Whether or not you are a fan of the iconic toy bear, the Teddy Bear Museum is definitely worth a visit, as it has taken a rather unusual approach to exploring the heritage of the teddy bear. As well as some particularly fine examples of great teddies – including giant versions and some which are more than a century old – and displays explaining how teddy bears have evolved, there are also some interesting 'real bear' displays. For example you can see what historical figures such as Elvis Presley would have looked like as a bear, as well as some bear re-enactments of historical events.
There are three separate areas to explore at the museum – the History Hall, the Project Exhibition and the Art Hall. Each area has something different to offer. For example, the History Hall houses some of the first teddy bears that were ever created by the original bear company Steiff, more than a century ago. This is where you can see bears recreating moments in history and representing figures such as Marylyn Monroe, Gandhi and The Beatles. Keep your eyes peeled for the Elvis bears, as they put on periodic renditions of Elvis Presley tunes.
At the Art Hall, bears have been made into images from famous artworks, including the Mona Lisa, Rodin’s The Thinker and even Michelangelo’s iconic painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling. In this part of the museum you can also take a look at two of the most expensive bears in the world – the LV bear and the Diamond Bear.
When the weather is good, head out into the museum grounds, which feature a pond and fountains, as well as replicas of nature’s bears dotted around the garden (including a giant bear family). You can also pause for lunch in the café here, or enjoy a drink in the licensed bar. This also makes for a good lunch stop if you are touring other sights in the Seogwipo area, as both Yeomiji Botanical Gardens and the Cheonjeyeon Falls are close by. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the Teddy Bear Museum before continuing on to other nearby sights. The museum is open daily and has a small entry fee. It is easily reached by car from the airport.
