Exploring the Cheongju Art Museum: A 10-Year Celebration
When you want to see an exhibition in Cheongju
There are three National Museum of Modern Art locations across the country,
so I often find myself visiting those.
However, Cheongju has its own City Art Museum,
which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year!
As a resident of Cheongju, I heard about the anniversary exhibition
and finally visited the Cheongju City Art Museum.
For Cheongju citizens, tickets are only 500 won with a discount,
and even without a discount, they are just 1000 won,
making it an affordable cultural experience.
I attended the first guided tour on opening day,
where the guide provided insightful explanations,
allowing me to appreciate aspects of the artworks I might have missed.
<Location, Parking, and Admission Fees for Cheongju City Art Museum>
The museum is located in Sajik-dong,
making it easily accessible from downtown Cheongju.
Exhibition Title: "Cheongju Contemporary Art: Sensation of Now and Here"
"10 Years of Cheongju City Art Museum: Your Attitude"
Exhibition Period: July 24, 2026 - October 18, 2026
Location: Main Building of Cheongju City Art Museum
Address: 50, Chungnyeol-ro 18-gil, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Closed on Mondays
Upon arriving at the museum,
I purchased my ticket at the information desk.
There's a parking lot next to the museum,
though it's not very spacious, so keep that in mind.
Citizens of Cheongju can show their ID to receive a 500 won discount.
Currently, guided tours are available from
August 1 to October 10, at 2 PM and 4 PM,
with a maximum of 30 participants per session.
I didn't make a reservation,
but I was informed that there would be a guide available on Saturdays,
and it wasn't as crowded as I expected,
making it a pleasant experience for viewing the artworks.
2. A Special Exhibition for the 10th Anniversary
The Cheongju City Art Museum's exhibition is special this year
because it marks its 10th anniversary.
Since its opening in 2016,
the museum is hosting not just one exhibition,
but a special exhibition showcasing contemporary art from Cheongju,
along with an archive exhibition reflecting on the past 10 years.
This means there is much more to see than usual.
There are currently two main exhibitions:
"Cheongju Contemporary Art: Sensation of Now and Here"
1st and 2nd floors / July 24 - October 18
"10 Years of Cheongju City Art Museum: Your Attitude"
1st floor media exhibition room / 3rd floor / July 24 - October 18
Both exhibitions run until October 18, 2026.
While both are part of the 10th-anniversary celebration,
the atmosphere is quite different when you visit.
One focuses on artists and works active in Cheongju,
while the other reflects on how the Cheongju City Art Museum has developed over the past decade.
Viewing the artworks is best thought of as experiencing the "sensation of now and here."
3. Review of "Cheongju Contemporary Art: Sensation of Now and Here"
The first exhibition I explored was "Cheongju Contemporary Art: Sensation of Now and Here,"
featuring works from 20 senior and mid-career artists active in Cheongju.
I initially expected a similar atmosphere throughout,
but I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of expressions.
From paintings to sculptures, ceramics, and installations,
each artwork offered a unique viewing experience.
The first floor addresses themes such as memory, identity, nature, ecology,
and human society, while the second floor showcases works from senior artists
who have laid the foundation for contemporary art in Cheongju.
I learned through the guided tour that the building was originally a KBS facility,
which explains its high ceilings.
This height allows for a spacious feel,
and the first floor features works from relatively younger artists.
It was enjoyable to discover new aspects along the way.
Viewing local art may seem daunting,
but by simply looking for pieces you like rather than trying to understand everything,
the experience becomes much more enjoyable.
4. Archive Exhibition: "10 Years of Cheongju City Art Museum: Your Attitude"
I found the "10 Years of Cheongju City Art Museum: Your Attitude" exhibition unexpectedly fascinating.
Unlike a typical art exhibition,
this is more of an archive showcasing the museum's history.
It documents the site selection, construction process,
preparation for the opening, and changes over the years
through photos, videos, and interviews.
It provides a comprehensive look back at the past decade of the Cheongju City Art Museum.
5. Reasons for Recommendation
If you're looking for places to visit in Cheongju during the summer,
the biggest issue is often the heat.
The Cheongju City Art Museum offers a comfortable indoor space
where you can explore at your own pace,
see various exhibitions, and discuss the artworks,
making it a recommended spot in Cheongju.
Especially if you're unsure about what to see at an art museum,
visiting can feel daunting.
However, after visiting this time,
I realized that Cheongju has a surprisingly strong interest in culture.
Exploring the artworks with a guide revealed that the museum is much larger
and more diverse than it appears from the outside.
Spread across three floors, there are many more artworks to enjoy,
and with affordable admission prices, it's a great way to enjoy cultural activities.
After viewing the artworks, there's also a café on the first floor
where you can grab a drink and reflect or chat with companions.
It could be a lovely way to spend your time!
Source :https://blog.naver.com/cbkb21/224386076796
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