Last weekend I joined my friends Rebecca, Cleo, and Gregg for an excursion to the National Contemporary Museum of Art. The facilities are located on a sprawling complex complete with a sculpture garden, children’s museum and several gallery spaces.

One space in particular is called rampcore. It’s an ascending walkway that spirals up to the top of the building. along the way a mosaic of tiles and little do dads decorate the walls courtesy of artist Ik-Joong Kang aptly named “multiple/dialogues”. In the center lies a towering TV monument seemingly inspired by the tower of babel. It’s an installation art masterpiece called “The more, the better” by Nam June Paik.

The other gallery halls contain collections of paintings, sculpture and crafts but I was only able to capture a few shows before learning that there’s a strict no photo policy in some sections of the museum. Their draconian policy was enforced by a steely eyed ajumma who followed us around to ensure there would be no photo snapping. I did sneakily manage to take a couple shots, but after that I gave up.
I do have to mention that the museum has some stellar pieces that both seduce the viewer gradually, luring you in with subtle use shading, and contrast and other more bold pieces that grab your attention immediately with garish splashes of color or weird use of objects.

I also was able to check out the special collection on display which I’ll talk about next time! Until then check out the museum by going to Seoul Grand Park Station exit 4 and taking the shuttle bus.