Culture in the Air: Top 3 Destinations this Autumn

They say autumn is the season of poets. Some might feel confused upon hearing this phrase. Perhaps it is because we have so little time to ponder. Autumn is the perfect season to look back on our lives and reflect. How about going to a cozy place to enjoy the wonders of art? Filled with creative energy, the Hwaseong Changmun Art Center is a good pick. How about visiting Bucheon Craft Street to get a feel for traditional beauty? Paju Artinus is a great place to visit with family. Take a break this autumn. A little trip could bring you more than you expected.

From Closed School to Artistic Freedom – Hwaseong Changmun Art Center

Once an abandoned school, the Changmun Art Center in Suhwa-dong of Hwaseong City in Gyeonggi Province has become a cultural center. Art professors and artists moved into the old school and transformed it into a large atelier. With its design mainly inspired by nature, it is open to children and others so that they can explore the world of art,. The artwork will remind visitors of the beauty of the natural world.

Instead of avoiding water puddles after a good rain, float a paper boat. Make an outfit out of autumn leaves. When the weather is cold enough, ride a sleigh on the frost-covered rice patties. During harvest, children can make their own scarecrows and place them in the fields. They can even try their hand at harvesting rice. The Art Center not only has artistic programs, but also experiential programs organized in conjunction with local villages. Please remember, only group reservations are possible.

-Experience fee paid separately
-Address: 235 Suhwa-dong, Hwaseong City, Gyeonggi Province
-Contact: +82-31-355-2206
-How to get there: Get on the Seohaean Expressway and take road No. 306 towards Jebu Island Sagang at Bibong IC. Make a right at Mado Island Fishing Grounds and take National Road No. 71. You will find it on your left.

Bucheon Crafts Street, Home of Traditional Culture

If you have the urge for a traditional experience, go to the Crafts Street.

Located in Bucheon and designated as an intangible cultural asset, it is a market where you will find crafts made by masters. You can also experience the crafting process, or purchase a piece or two as souvenirs. All of the structures along the street are traditional. They are home to master craftsmen that make the finest bows, instruments, sculptures, lacquer ware, figured mats, and embroidery. Their studios are open 365 days a year to anyone who is interested in the crafting process. You can also book in advance to try your hand at making the crafts yourself.

Make a bamboo bow, mini drum and jangu, flower-printed scroll, lacquer ware or replicas of old landmarks, spoon prop, small bag, embroidered thimble, cell phone accessory, lacquered rice paddle, and more. The Masterpiece Center is where you can browse the magnificent goods made by the hands of masters. Its purpose is to promote Korea’s traditional crafts and provide visitors with opportunities to make crafts of their own.

–Address: 529-2, Sang-dong, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon City, Gyeonggi Province, Crafts Street in Yeongsang Cultural Complex
–Contact: Information & reservation, +82-32-663-9782
–How to get there: Toward Aiins World to Gyeongin Expressway Seoun IC, next to the Craft Street

Paju Artinus, Where Children’s Dreams Take Flight

Autumn is a great season to read. If you are an avid fan of reading and interested in a nice quiet place where you can enjoy a book, Paju Artinus is the place for you. In the basement of the building you will find the Neverland Picture Book Museum, and a children¡¯s bookstore called Eorini Libro is located on the second floor. While the children are digging through the books, parents can enjoy some adult time in the restaurant and café Farmer’s Table.

This is also where the student cafeteria scenes of the series Boys Over Flowers were shot. The interior is sophisticated and savvy, welded together by its common theme: books. There are plenty of children¡¯s books to read. New books, bestsellers, and second-hand books can be purchased for 10% off the original prices. If you are lucky, you might find that special book you are looking for. Paju Artinus is open until 8:00 PM on weekends.

-Information: B1 Neverland Picture Book Museum (+Children’s Book Playground) Tel. +82-31-948-6685 / 2F Eorini Libro (Children’s Book Store) Tel. +82-31-948-0740
-Address: Artinus 1F, Heyri, 1652-143, Beopheung-ri, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju City, Gyeonggi Province

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