Arario Museum Tapdong Cinema
About This Museum
Tucked away on the lively Tapdong waterfront in Jeju City, this museum is anything but ordinary. It's housed in a fantastically repurposed 1970s cinema, where art and nostalgia collide. You'll find provocative contemporary pieces from renowned artists like Damien Hirst and Yayoi Kusama tucked into the old screening rooms and hallways. It feels less like a sterile gallery and more like an adventurous treasure hunt through cinematic history.
Collection Highlights
Look for Damien Hirst's iconic spot paintings hanging beside vintage movie posters and Yayoi Kusama's mind-bending infinity room installed in a former projection booth. The collection constantly rotates, so you never know what bold, new work you might discover around the next corner.
Visitor Information
It's open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, and getting there is a breeze—it's just a short walk from the Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal. Wear comfortable shoes; you'll want to explore every nook of this sprawling, multi-level space.
Architecture & Building
The building is pure retro charm—a boxy, weathered concrete structure that proudly retains its original 'Tapdong Cinema' marquee. Inside, they've kept the soul of the old theater intact, with original staircases, tiled floors, and quirky corridors leading you between artworks.
