Lost in rumination
The exhibition “Tale” is running through the end of March at Gallery Royal in Seoul, inviting those who value solitary contemplation.
The majority of the 35 works hanging on the gallery walls -- mostly white painted wood and canvas -- are untitled.
“I just draw the bare minimum of what I think should be there to convey what I feel,” artist Choi Hong-sun said, referring to his canvasses painted gray with a line or two drawn across them.
He was inspired by desert and prairie in drawing the seemingly empty canvas. “Like how there’s always something left behind even after a wind blows over,” Choi said, adding that it is up to the viewer to figure out what remains.
Choi, 60, says he considers artwork without a hint of ambiguity “somewhat boring.”
At least artist Kwak Kyoung-hwa, Choi’s wife, partially agrees with him. Kwak’s works are on display alongside Choi’s.
Her favorite, she says, is what she labels the “ghost series,” or officially, “Seuleuleug,” a group of acrylic-on-wood works.
“Inspirations come and go and most importantly, they slip away in split seconds -- like ghosts vanishing right away once they are spotted,” Kwak said. “Seuleuleug” is Korean onomatopoeia for something sliding away.
The 60-year-old artist added she too finds inspiration in nature, pointing to a ceramic-on-wood work mirroring clouds vertically stacked up. The untitled work represents “something accumulated, like a train of thought,” according to Kwak.
The exhibition title, “Tale,” speaks volumes about what they look for in their artistic endeavors.
“It all came down to either ‘tale’ or ‘story,’” Kwak said. “‘Tale’ sounded more on point because it connected with ‘imagination’ -- that which gets us up in the morning.”
Gallery Royal is within a walking distance from Hakdong Station Exit 7 on Seoul Subway Line No. 7.
Serene Bukhan River view
If you are in need of an escape from the hustle and bustle of Seoul, why not take an hour's drive eastward to a serene retreat in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province? Located along a quiet countryside road overlooking the Bukhan River lies Ayu Space, a tranquil cultural complex.
Originally built in the 1970s as a summer villa for a wealthy family, the property has been reimagined as a cafe and restaurant with a walking trail surrounded by lush gardens. Byoungsoo Cho Architects, known for creating simple, modern structures with a strong regard for nature, gave new life to the villa.
Spanning approximately 11,500 square meters, Ayu Space features a cafe, an Italian restaurant, scenic walking paths and even a dock for boat tours during the summer months.
The cafe's centerpiece is a courtyard with a massive rock, encircled by curved glass walls that offer sweeping views of the open sky. Seating areas are provided throughout the garden and trails surrounding the cafe, providing a serene view of the Bukhan River and mountains.
At the cafe, guests can enjoy light brunch options, beverages and a selection of cakes and baked goods. The restaurant offers a full Italian dining experience, including pasta, steak and risotto courses.
Ayu Space has two parking lots: one directly connected to the cafe and a second lot nearby, with a shuttle bus running regularly between the two.
The cafe operates from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and until 9 p.m. on weekends. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. and follows the same closing hours. Additionally, the venue is available for private bookings, such as corporate events and weddings.
Perfect retreat for cat lovers
If you are a cat lover, Cat Garden in western Seoul promises a one-of-a-kind retreat where stress melts away amid the playful antics of over 100 cats.
This feline haven is more than your average cat cafe -- think of it as a cat lounge, where cats of all colors and personalities roam free in a cozy yet expansive space designed for maximum human-feline interaction.
Every cat here has a rescue story. The feline residents in Cat Garden were either saved from abandonment, cat mills or surrendered by previous owners. A visit to Cat Garden isn’t just a treat for you -- it’s a chance to shower the cats with affection and kindness.
For outdoor enthusiasts and Instagram aficionados, Cat Garden ups the ante with an open-air playground outfitted with various facilities for cats and even a picturesque pond.
Admission costs 20,000 won ($13.95) per adult, which includes a complimentary drink. Operating hours are 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily, but weekend and holiday visits are limited to two hours per guest. While there is a dedicated parking lot, space is tight -- public transportation is highly recommended.
