Not exactly a tourist attraction, but Sangsangmadang is definitely worth the visit the next time you are in Seoul.
Located right in the Hong-ik University district, or more commonly known as Hongdae, Sangsangmadang is an eleven storey building that houses a movie theater, a concert hall, a specialized design shop, a Gallery, an Academy, a Studio and a Cafe.
A place where local artists and designers gather, Sangsangmadang supports the works and offers resources for artists and designers to further their creativity.
Floor Guide of Sangsangmadang
6F - ST.COQS Cafe
5F - Photography studio with a darkroom, creative room and a gallery.
4F - Academy with lecture room and meeting room.
3F - Academy with lecture room and media room.
2F - Gallery to introduce contemporary and subculture art.
1F - Design Square to showcase and sell the designers' products.
B2 - Live Hall
B4 - Cinema. A platform for indie, short and art films.
KT&G SangsangMadang was established as an online community in 2005. The physical complex opened in 2007 in order to support artists for their creative activities. It seeks to provide the public with opportunities to immerse themselves in the arts, and provides a platform for local talents to showcase and exchange creative ideas.
MyFatPocket explored the Design Square on level 1 and we found it to be a very interesting place, where there are all kinds of unique products from local designers.
Give your place a touch of design with these unique household items.
The hangers that were made in the shape of rocking horse, or sheep, for this instance, caught our attention. Or how about a clock that doubles up as a door wedge?
Ice-cream or soup?
These sharing watches are really for the extra unselfish ones amongst us. We were wondering what they were meant for until we realized that these watches were specially made for you to share the time with someone else. However, you yourself got to read the time upside down then! This is definitely going to be a conversation starter.
KT&G Sangsangmadang Hongdae (KT&G 상상마당 홍대)
Address: 서울특별시 마포구 어울마당로 65 (서교동)
Address in English: 65, Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Seogyo-dong)
Operating Hours: Art Market Gallery – 13:00 - 22:00, Art square – 12:00 - 23:00
Tel: +82-2-330-6200
How to get there by subway (Source: Visit Korea)
Hongdae (Hongik University) Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 5.
- After exiting the station, continue walking straight.
- Take the left turn immediately following VIPS restaurant.
- Keep walking along that road until you come to the Tourism Information Center.
- At this point, cross the road, and turn right off the main road into a shopping street.
- Walk along this street for about 10mins, until you find the Sangsangmadang (상상마당) on your right.