Yumin Art Nouveau Collection

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Meeting Tadao Ando in Jeju Island. Among the buildings designed by Tadao Ando, a renowned architect from Osaka, Japan, known for his awards including the Pritzker Prize and his use of exposed concrete to harmoniously incorporate natural elements into his works, there are three on Jeju Island. These are the 'Genius Loci', constructed in 2008 and now known as the Yumin Art Nouveau Museum, the 'Glass House' which serves as a community facility and restaurant on Phoenix Island, and the 'Bonte Museum' completed in 2012.

Today, we introduce 'Genius Loci'. Like most of Ando's works, the exteriors prominently feature exposed concrete, giving a horizontal feel due to the relatively low height of the walls compared to their length. Before entering, it's hard to anticipate the interior space due to the long, horizontal exterior walls. Upon entry, a space without a ceiling surprises visitors, breaking the expectation of walls and ceilings existing together.

Beyond the ticket office, entering the garden reveals themes of Jeju's stones, wind, and women through three gardens. The first garden visitors encounter is a pile of basalt, known as the garden of stones, followed by the garden of women, where heaps of rocks form an oval-shaped area, and the garden of wind, encased by concrete walls on the right. After passing the gardens, walls with flowing water create a unique experience. Even before descending into the underground space, visitors can enjoy views of Seongsan Ilchulbong and experience descending pathways flanked by high walls.

The underground space, lit by a few lights, offers a different atmosphere from the outside. Inside, there are four exhibition rooms arranged around a cross-shaped central corridor, with a sequential viewing from the first to the fourth exhibition room. The narrow passageways around the first three exhibition rooms guide visitors through the exhibits. Exiting the third exhibition room leads back to the entrance part, where taking a narrow staircase on the left leads to the fourth exhibition room. The passage between the exhibition rooms and the fourth exhibition room allows visitors to see the high windows and sloping roofs, showing how light illuminates the space. The entrance and exit of the indoor space, although on different floors, are located on the same side, utilizing a circular route to overcome the terrain's slope.
Location: Seogwipo, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Seongsan-eup, Goseong-ri 21
Operating Hours: 9:00-18:00 (Ticketing closes at 17:00)
Closed Days: Every Tuesday (Open on national holidays and holiday eves)
Audio Guide: Free (Smart Docent), Paid (Audio Guide)
Admission Price: Adults 12,000 won, Youths and Children 9,000 won
Parking: Available at Phoenix Jeju Seobjikoji Parking Lot.