Epic Views of Seongsan Ilchulbong From Tadao Ando Architecture
Always on the lookout for artistic gems and natural beauty and any place that elegantly combines them both, I was excited to visit the Phoenix Jeju Yumin Art Nouveau Museum (휘닉스제주 유민미술관) and Glass House (글라스하우스) designed by Tadao Ando on Jeju Island. Nestled in Seopjikoji with breathtaking views of Seongsan Ilchulbong, this gallery is a testament to the fusion of architecture, arts, and nature. But, there’s also an epic swing set… let me show you.
Where to get the most epic views of Seongsan Ilchulbong and embrace art and nature:
- How To Get There
- Basic Info
- Designed by Tadao Ando
- Nature and Cement Collide
- The Collection
- See More Nearby
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How To Get There
Address: 107 Seopjikoji-ro, Goseong-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do (제주도 서귀포시 성산읍 고성리 섭지코지로 107)
Directions: The easiest way to get around is by renting a car on Jeju Island. If you can’t rent a car though, you’ll want to get bus 721-3 or 722-2 to Sinyang-ri Bus Stop (신양리).
Rental Car Options:
- RentalCars: RentalCars has a great selection of rental car options and provides competitive pricing. You can very quickly and easily compare the various companies and availability and booking through them is super easy. You can get all of the necessary information you need regarding pricing, car details, insurance included and cancellation policies.
- QEEQ: This popular rental car website has great competitive rates and similarly to RentalCars, provides all of the necessary information on pricing, car details, insurance included, and cancellation policies. They’re a popular Hong Kong based company that now has offices worldwide.
- Klook: If you’re already booking your day trips and tours on Klook, then also look into their car rental options. Also founded in Hong Kong, Klook started for tours and packages, but now has rental car companies like Hertz, Avis, and Alamo available.
Basic Info
Hours: Wednesday – Monday: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm
Audio Guide: Available in Korean and English for free
Designed by Tadao Ando
One of the seven structures designed by the globally acclaimed architect Tadao Ando in Korea, the Yumin Art Nouveau Collection is not just a gallery; it’s an immersive experience. The museum sits just behind the Glass House which Ando also designed as well as the Bonte Museum on the other side of Jeju Island.
Tadao Ando, a self-taught Japanese architect, began as a draftsman and gained fame for his structures blending natural light with industrial materials like cement. His designs, influenced by Zen philosophy, prioritize simplicity, crafting unique scenes and experiences.
His buildings intricately weave together nature and industrial elements, employing cement, metal, and glass which you can see in full force when you visit the Yumin Museum and Glass House on Jeju Island. Renowned for his exquisite creations, Ando’s architectural footprint spans from Seoul to Jeju Island in Korea.
Ando’s vision for the structures on Jeju Island was to blend the structure seamlessly with the surrounding nature, allowing visitors to not just view art but to feel and breathe in the essence of the island’s natural elements.
Nature and Cement Collide
From the entrance, walk down along the paths that feature walls of cement on some sides and lava rocks on others. Windows frame the ocean and Seongsan Ilchulbong and grasses on the exterior making them look like art created for this museum rather than the natural scenery that already existed. Take your time appreciating the exterior as you make your way to the interior which is below ground.
The Collection
The Yumin Art Nouveau Collection transports visitors back to the era of Art Nouveau, a movement that redefined art, craft, and design in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This unique gallery showcases exquisite glass artworks from the Nancy region of France, the epicenter of the Art Nouveau movement.
At the heart of this collection are works by renowned artists like Emile Gallé, Daum, Eugène Michel, and René Lalique. These pieces not only epitomize remarkable artistic techniques but also embody the passion and spirit of the Ecole de Nancy, a school that championed nature-inspired art.
Within the Yumin Art Nouveau Collection, after removing your shoes and putting on provided slippers, you will find four distinct exhibition rooms: the ‘Room of Inspiration’, the ‘Room of Masterpiece’, the ‘Room of Art Nouveau Heyday’, and the ‘Room of Lamp’. These spaces hold a treasure trove of glass artworks, each telling its own story of craftsmanship and aesthetic allure.
Don’t miss Emile Gallé’s iconic ‘Mushroom Lamp’ from 1902, along with other breathtaking works. The gallery offers a unique chance to witness the naturalistic designs materialized by warm light and elements inspired by the island’s surroundings.
See More Nearby
Don’t just stop at the art museum, be sure to walk along the paths and see more of the natural scenery. Directly across from the Yumin Art Nouveau Museum, you can’t miss the Glass House. Start there.
The Glass House (글라스하우스)
Filled with fantastic restaurants and a beautiful deck to observe the land from, the otherworldly creation by Tadao Ando will be a sight you will never forget. While the art museum had cement walls and dark spaces, the Glass House is open and bright and full of light.
Ando desired to “capture Jeju’s sunshine” and “embrace Jeju’s seas” for any who decide to come to the mystical island and have a great time.
An Epic Swing Set
Closer to the coast and in front of the Glass House, walk down and you’ll spot an epic swing set that is extremely Instagrammable. I recommend visiting in the morning, as early as you can if you want to avoid other visitors. We had this picturesque swing to ourselves for an hour and really enjoyed it.
A Field of Grazing Horses
From the swing set, we spotted grazing horses and no humans in sight and of course my daughter wanted to check them out. Walk down the paths to get closer to the water and you might also be able to find some beautiful Jeju Island horses enjoying a meal. Horses with an ocean beyond? We’ll take that view every day.
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