About 100 Seoul residents gathered at Dongdaemun Design Plaza on Saturday to embark on a two-month long journey to uncover public art on the city’s streets.

Under the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s project “Arts on Seoul’s street found by citizens,” participants find and promote lesser-known public art and landmarks in groups of 10, joined by field experts and art connoisseurs.

They range from those in their 20s to 70s and have various occupations and nationalities.

“Although I do not have a deep knowledge of art, I personally think giving feedback from a normal citizen’s point of view can offer refreshing ideas,” said 73-year-old participant Nam Gi-su.

Vanessa Tanadi, 23, an Indonesian student studying design in Seoul said that she hopes to create opportunities to improve Seoul’s public art.

“I have always been thinking that public art here lacks detailed explanations for citizens and foreign visitors who may stop by to know (more) about the art,” said Tanadi.

The participants’ promotions of Seoul’s public art and introductions of iconic landmarks in the city will be available via Seoul City’s social media channels. After a list of public art is created, there will be a public vote in early November and the results of the most beautiful public art in Seoul will be displayed at DDP.

“This is the first project that the city is holding that involves citizens’ voluntary participation to uncover art on the street and hear their feedback,” said Byun Tae-soon, an official from Seoul City’s design policy department.

“I hope this project will help build a communication channel between citizens and Seoul’s public art, to receive more feedback and assessment,” she added.

The SMG’s design policy department said that it plans to hold regular programs inviting citizens to give recommendations and assessment on Seoul’s public art and promote them online. 

By Kim Da-sol (ddd@heraldcorp.com)