The Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) has unveiled ‘Modeun Gabang,’ the first sensory-based visitor kit permanently available in a Korean museum, and officially opened a new education-focused space, SeMA L, which aims to expand the paradigm of education and accessibility. SeMA L was piloted as an education-exclusive space in 2024.
 
Modeun Gabang is the first permanent lending service in Korea for a visitor assistance tool known internationally as a “Sensory Bag.” This initiative reflects the SeMA’s ongoing commitment to designing exhibition experiences that respect sensory diversity, extending accessibility standards from providing easy-to-understand information to encompassing physical and sensory dimensions. 

Notably, the kits were planned and assembled in May of this year by a group of 40 participants, including both people with and without disabilities, highlighting the inclusive and collaborative nature of the project.

Modeun Gabang emphasizes tactile experiences, featuring soft, plush textures and lightweight materials for easy portability. The kits are designed to help visitors feel relaxed and comfortable during their museum experience, and include a variety of items such as a sensory map, an easy-to-read museum guide, noise-canceling headphones, a fidget keyring that serves as both a tactile tool and an accessibility marker, and communication cards. Each item is thoughtfully designed to be effective whether used individually or together, creating a complementary system. 

Visitors can freely borrow and return Modeun Gabang at designated stands in the Seosomun Main Building lobby and at SeMA L, with no prior registration required.

Meanwhile, SeMA L, located on the 3rd floor of the Seosomun Main Building of the Seoul Museum of Art, serves as an education-focused space that reinterprets learning through the theme of accessibility and hosts related research, educational, and participatory programs. Visitors can watch educational recordings, reflect on past exhibitions, and engage with activity sheets to expand their learning. In addition, SeMA L will host exhibition-linked talks, performances, and screenings. 

Choi Eun Ju, Director of the Seoul Museum of Art, stated, “SeMA L and Modeun Gabang represent our museum’s long-standing commitment to extending accessibility into institutional practice. By offering the country’s first sensory-based kits for permanent loan, we aim to create a learning environment where anyone can experience art. We will continue to expand our research and initiatives on inclusive accessibility and diversity together with the public.”

References

• 서울시립미술관 보도자료 (Seoul Museum of Art Press Release)