Gapyeong’s Unique Hidden Gem: The Yellow Bridge Museum
There are a lot of popular things to do in Gapyeong, Korea, but there are also some really cool and rather hidden gems to see as well. The Yellow Bridge Museum (노랑다리미술관) in Gapyeong, Korea is a hidden gem that offers a unique and artistic experience. As you approach the museum, you can’t miss the vibrant yellow bridge that beckons from a distance, setting the tone for what lies ahead. Well, to be honest, you can’t begin to guess what you’ll see inside this unique museum in South Korea.
Want to take an adventure to Gapyeong? Add the Yellow Bridge Museum to your itinerary:
- How To Get There
- Basic Info
- Entering An Alice In Wonderland World
- Mathematical Collections and Installations
- An Adult-Sized Jungle Gym In The Outdoors
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How To Get There
Address: 42-12 Yangjin-gil, Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do (경기 가평군 청평면 양진길 42-12)
By Public Transportation: Take an intercity bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Cheongpyeong Terminal. Outside of the terminal you can catch local bus 30-5, which you can ride for 8 stops, just over 20 minutes. Get off at Yangjinmal Stop, #44403. From there you can walk 7 minutes up the road to the museum.
Basic Info
Hours: Every day: 10:00am ~ 5:00pm
Website: http://yellowbridge.kr/
Entering An Alice In Wonderland World
Cross a yellow bridge, the namesake of the museum, to pass from the parking lot into an Alice In Wonderland-like world of color and creation. Upon crossing the bridge, you’ll discover a fascinating building with striking pillars, a hidden gem in Gapyeong to be sure. This remarkable structure is a testament to the vision of Mr. Son Il-gwang, a first-generation fashion designer and the artistic genius behind the Yellow Bridge Art Gallery & Cafe.
The gallery’s entrance is cleverly integrated with a cozy café. Step inside and take a seat to have a drink and a snack. The entrance fee provides the drink and allows you to sit and enjoy the first interesting space of the area. A little tip… make sure to go to the bathrooms after you enjoy the drink. Even the bathrooms are interesting.
Mathematical Collections and Installations
The art at the Yellow Bridge Museum is a reflection of Mr. Son’s thought-provoking philosophy on art, which predates even the use of brushes. His creations are born from a profound question: “What is the art of mankind?” This approach echoes back to a time before the invention of brushes and invokes thoughts of Bangudae Petroglyphs in Ulsan.
From the cafe, step through into a greenhouse like space with green plants growing upward and colorful art waving and surrounding the nature. It’s an introduction to the artistic wonders to come in other spaces. Find the mouth and you’ll find more to see.
One captivating piece in the gallery features an array of spoons, their convex and concave sides initially clustered closely, but gradually spreading apart. Inspired by the shapes of raindrops falling from eaves, Mr. Son’s intent is to illustrate the transformative power of even the smallest and weakest thoughts. The spoons, when viewed closely, seem to defy gravity, capable of flipping an 80kg person without exerting any force.
You’ll begin to notice a theme within the works as there seems to be minicollections that are put together to make larger artistic installations. As you explore further, you’ll encounter artwork created from 4,800 beer glasses and ponder the question of why a toilet, despite its unchanged essence, becomes a symbol of dirtiness after use. Mr. Son’s creations are not only aesthetically pleasing but also rooted in mathematics and science, encompassing the Pythagorean theorem, periodic table of elements, Einstein’s theory of relativity, and even the galaxy.
Mr. Son’s passion for the arts and his unwavering thirst for knowledge, despite nearing his 80s, is truly inspiring. His museum isn’t just a place to view art but an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and reflect on the essence of creativity and human existence. You can even have a discussion with the artist himself about his creations. If you have children, they might especially love seeing where he works and seeing what he’s working on.
An Adult-Sized Jungle Gym In The Outdoors
From the workspace and indoors, step outside to walk across the bridges, up the steps, down the sides, and explore the adult-size jungle gym that has been created. There are also rooms outside to step into and make your own creations. Sit down and draw something to be added to the decor or take it home with you when you’re done.
The Yellow Bridge Museum is a must-visit, not just for art enthusiasts but for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and unique experience. Like Alice in Wonderland, it offers a journey into a world of imagination, where everyday objects are transformed into artistic wonders. With its innovative displays, outdoor play areas, and opportunities for creative expression, it’s a place where visitors of all ages can find inspiration and explore the boundless depths of human imagination.
This hidden gem in Gapyeong is unique and full of creative wonder. If you need something to unleash your imagination, a place to explore made for children and adults alike, don’t miss the Yellow Bridge Museum.
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