Nestled between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung (1392-1910 Joseon Dynasty palaces) and the royal shrine Jongmyo lies Bukchon, a Seoul neighborhood where the spirit of old traditions still thrive. Known for its dense collection of hanok (traditional Korean houses), this area stands as one of the city’s most distinctive historic districts. Bukchon – with its wealth of historical sites, cultural landmarks and folk heritage – has been described as a “living museum” in the heart of the city.
Visitors from around Korea and the world who are drawn to this well-known, highly Instagrammable neighborhood, now have a fresh addition to explore there: FUTURA SEOUL. Taking its name from the Latin word for “future,” this new space has a mission: create a venue for innovative artistic experiences that tie contemporary culture to Bukchon’s rich heritage as the residential district for Joseon literati.
“I planned FUTURA SEOUL because I wanted Bukchon to be more than just a quick stop on the hanok village tourist trail. I envisioned a neighborhood where people could spend time and truly discover its essence,” explained its CEO Ku Dahoe. “We’ve put a lot of thought into this space, and guided by our unique exhibition philosophy, we aim to create an artistic platform where visitors can experience exceptional works by both Korean and international artists.”
“Echoes of the Earth: Living Archive” exhibition poster (Image courtesy of FUTURA SEOUL)
FUTURA SEOUL has chosen to begin its mission with the Asian debut of “Echoes of the Earth: Living Archive,” an exhibition by media artist Refik Anadol. First curated by London’s Serpentine Gallery and unveiled by FUTURA SEOUL this September, the show will run until December 8. This inaugural exhibition sets the tone for FUTURA SEOUL’s ambition to transcend traditional museum and gallery formats in favor of a more dynamic artistic space.
Globally renowned media artist Refik Anadol (Photo courtesy of Refik Anadol Studio)
An internationally acclaimed pioneer in data aesthetics and machine intelligence, Anadol’s works explore the creative possibilities at the intersection of human and artificial intelligence. At the heart of this exhibition is the Large Nature Model (LNM), the world’s first open-source generative AI system focused on the natural world. Developed by Anadol’s studio, LNM draws from an extensive dataset compiled over 10 years, combining the studio’s own research with collections from institutions like the Smithsonian and London’s Natural History Museum. The model also incorporates photos, sounds and 3D scans gathered from 16 rainforests across South America, Africa and Southeast Asia. By transforming this vast archive into AI-generated media art, Anadol offers viewers a fresh perspective on nature. His work not only showcases the potential of cutting-edge technology to capture and celebrate the natural world but also underscores the critical importance of preserving Earth’s ecosystems.
Visitors viewing the Large Nature Model (LNM): Development Process, 2024 (Photo by Kim Byung-gu, Hongcomm.)
The exhibition opens with a video detailing the creation and evolution of the LNM, offering visitors insight into its complex data collection and processing methods. This massive dataset finds new life through transformed natural forms and colors. The centerpiece of the exhibition is the “Machine Hallucinations-LNM” series, featuring four distinct works focused on plants, animals, landscapes and corals. Each piece synthesizes millions – in some cases over 500 million – images to create hybrid visions of nature. What emerges is a fascinating paradox: landscapes that feel both familiar and foreign, existing in a liminal space between reality and digital imagination, and perhaps offering a glimpse into nature’s future forms.
Visitors viewing the Machine Hallucinations-LNM works (Photos by Kim Byung-gu, Hongcomm.)
A highlight of the exhibition is “Winds of Seoul,” the latest addition to Refik Anadol Studio’s wind AI data sculpture series. This site-specific installation in Gallery 3 represents the culmination of ongoing research that merges cutting-edge technology with evolving artistic expression. By gathering data on wind speed and direction from across the city, the work gives visible form to Seoul’s invisible air currents. The experience is enhanced by an AI-generated fragrance, synthesized from roughly 500,000 scent molecules, that fills the exhibition space. This carefully crafted aroma recreates natural scents, deepening visitors’ immersion in the installation.
“Winds of Seoul,” 2024 (Photo courtesy of FUTURA SEOUL) and visitors viewing the installation (Photo by Kim Byung-gu, Hongcomm.)
Ahead of the opening, Anadol shared his vision: “Visitors will witness nature through the lens of AI’s dreams, experiencing something profound and unprecedented. FUTURA SEOUL promises to be a remarkable venue where people can fully appreciate these works’ groundbreaking potential.”
FUTURA SEOUL’s first floor and rear garden (Photo courtesy of FUTURA SEOUL)
The FUTURA SEOUL building itself is a work of art. Though it blends seamlessly into its historic surroundings, the space reveals its contemporary brilliance once you step inside. The structure houses exhibition areas, a roof garden and multiple terraces. The entrance welcomes visitors with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows that frame a landscape of rocks and trees. The panoramic view evokes the serenity that would come from staring out at nature while sitting on wood-planked flooring under the eaves of a hanok. The main galleries on the first and second floors impress with their soaring 10.8 m-high ceilings and striking architectural details. Above, the third floor opens onto a terrace and roof garden, offering stunning views of Bukchon Hanok Village that no visitor should miss.
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