Jongno-gu Mugaewon’s First International Contemporary Art Exhibition ‘Odongnamu Roots and Peach Petals’

The First International Contemporary Art Exhibition Since Opening... Focus on Conveying the Unique Charm Created by Traditional Hanok and Contemporary Art... Featuring Works Transported from Overseas by Promising Shanghai Gallery Linseed

Exterior view of Mugyewon

Jongno-gu (District Mayor Jeong Munheon) will hold 'Paulownia Tree Root and Peach Petals' at Mugaewon, a traditional cultural space in the city center (2, Changuimun-ro 5ga-gil), from September 1 to 20.

This is the first international contemporary art exhibition since the opening of Mugaewon, focusing on showcasing the unique charm created by traditional hanok architecture and contemporary art to cultural and artistic professionals and art enthusiasts visiting Korea during the Frieze period.

The exhibition is planned by the cultural arts planning company Team Seohwa (co-CEOs Do Yeonhee and Kim Seongwoo), in cooperation with the Jongno Cultural Foundation, with special guest participation from LINSEED, a promising gallery from Shanghai, China. LINSEED gallery will install works transported directly from overseas to introduce them domestically.

Participating artists include 13 Korean artists selected by Team Seohwa: Go Woojeong, Kim Daeun, Kim Bomi, Kim Seongwoo, Kim Jiwon, Baek Jeonggi, Seo Heesu, Lee Junghoon, Yoon Junho, Jeon Ahyeon, Jo Eunpil, Choi Taehoon, and Hwang Dayoung, as well as artists selected by LINSEED.

The exhibition title, 'Paulownia Tree Root and Peach Petals,' reflects the journey of Mugaewon from past to present. It highlights the history of Mugaewon, which has undergone relocation and restoration to preserve tradition, and plans to introduce works by contemporary artists who continuously explore boundaries and identity.

The exhibition is open from Tuesday to Sunday during the period, excluding Mondays when it is closed, and admission is free. For more details, please check the Jongno Cultural Foundation website or contact Mugaewon by phone.

Meanwhile, Mugaewon, located in Buam-dong, was built using building materials from Ojinam, the first Seoul-registered restaurant located in Ikseon-dong in the past. The materials were used not only for the main gate of Mugaewon but also for roof tiles, rafters, and pillars.

To understand Mugaewon, one must also know its root, Ojinam. Ojinam was a representative commercial urban hanok in the early 1910s, notable for its rarity and preservation value, and is a historic site where the July 4 North-South Joint Statement, which led the North-South Cold War system toward dialogue, was produced.

Additionally, the site of Mugaewon, Mugaejeongsa, is a historic place said to resemble the Peach Blossom Land dreamed of by Prince Anpyeong. It is said that the painter An Gyeon painted the Dream Journey to the Peach Blossom Land (Mongyudowondo) in three days here, built a pavilion, composed poetry, and shot arrows.

District Mayor Jeong Munheon said, “We ask for great interest in the first international contemporary art exhibition held at Mugaewon,” adding, “Do not miss this special opportunity to experience works by globally recognized contemporary artists in a traditional hanok.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.