Television 12 @ Hongdae- seoulsite.com

When you first hear the name “Television 12” you might think of a sports bar with 12 big televisions or perhaps a news station. However, when owners Minyong Kim and Kyungsun Lee started this artistic cafe in June of 2008, they had a different vision. “I wanted Television12 to be a multi-faceted art-space where people could enjoy art, share thoughts, and experience new artistic activities together,” said Minyong, who used to work in advertising. His wife Kyungsun Lee has a background as an art curator and together they run the cafe with their background and love for art.

Television 12 is a cafe and an art gallery in one. The name is derived from two words. The first word ,“TELL,” is a symbolic expression for the cafe as it is a social area to tell your ideas and thoughts. The second word is “VISION,” which represents the gallery on the second floor. Here one’s vision is expressed in the form of art and put on display. The number “12,” makes reference to the hours of operation which are from 12 noon until 12 midnight, 12 months a year.

The cafe was born out of a demand for a place where people can show their art in a more casual environment. The young couple conceived the dream of opening an art cafe while they were living in Chicago. Shortly after returning to Korea, they began searching for a location. “It took almost a year just to pick the right spot and two years to shape it into what it looks like today” Minyong said. Eventually, their research led them to Hongdae, an area known for its unique art and culture scene. “I see people from all backgrounds come here. I see writers, artists, musicians, students, educators, and clubbers.” Minyong said.

Their cafe is comfortable and spacious with plenty of natural light flowing in from the large glass doors and windows. This is great for reading or viewing the pieces of art displayed on the walls. “The artwork in the cafe is mostly owned by my wife and I. However, I sometimes borrow installation art pieces from other art collectors or directly from the artists themselves.” Minyong said. The art pieces on the walls of the cafe are changed 2-3 times per year.

The second floor houses an art gallery that features the work of new artists once or twice per month. Previously it featured solo artist Sukjoon Jang in February of 2010. The exhibit focused on photographs taken of the “pojangmacha” (포장마차) or tents that sell a variety of food and drinks and can easily be found on the streets of Korea. Further information about exhibitions can be found on the Television 12 website at www.theartagency.co.kr.

As far as the menu goes, double espressos, espresso macchiatos, and Americanos cost 4,500 won and they offer refills for 1,000 won. They also have several bottled beers, sandwiches, and desserts. Wireless internet and plenty of books in Korean and English are available for you to peruse.

“The first goal is to let people know who we are and what we do. Television 12 will continue to exhibit and promote innovative works of art and introduce new works of talented, high quality contemporary artists.” Minyong said.

E-mail: http://television12.co.kr/

Website: www.theartagency.co.kr

Phone: 82.2.3143.1210

DIRECTIONS:

360-12 Seokyo-Dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea

•Closest subways: Sangsu subway, Exit 2 – walk towards Hongik University front gate, and take a right when you get to the Starbucks corner. Television 12 is about 20 meters down the small street.

•Or come out Hongik University Subway exit 5, walk to Hongik University front gate turn right and then take a left at Starbucks.

Written by Kevin J. Brenneman

Floor Plan

Photography by Sukjoon Jang