Soda Museum: Regenerated Arts Space in Hwaseong

Nestled amidst the charming streets of Hwaseong’s Annyeong neighborhood, the Soda Museum of Art stands as a testament to the creative spirit that can breathe life into forgotten spaces. This private design and architecture museum, acronymically named ‘SODA’ which stands for ‘Space of Design and Architecture,’ opened its doors to the public in April 2015, bringing a vibrant burst of culture and artistic ingenuity to the city.

Get ready to find out more about Soda Museum, a cool and fun artistic space in Hwaseong, Korea:

*Note: The exhibition in these photos will have changed by now so the outdoor space will be slightly different. Check their website for updated exhibitions and installations.

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How To Get There

Address: 30 Hyohaeng-ro 707beon-gil, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 화성시 효행로707번길 30)

Basic Information

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: Weekdays: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm; Weekends: 10:00am ~ 7:00pm

Admission: Adults: W12,000; Students (Elementary – Highschool): W8,000; Children: W4,000

Programs: If you have young children, check out the various programs that they host for children to get involved in the art scene. From planet crafting to 3D design, there are some very interesting programs to check out.

Website: https://museumsoda.org/

The Architecture

The museum’s birth story is as fascinating as the exhibits it houses. Architect Soon-Yop Kwon, founder of SOAP Design Studio, created a plan to convert a former jjimjilbang building into a welcoming industrial space. The building, a once-abandoned steam room that had stood dormant since 2007, was granted a new lease on life through the transformation.

The plan required that the building’s original structure was saved rather than bulldozed creating an ode to history with a look to the future which is something I always appreciate. We love visiting these culture and arts spaces that pay homage to history. If you do as well, be sure to check out Bucheon’s B39, Incheon’s Cosmo 40, Paju’s Camp Greaves, or the Peace Culture Bunker in northern Seoul. Korea has done some really great regeneration projects of the years.

Inside, you can walk through the museum halls and see pieces of the building’s past jjimjilbang steam rooms but now with contemporary creativity on the walls. The resulting blend of concrete boxes, cargo containers, and the existing framework paints the museum as a canvas that tells a story of coexisting timelines.

As I explored further, the Bath Gallery beckoned me. This indoor exhibition space retains the essence of its original purpose – a bathhouse. The fusion of the old with the new is palpable here. They host small yet enriching exhibitions and workshops encouraging visitors to engage and interact with the creative process.

What struck me most was the industrial and cement facades and how they allow and seem to want visitors to play with the space. In the summers, they invite children to dance beneath the patter of rain falling in the Roofless Gallery, a captivating open-air area, features a central concrete structure.

What To See

The museum isn’t just about the architecture though, they host cultural and artistic activities to get people involved. The ‘Artainer,’ located atop the museum, offers panoramic views of the surroundings, while hosting a variety of events, exhibitions, markets, and community programs.

As my daughter and I explored the exhibitions, we were transported into a world where imagination knows no bounds. We loved our visit to the Soda Museum of Art, dancing beneath the water falling and running through the cement maze. It’s not just a museum; it’s a celebration of creativity. This hidden gem in Hwaseong invites you to explore its halls, immerse yourself in its exhibits, and rediscover the beauty of design and architecture.

Whether you’re a local resident or a traveler seeking unique cultural experiences, the Soda Museum of Art is a great spot to put on your map and check out when you’re in the area. It promises to inspire, captivate, and leave you with a newfound appreciation for history, innovation, and creativity.

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