Doesn’t it seem like Seoul transforms every day? But what about the lives of ordinary Seoulites through the decades? Today we’re standing in front of the Seoul Urban Life Museum. It is a cultural space dedicated to preserving the everyday stories of Seoul’s citizens.
The Seoul Urban Life Museum opened its doors on September 26, 2019. It’s located in the Nowon district a short walk from Taereung Station. The museum is a modern facility that cherishes the historical experiences of Seoulites. It showcases their modern lives from the 1950s to the present day.
Inside the Seoul Urban Life Museum, you will find three floors of exhibitions. There is also a Children’s Zone and an Annex Building. The Annex Building features a Detention Area Exhibition Room.
Let’s start our journey on the first floor. Here, the Seoul Scenery Exhibition Hall shows Seoul’s transformation. You’ll see old photos and videos capturing the lives of Seoulites after the Korean War. Many of these relics are donations from people wanting to share their personal stories.
Moving to the second floor you will find the Living in Seoul Exhibition Hall. This space is dedicated to the people of Seoul. It reveals how they arrived in the city and how they lived. Learn how Seoulites married and started families here. You can even view pictures of Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty when it was known as Hanyang. Interestingly native Seoulites called tobagi lived in five districts. These included Bukchon Namchon Dongchon Seochon and Jungchon.
If you’ve watched retro Korean dramas you might recognize the family photo studio. Some of these studios still exist in Seoul. Families continue to capture precious memories in them. You can also explore the evolution of wedding dresses from the 1950s to today. In the past marriages were often arranged by parents. The bride and groom might meet for the first time on their wedding day. Through these unions the Seoul family was born and became part of the city’s fabric. Don’t miss the display of hanboks worn by babies celebrating their first birthday or dol. Doljanchi is a Korean tradition because in the past many babies did not survive to see their first birthday.
On the third floor at the Seoul Urban Life Museum is the Dream of Seoul Exhibition Hall. This hall illustrates the busy lives of Seoul citizens. You can see recreations of family homes and learn about education and work. Look out for the yeontan or coal briquettes. These were used for cooking and heating during the cold season.
The Seoul Urban Life Museum also has a special area for children. This Children’s Zone is a great space for kids to learn. They can listen to stories about ants and engage in activities using their five senses. They can also learn about local stories and try different jobs.
In the Annex Building visit the Detention Area Exhibition Room. It offers a glimpse into the lives of officers and inmates. You can even try on inmate uniforms. This area recreates a detention facility from 1974 to 2010 where unconvicted prisoners were held before trial.
The Seoul Urban Life Museum also recreates the old alleys of Seoul reminiscent of the Reply 1988 drama. Here you can experience Seoul life from the 1960s to 1980s.
Before you leave take the elevator to the rooftop. There is a café where you can enjoy a drink and buy souvenirs.
The Seoul Urban Life Museum is closed on Mondays and admission is free. It’s a fantastic place to bring your kids. It provides a unique look at the lives of Seoulites. It shows their journey through time. It is a great way to understand how Seoul has become the vibrant city it is today.