The Essence of SAN: Space Art Nature
If you love the Getty Center in Los Angeles, consider a retreat to Museum SAN in Wonju, Gangwon-do. This remarkable cultural space in Korea harmonizes architecture and art within the ever-changing embrace of nature. At Museum SAN, you can rediscover the peace of life and art through paper and analog experiences, all within a setting that feels as if you’ve stepped into a classic Korean painting. Its expansive design, perfectly integrated with the Sansang (山上, mountaintop) terrain, offers an unforgettable experience that blends whispers of art with traditional Korean aesthetics.
‘SAN,’ meaning ‘mountain’ in Korean, also stands for ‘Space Art Nature.’ Designed by the minimalist master architect Tadao Ando, the museum embodies his vision of ‘a place of tranquility surrounded by the beauty of mountains and nature, away from the urban hustle and bustle.’ Operating under the slogan ‘Disconnect to Connect,’ the museum provides a serene escape with its thoughtfully curated spaces, including the Welcome Center, Flower Garden, Water Garden, Main Building, Meditation Hall, Stone Garden, and the captivating James Turrell Hall. Together, these elements create an atmosphere of profound peace and connection to nature.
A Symphony of Flowers and Water
The Flower Garden is a breathtaking sight, welcoming visitors with 800,000 vibrant rainbow pinks, symbolizing pure love, and 180 elegant white birch trees. These colorful blooms and majestic trees not only enhance the museum’s natural beauty but also carry a deeper significance, representing enduring love and the passage of time.
The Water Garden is a serene, dazzling water feature that gives the illusion of the museum’s main building floating on water. A graceful archway, symbolizing tranquility, guides visitors toward the main building, adding to the harmonious and meditative experience of the space.
Architectural Marvel: The Main Building
The main building, a masterpiece of architectural design, is truly a sight to behold. Composed of four wing structures that seamlessly connect rectangular, triangular, and circular spaces, it embodies the architect’s philosophy of linking earth, sky, and humanity. Encased in Paju stone, the main building is home to both permanent and temporary exhibitions in the Cheongjo Gallery, where visitors can marvel at the timeless beauty of paper.
The concept of ‘Box in Box’ is elegantly expressed through a concrete box nestled within a Paju stone exterior. The connecting spaces—featuring rectangles, triangles, and circles—symbolize the profound connection between the land, people, and sky, inviting you to explore its unique and thought-provoking features.
The Heart of Serenity: Meditation Hall
Personally, I find the Meditation Hall to be the highlight of Museum SAN. Completed in 2019 to mark the museum’s fifth anniversary, this small, dome-shaped hall is a sanctuary that captures light and nature, offering a tranquil space for restful contemplation and renewal.
The Meditation Hall hosts programs inspired by the museum’s themes of space, art, and nature, providing deep relaxation for visitors. Participants can engage in various guided meditation experiences, such as Voice Healing Meditation, which focuses on internal sounds; Music Therapy Meditation, featuring the soothing resonance of singing bowls; and Natural Meditation, which immerses participants in the calming sounds of the forest.
These programs are available by onsite reservation, which can be made through the museum’s website or by contacting our staff directly. It’s an experience that leaves you feeling refreshed and reconnected with yourself and nature.
Stone Garden: A Walk Through History
Meanwhile, the Stone Garden, inspired by the tombs of the Silla Dynasty*, features nine gently curved stone mounds. Along the winding paths, visitors can admire sculptures that seamlessly blend with the natural surroundings. The garden celebrates the harmony of earth, stone, wind, and sunlight, serving as a serene testament to the timeless beauty of nature.
*A Korean kingdom that existed between 57 BCE[9] – 935 CE
The Enigmatic Light: James Turrell Hall
At the James Turrell Hall, you’ll be captivated by five of Turrell’s extraordinary works: Skyspace, Division, Horizon Room, Ganzfeld, and Wedgework. Renowned for his ability to craft spaces that transcend perception, Turrell invites visitors to explore infinite space and engage in profound contemplation.
Delve deeper into the philosophical meanings behind his works through our humanities lectures (currently offered in Korean), which explore themes such as Plato’s Cave Allegory, the Sphinx’s Riddle, Western Art History, and Christianity. For a truly immersive experience, join one of our 70-minute special viewing sessions, where you can explore four spaces and gain unparalleled insights into Turrell’s artistry.
If you visit on Friday or Saturday evenings, don’t miss the ‘Colorful Night’ program in the Skyspace and Horizon Room. This unique interplay of artificial and natural light offers the perfect setting for reflection and meditation, making your visit truly unforgettable.
Creative Exploration: The Print Hall
At the Print Hall, the spotlight is on interactive and hands-on experiences. Here, you can try your hand at silk-screen printmaking and unleash your creativity with mug decorating. Explore various printmaking techniques and join commemorative postcard-making activities that allow you to create a personalized keepsake.
For an extra special touch, take home a DIY silk-screen kit—an ideal gift for your loved ones or a creative memento of your visit.
Visiting Museum SAN
Museum SAN is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Seoul, with a taxi ride costing approximately $100 one way. For those traveling by public transportation, the journey takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Most programs require reservations, which can be easily made through the museum’s website or Naver. Stay up to date on major exhibitions and programs by following the museum on Instagram.
Address. 260, Oakvalley 2-gil, Jijeong-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do 220-821 South Korea (Tel. 033-730-9000)
Admission. 23,000~46,000 KRW
Opening Hours
- Museum 10:00 ~ 18:00
- James Turrell 10:30 ~ 17:30 (17:00 in Winter Season)
- Meditation 10:25 ~ 17:05(January,February)
*last admission : Museum 17:00
Website
Instagram
Program Reservation (Naver)
** The source of all images in this article is Museum SAN.
