MangoVine - Seoul Animation Centre and the House of Cartoons

25 July, 2009
Saturday

We saw the Seoul Animation Centre on the way to Seoul Tower by bus and were mildly captivated by the cartoon statues that were dotted around its exterior. After some net research we decided to pop back via the closest metro station, Myeong-Dong.

House-Of-Cartoons-Linh-Exterior

The Seoul Animation Centre appeared to be a mecca for kids. Comprising two sets of buildings, there is the Center itself and also the House of Cartoons located a car park away.

Seoul-Anim-Centre-Exterior

We entered the House first and were intrigued by the second level video library with wall to wall magazines, dvd's and toy display cabinets and cartoon viewing stations - namely bean bags and monitors - all occupied. The ground level also had a conventional book library.

House-Of-Cartoons-Lounge

Here's some of the toys and figures displayed...

House-Of-Cartoons-Figure

On to the Centre, we found it to be a little more comprehensive.

Seoul-Anim-Centre-Cinema-Sign

Containing a cinema, the foyer was teeming with kids as we arrived, with some of them leaving and some about to watch a screening of Coraline. There were a few large character statues and eventually, we were able to get a few shots alone.

Seoul-Anim-Centre-Penguin

There were some exhibition spaces displaying various artworks relating to animation and a rest area lined with glass cabinets containing toy figures.

Seoul-Anim-Centre-Gallery-Stamps

A "Character Hall" provided a number of interactive games to play.

Seoul-Anim-Centre-Game-Screen

As well as more figures to see (and touch).

Seoul-Anim-Centre-Pucca

A "Character Modelling Studio" was busy with kids (and adults), seated and intent on creating their own animations.

Seoul-Anim-Centre-Diy-Studio

The studio provided worksheets with instructions and the facilities on offer were quite good, allowing participants to use card or plasticine (which they had to buy) in order to get creative. Mini-environments and cameras were set-up so that stop-frame animation was also possible.

Seoul-Anim-Centre-Environments

As a destination, Linh and I enjoyed ourselves just by taking a wander through the Seoul Animation Centre. There's no doubt however, that Korean children would get the most benefit here.

The literature we found described educational programs at the center as well as editing facilities and production and marketing support - basically a whole package for creative youngsters to get their ideas and talents published.

More photos of the Seoul Animation Centre on Flickr.

Visit the Seoul Animation Centre website.

This entry posted in : Attractions. Entertainment. South Korea.

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Seoul Animation Centre and the House of Cartoons

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