Gidang Art Museum

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As the first municipal art museum in Korea, Kidang Art Museum was built by Kidang Kang Goo-bum, a Jeju-born Zainichi Korean businessman, and donated to Seogwipo City, opening its doors on July 1, 1987. The museum entrance features stairs and a right-diagonal ramp. The building's walls are made of basalt, and its roof replicates a traditional Jeju farmhouse's null (a stack of bundled crops). The interior isn't divided by walls between exhibition rooms but distinguishes spaces through floor level differences and has a viewing path led by spiral ramps and stairs, symbolizing Jeju's oreum (volcanic cones). The ceiling sports radial rafters, and skylights allow natural light inside. Permanent exhibition rooms include the 'Suam Exhibition Room' and the 'Byeonsiji Exhibition Room,' positioned at both ends around the special exhibition room, making it slightly challenging to distinguish between permanent and special exhibits. The museum also houses an Art Lounge for rest, including a children's playground, cafe, books, tables, and chairs. It was temporarily closed due to COVID-19 last year but has since reopened. Location: 15, Namseongjung-ro 153beon-gil, Seogwipo, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. Operating Hours: 9:00-18:00 (Entry until 17:30). Closed Days: Every Monday, Lunar New Year's Day, Korean Thanksgiving Day, January 1. Entry Fee: 1,000 won. Parking: Free parking available for up to 20 vehicles.