How about a story from a motel reborn as an art space? That’s the tale of the Tap Motel in Jeju. Once just a decent-value motel near the seafront with spacious though scruffy rooms, this place has transformed.
The Tap Motel sits in Tapdong. This area is the market and port district of Jeju City. Tapdong was once a popular spot. People came here for shopping, entertainment, and outdoor fun on the boardwalk near Jeju’s port.
Over time, many businesses moved away. The area lost some of its charm. Locals and tourists started going elsewhere. The Tapdong Cinema closed. Other businesses that drew young crowds also failed.
But Tapdong’s story didn’t end there. The arrival of the Arario Museum changed everything. Multimillionaire Kim Chang Il, one of the world’s top 200 art collectors, opened museums here in 2014.
Kim bought older buildings that had been empty for years. He refurbished them, keeping the look of the port and market district. The exteriors were painted in bold, bright red to catch the eye.
One of these buildings was the Dongmun Motel. Built in 1975, it became part of the Arario Museum. Now, the rooms that once housed visitors hold art exhibits.
Today, you can see works by leading experimental and contemporary artists at the Tap Motel. Artists like Antony Gormley and the Chapman brothers are featured here. The rooms of the old motel provide a unique setting for their art.
The Tap Motel is not alone in Tapdong’s revival. Other businesses that cater to an artsy crowd have moved in. Tapdong embraces its alternative and industrial character.
The Seoul-based Magpie Brewing Company has opened a location here. You can also find independent French bakeries and gourmet coffee shops. Even a large grocery store called MARTRO has come to Tapdong.
The Dongmun Market is nearby. It is a maze of covered streets with fruit, vegetables, and fresh seafood. You can find flea market shops selling everything from fast food to handmade furniture.
The Tapdong boardwalk runs along the waterfront. People ride bikes and play basketball here. The Jeju Seaside Concert Hall hosts plays and live music. There is even a small amusement park.
The Tap Motel is located in the center of traffic and culture. It is 15 minutes from the airport and 5 minutes from the port. Nearby attractions are easily accessible.
Despite its past, Tapdong is thriving. Local businesses are doing well and more visitors are coming every day. Property values are rising. The Tap Motel is a key part of this vibrant arts scene. It stands as a testament to the area’s rebirth. What was once a simple motel is now a unique space where art and history meet.