Studio Ghibli fans in South Korea can finally rejoice, because a special exhibition dedicated to the beloved animation studio is now open to the public in Seoul. The exhibit features a variety of three-dimensional replicas from famous Studio Ghibli film scenes, among other surprises sure to delight long-time fans. Now’s a better chance than ever to actually experience the world of a Studio Ghibli film firsthand!
The 2014 Ghibli Exhibition is currently open at I’Park Mall in the Yongsan District of Seoul. Within the gallery, scenery from various Studio Ghibli films is recreated in breathtaking detail to the point that it seems like the characters will come alive as you walk through the space. Best of all, the event runs from now until March 1, 2015, so you can even go back multiple times.
Here’s the layout of the exhibition as taken from its official website (Korean only):
Each numbered area within the event space corresponds to a different Studio Ghibli movie. They are as follows:
1. Howl’s Moving Castle
2. Princess Mononoke
3. Pom Poko
4. My Neighbor Totoro
5. Porco Rosso
6. Spirited Away
▼In order of the exhibition hall:
It’s nice to see some of the less famous works like Pom Poko and Porco Rosso getting some attention, for a change.
According to the official site, the exhibition includes a “3D world, art boxes, trick art, and photo spots.” Excited yet? Without spoiling too much, let’s now take a peek at some of the sights the exhibition has to offer!
Here are previews from the official site:
▼A life-size model of Ponyo greets you outside of the building.
▼Ghibli fans lining up at the entrance
▼Ashitaka and his elk companion, Yakul
The walls of the rooms are decorated with pictures of props from the films, such as Satsuki’s diary from My Neighbor Totoro, as well as with descriptions and quotes in Korean.
▼“It would be best if you return the way you came. Because what I need you cannot give.” You’ve been warned–don’t be whisked away to the spirit world, like Chihiro!
▼The lovable sootballs from both My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away even make an appearance!
These must be two of those “photo spots” mentioned above:
▼Members of K-Pop group A Pink stop by for a photo-op.
Dedicated fans will also be pleased to know that they can shop to their hearts’ content at the exhibition’s shop area, which sells a plethora of Ghibli merchandise including DVDs, stuffed animals, and postcards:
▼A display of Ghibli movie posters also decorates the wall. Does that question mark signal a future film, or is it a symbol of the studio’s uncertain future?
If you’re absolutely dying to see more photos, check out one event-goer’s incredibly detailed blog about her visit to the exhibit (in English).
2014 Ghibli Exhibition Information
Official site (Korean only)
Telephone: 1688-6875
Duration: September 3, 2014 until March 1, 2015
Location:
▼I’Park Mall (아이파크몰)
Mailing Address: 40-999 Hangangno-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
지번 주소 : 서울시 용산구 한강로동 40-999
Street address: 55, 23-gil, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
도로명 주소 : 서울시 용산구 한강대로 23길 55 (한강로 3가)
Directions:
Getting there by subway (지하철):
Line 1, connected to Yongsan Station.
1호선 용산역에서 바로 연결됨
Line 4, get off at Sinyongsan Station (Exit 3, 150 m walk)
4호선 신용산역에서 하차(3번 출구에서 150m)
Travel directions by car, bus, and KTX are available on the official site.
Admission:
Individuals: Adults–15,000 won (US$14.21), Children–12,000 won ($11.36)
Groups: Adults–13,000 won ($12.31), Children–10,000 won ($9.47)
Adults are considered to be 18 years and above; children are 2-18 years old.
Special discounts may apply; see official site for details.
There you have it! The exhibition will still be around for several more months, so if you’re a Studio Ghibli fan and happen to find yourself in Seoul in the near future, what better place to pass a rainy afternoon?
Sources/images: Innolife (Japanese), Yurukuyaru (Japanese), 2014 Ghibli Exhibition Official Site (Korean), I’Park Mall (Korean), Gamme (Chinese)