Papertainer (which means paper and container) opened to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Design House, a well-known publishing company in Korea. Located in Olympic Park, the museum is constructed of thick paper tubes and old steel containers, and no cement. Not only is it easy to assemble and dismantle, Papertainer doesn’t generate any industrial waste. Moreover, this type of architecture is aesthetically pleasing.

The building was designed by Japanese architect Ban Shigeru (Professor of Environment Information Department, Keio University). In the 1980s, he created a new kind of architecture using paper tubes as an alternative to mainstream architecture, which earned him a reputation as an environmentally-friendly architect. Together, with a Korean architect Yoon Gyeong-sik, they completed a spectacular space constructed of 353 paper tubes for the pillars and 166 containers for the walls. The interior is divided into three main parts: Exhibition Hall 1, where the architectural theme is made of paper columns; Exhibition Hall 2, consists of container space; and an outdoor atrium, which is the heart of the building.

First, the Paper Gallery features an exhibition called ‘Spotlight on 30 Women,’ which sheds new light on historical and legendary Korean female figures including Empress Myeongseong, Yu Gwan-Sun, Hwang Jin-I, and Na Hye-seok. Featuring images, photos and paintings, the exhibition aims for a visual portrayal of famous female figures and an interpretation that differs from male-centric historical accounts. Thirty participating artists include well-known names such as Nancy Lang, Kim Jung-man, and Jung Kuho.

Secondly, the ‘Container Gallery’, focuses on art marketing, and features designers’ work of 30 brands including Samsung Anycall, Nike Korea, and Bean Pole. In each container, an artist has artistically and implicitly expressed the imagery of a particular brand. This exhibition is interesting in that it not only sheds new light on corporate brand values from a visual perspective, but explores brand in terms of art marketing.

After a tour of the galleries, visitors can head to the outdoor terrace to relax. The circular space, which lends to the cozy restfulness, features sculptures from the Olympic Park. From here, visitors can get a good view of the paper pillars and container spaces. It is the perfect spot for sitting on the grass with a cup of warm tea, and enjoying the innovative space of the Papertainer Museum.

→ Click here for more info on the Papertainer Museum


•Exhibition Period: September 15 ~ December 31, 2006
•Hours: 10:00am ~ 18:00pm (Opened until 9 pm on Fridays and weekends)
•Location: South 3 Gate, Seoul Olympic Park
•How to Get There:
Take Subway Line 8 to Mongchontoseong Station, and go out of Exit 1 → Pass by the Gate of Peace, turn right and walk about 200 meters → Pass by Soma and Coffee Bean → The museum is 100 meters from there
•Admission: 10,000 won (Admission includes 1-hour free parking)


SEOUL OLYMPIC MUSEUM OF ART
The Seoul Olympic Museum of Art (SOMA), which includes the Sculpture Park and an indoor exhibition gallery, is free to those with a ticket to the Papertainer Museum. Current exhibitions include the Drawn to Drawing exhibition from November 16, 2006, the collection of Nam June Paik’s work, and a variety of sculptures by Korean artists.
•Hours：10:00am ~ 18:00pm (Closed on Mondays)
•Website：http://www.somamuseum.org(English)