Quirky Korean Museums

Quirky Korean Musuems – Jjyameyeong Museum Incheon City

I have been to  several quirky museums in Korea.

Quirky Korean museums – Jjyameyeong Museum Incheon City 

The first is the Jjaymeyong museum in Incheon which is dedicated to that staple Korean-Chinese black noodle dish, Jjaymeyong which was invented by Chinese immigrants in Incheon in the 19^th Century and has become one of the staple foods of South and North Korea and China as well.

The museum was interesting but did not serve Jjajmeyong at the site.

 

CO-PIlot provides details

The Jajangmyeon Museum, located in Jung District, Incheon, South Korea, is dedicated to the history of the popular Korean-Chinese dish, jajangmyeon. Here are some key highlights:

• History: The museum is housed in the former Gonghwachun restaurant, which is considered the birthplace of jajangmyeon in Korea. The restaurant was originally founded in the early 1900s by a Chinese immigrant¹.
• Exhibits: The museum features six exhibition halls that cover various aspects of jajangmyeon’s history, including the history of Chinese immigrants in Korea, the origins of jajangmyeon, and its evolution into a beloved Korean dish¹.
• Architecture: The building itself is a modern cultural heritage site, showcasing the life and contributions of Chinese immigrants in Korea².
• Interactive Displays: Visitors can explore interactive displays and learn about the ingredients and preparation methods of jajangmyeon³.

The museum is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in culinary history and the cultural exchange between Korea and China.

Kimchi Museum

the Kimchi Museum is also worth a stop.  There are two locations, one in the KOE Convention center in Gangnam district which I visited, and the other in the Insadong traditional arts district in downtown Seoul.

 

Co-Pilot provides the details:

 

Kimchi Blues

 

 

 

Fragrance of Korean Food

I love Korean food
K food
I love the taste
I love the fragrance
I love the smells
I love the texture
I love the feel
I love how it looks
Fell in love with it
And all things Korean
Back in 1979
When I first went there
In the U.S. Peace Corps

Korean food is somewhat like
Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Thai
With some American influences as well
But it is also unique
Distinctive
And delicious

The fragrance of Korean food
Is what draws me in
The aroma of garlic, ginger, sesame oil
Soy sauce, red Popper paste, vinegar, sugar
And other spices and herbs
That creates a symphony of scents
That stimulates my appetite
And make my mouth water

The fragrance of Korean food
Is what lingering in my memory
The smell of kimchi, bibimbap, bulgogi
Japchae, mando, toktokkie
And other dishes and snacks
That fills my stomach
And satisfy my soul

The fragrance of Korean food
Is what connecting me to Korea
The odor of history, culture, tradition
Family, friends, love
And other aspects of Korean life
That touched my heart
And enrich my spirit

I love Korean food
K food
I love the fragrance
The fragrance of Korea
The fragrance of home

Ode to Korean Food

Oh, Korean food
How I adore you
You are the best thing
That ever happened to me

You are my comfort
My joy
My Delight
You make me happy
Every day and night

You are so diverse
So varied
So complex
You have something for everyone
And every mood

You are so healthy
So nutritious
So balanced
You have all the essential
Vitamins and minerals

You are so spicy
So flavorful
So savory
You have all the wonderful
Spices and sauces

You are so fun
So social
So communal
You have all the great
Ways of sharing and eating

You are so beautiful
So colorful
So artistic
You have all the amazing
Presentation and decoration

You are so delicious
So satisfying
So addictive
You have all the irresistible
Taste and texture

Oh, Korean food
How I adore you
You are the best thing
That ever happened to me

The Kimchi Museum, now known as Museum Kimchikan, is located in the vibrant Insadong neighborhood of Seoul, South Korea. It’s a fascinating destination dedicated to the history, culture, and science of kimchi, Korea’s iconic fermented dish.

