SOMA - Seoul Olympic Museum of Art: A Great Art Stop in Olympic Park

#cityplaybook Right in the middle of Seoul's big and green Olympic Park, you'll find SOMA, the Seoul Olympic Museum of Art. Don't let the name fool you; it's not just about the Olympics. It's a cool, modern art gallery, especially known for its sculptures and new art. My visit was interesting and definitely worth it. The museum building itself is a highlight. Designed by a famous Korean architect, Joh Sung-yong, SOMA fits right in with nature. It's made of simple materials like concrete, wood, and glass, making it look natural and modern. The way light comes into the rooms, and the views of the Sculpture Park outside, really make the art even better. It's a peaceful place where you can just think, far from the busy city. The Sculpture Park is a must-see. It has about 200 artworks by artists from Korea and all over the world. You can walk through different themed areas, enjoying art outside in a calm setting. This outdoor area shows how the 1988 Olympics also brought a big art festival to the city. Inside, the art shows can be quite different. When I went, there was a special show celebrating 60 years of friendship between South Korea and Venezuela. It showed works by Venezuelan artist Jesús Rafael Soto and Korean sculptor Moon Shin. It was neat to see art from different cultures side-by-side. The staff were very nice and often spoke English, ready to explain the art, which was a big help. Just a heads-up, though, some shows might not be as good as others. I've heard that some exhibits with tech, like augmented reality apps or virtual reality, can feel a bit old or not work very well. So, it's a good idea to check what's currently showing on their website before you go. The entrance fee is usually pretty cheap (around ₩5,000 for adults, with discounts for younger people), so it's an easy way to enjoy some culture. While some parts of the bigger Olympic Museum (which is separate from SOMA) might seem a bit old, SOMA itself, with its cool building and often interesting modern art, feels fresh and new. #strolling #museum #historicallandmarks