The Trick Eye Museum (트릭아이미술관)

It's August and the weather still hasn't changed. The average high every day has been about 35°C (95°F) though not excessively humid. Additionally, after three weeks in a row in the Konkuk University (건국대학교) area, we were ready for a change of scenery that still offered indoor activities. Last week, we headed over to Hongdae area (홍대앞) to check out the Trick Eye Museum (트릭아이미술관).

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Originally, our plans for last Saturday included a trip to the outdoor Hongdae Free Market (홍대 프리마켓) just around the corner from the Trick Eye Museum. However, seeing how it was still extremely hot when we met up at 4:30 in the afternoon, we unanimously decided to pass on the Market.

Even though Exit #9 of the Hongik University Station (홍대입구역), which was our meeting place, was in the shade, it was still too hot outside for most people to stand around outside for half an hour. While waiting for everyone to show up, most people got a soda at Burger King and waited inside while cooling off in the air conditioning. Around 5 o'clock, when almost everyone had showed up, we walked over to the Trick Eye Museum, which was only about a five minute walk away.

When we arrived at the museum, we saw that admission was 13,000 Won a person, but only 10,000 Won for a group of twenty or more. After a quick head count, we discovered that we only had 17 people. Luckily, there was three out of town English teachers who were waiting in line also. We invited them to join our 'group' for a few minutes and all of us were able to get into the museum at the discounted price.

Inside the museum, there were a large selection humorous pictures, statues and other pieces of art with which visitors 'interact.' Even though you are not really apart of the art, a picture from your camera gives the faint impression that you are. Most of the art was based off of classical European painting, modern situations and Korean themes. With a group of goofy friends who aren't afraid to strike an embarrassing pose, this museum can be lots of fun.

At the end of the main exhibition halls is a small mirror maze. It was quite an experience for those of us who had never gone through a mirror maze before. It was designed quite well since you could clearly see the entrance and the exit reflected in the mirrors all throughout the maze. Unfortunately, it was a pretty short maze, and we were able to solve pretty quickly.

Overall, even with the discount, 10,000 Won seemed a bit pricey for the hour we spent there. It was a nice change of pace from our other activities, and it did provide a nice escape from the hot weather. Despite this, it is quite doubtful that we would go back anytime in the foreseeable future.