Here are some key highlights:

• History: Originally opened in 1986 as the Kimchi Field Museum, it was the first museum in Korea dedicated to kimchi. It has since moved and been renamed to Museum Kimchikan¹.
• Exhibits: The museum features a variety of exhibits that explore the history of kimchi, its cultural significance, and the different types of kimchi from various regions of Korea². Visitors can also see real examples of different kimchi varieties³.
• Interactive Displays: There are interactive displays where visitors can learn about the fermentation process and even use microscopes to view the lactic acid bacteria that make kimchi so healthy³.
• Kimchi-Making Classes: The museum offers hands-on kimchi-making classes, allowing visitors to learn how to make their own kimchi and understand the traditional methods used³.
• Tasting: Visitors can taste different varieties of kimchi, providing a delicious and educational experience³.

Edison Science Museum in Gangneun

The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but it is closed on Mondays, Lunar New Year, Chuseok, and Christmas³. Admission fees are reasonable, with discounts for children and teenagers³.

Another off beat museum in Korea is the Edison Science Museum in Gangneung Korea.   It is in the East Coast about two hours by train from Seoul.

The museum was founded by a Korean engineer who was fascinated by Thomas Edison’s life and build the museum to honor his legacy among Koreans.

Co-pilot provides details

The Chamsori Gramophone & Edison Science Museum in Gangneung, South Korea, is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the history of recorded sound and the inventions of Thomas Edison. Here are some key highlights:

• Collections: The museum boasts one of the world’s largest collections of Edison memorabilia, including over 850 of his inventions. You’ll find items like phonographs, light bulbs, cameras, and more¹.
• Gramophones: In addition to Edison’s inventions, the museum features hundreds of antique gramophones and music boxes, showcasing the evolution of recorded music technology².
• Interactive Tours: The museum offers guided tours (primarily in Korean) where visitors can see demonstrations of antique music boxes and other early recording devices¹.
• Unique Exhibits: Some exhibits include rare and valuable models of gramophones and other historical artifacts related to Edison’s work³.

The museum is located about 15 minutes from downtown Gangneung and is easily accessible by public transportation¹.

1atlasobscura.com2lonelyplanet.com3triplyzer.com4bing.com5flickr.com

More Quirky Korean Museums

Korea has a lot of other quirky museums.  CO-PIlot provides some more details:

1. South Korea is home to many quirky and offbeat museums that offer unique and entertaining experiences. Here are a few you might find interesting:
   1. Trick Eye Museum (Seoul)
      • This museum is filled with interactive 3D art and optical illusions that make for fun photo opportunities. Visitors can become part of the artwork and enjoy a variety of themed zones¹.
   2. Poopoo Land (Seoul)  On my bucket list
      • Dedicated to all things related to human excrement, this museum offers a humorous and educational look at a topic that’s often considered taboo. It features interactive exhibits and fun activities².
   3. Teddy Bear Museum (Jeju Island)
      • This museum showcases an extensive collection of teddy bears from around the world, including themed exhibits that depict famous scenes from history and popular culture².
   4.  Love Castle (Gyeongju)  also sex museums in Gangwha and Jeju Islands  on my bucket list
      • An art gallery and museum that explores the themes of love and sexuality through various exhibits. It’s a unique and sometimes provocative experience².
   5. Mr. Toilet House (Suwon) on my bucket list
      • This museum is housed in a toilet-shaped building and is dedicated to the history and importance of sanitation. It was created by Sim Jae-duck, a former mayor of Suwon, who was passionate about improving public toilets².
   6. Alive Museum (Seoul)
      • Similar to the Trick Eye Museum, the Alive Museum features interactive and immersive artworks that visitors can touch and pose with. It also includes attractions like the Dynamic Maze¹.
   7. Knife Gallery (Seoul)
      • This museum is dedicated to knives from around the world. It features a wide range of knives, from traditional Korean blades to modern designs, and offers insights into the history and craftsmanship of knife-making¹.

These museums offer a mix of fun, education, and unique experiences that you won’t find in more traditional museums. Have you visited any quirky museums before?

Learn more

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