleung-ro 158-gil, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Mingles
Mingles. Image courtesy of TimeOut.
Mingles. Image courtesy of Bloomberg.
Chef Kang Min-goo's delicate eye for detail shines in Mingles. Offering a new taste based on traditional Korean cuisine, the warm luxury of empty space is apparent in the interior design. The melding of eastern and western cuisines and techniques has seen the Seoul venue voted as the Best Restaurant in Korea for many years in a row.
Address: 19 Dosan-daero 67-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
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