When you picture Namwon, Gwanghallu Garden or the foothills of Jirisan probably come to mind—but recently one spot has been stealing the spotlight. Piorium has taken a disused facility and turned it into an immersive, must-see art destination.
Piorium is an emotion-driven media art gallery created by repurposing an abandoned site. Using light, projection, sound and spatial design, it translates Namwon’s natural landscapes and cultural motifs into immersive installations.
What is Piorium?
The name Piorium blends the idea of “to bloom” with the suffix “-rium,” meaning a place—an apt label for a venue inspired by the landmark painting Hwahoeng Sansu by Namwon-born artist Kim Byung-jong. As the name implies, the project draws directly from his signature work in shaping its visual and emotional language.
The gallery is organized into several distinct halls—LUMINA, AURA, ECHO, Seed of Light and Breath of Infinity—each designed with different lighting, color and sound schemes so the atmosphere evolves as you move through the space.
Importantly, Piorium modelled a creative approach to urban renewal by converting an unused facility into a thriving cultural hub.
Hours and admission
Piorium is located at 50 Sorigil, Namwon, Jeollabuk-do (North Jeolla Province). According to the provincial tourism board, hours are Sun, Mon, Wed and Thu 10 a.m.–7 p.m., and Fri–Sat 10 a.m.–9 p.m. The venue is closed on Tuesdays.
The standard adult ticket is 12,000 KRW (approximately $9), though seasonal discounts, family passes and regional promotions are sometimes available—check the ticketing site before you go.
Parking is free, and children under 36 months receive free admission. Ticket sales end 30 minutes before closing. Local residents may qualify for discounts, so bring ID.
Tips for touring the six themed galleries
The six halls each deliver a different mood: start with LUMINA, which heralds the arrival of light; move into AURA to feel the space’s energy; then experience ECHO’s sound-driven resonance. You’ll also encounter Seed of Light, a visualization of illumination’s origins, and Breath of Infinity, which evokes boundless vitality.
Because many installations rely on light and projection, the venue may restrict flash photography, tripods and selfie sticks. Please don’t lean on artworks or run inside the galleries.
Rather than rushing through, plan your visit around photo-friendly spots and interactive areas so you can linger where the experience resonates most.
Namwon itinerary ideas
If Piorium feels like just the beginning, pair it with nearby attractions. Since it’s become a highlight of Namwon’s cultural map, visit the nearby Kim Byung-jong Museum to see the original paintings that inspired the media-art installations—seeing both adds depth to the experience.
Finish your day at the iconic Gwanghallu Garden and enjoy the nighttime views along the Yocheon River. Mixing traditional heritage sites with contemporary, sensory spaces like Piorium makes for a balanced day that captures Namwon’s past, present and future.
