Seoul’s ultra-modern window on just about all things Korean

Want to learn about Korean etiquette, read Korean folk tales or watch Korean movies, but you do not speak a word of Korean? Maybe the Korea Culture and Contents Agency Cultural Center can help.
Located in Yeoksam-dong, the ultra-modern space is devoted entirely to the promotion of Korean culture to an English-speaking audience. You can find trendy gifts from Morning Glory, the latest CDs or DVDs provided by Music Changgo and English books about Korea at reasonable prices.
The book section is substantial, offering everything from comics to books on North Korea issues to fine arts ― all translated into English. “Books are displayed in a very spacious setting, because if we let the books show their own faces, they speak for themselves,” said Hank Kim, founder of Seoul Selection, the book supplier.
“One of the best sellers is ‘Korea Unmasked’ a comic book dealing with Korean culture,” Mr. Kim says. This book, written and illustrated by Won-bok Rhie and translated by Jung Un and Louis Choi, gives readers insight into Korean culture. The center also offers a large collection of CDs, from the most popular to the most traditional Korean music.
Visitors can also buy DVDs of Korean films, most with English and Japanese subtitles. The DVDs are even available free viewings on a big-screen TV at the center. Screenings of Korean movies with subtitles will be scheduled starting in December.
The center has a coffee shop on the second floor.
The center’s basement level has an exhibition hall, which in the past has been the venue of shows featuring modern Korean culture, such as a recent exhibition on the “Robot Taekwon V” animated series.

KOCCA Cultural Center
Location: Walk five minutes from exit No. 6 of Yeoksam subway station, line No. 2.
Hours:10 a.m. - 8 p.m. every day
Telephone: (02) 2051-3071

by Anne Lajoye