The teddy museum contains hundreds of toy bears, from antique examples over 100 years old to giant figures ready to pose for photographs. Find out what Elvis would have looked like as a teddy bear or see famous scenes from history reenacted by bears, such as the Normandy Landing during World War Two. The museum in the south of Jeju Island demonstrates how toy bears have changed over the ages.
The teddy bear museum opened in 2001. It is separated into three sections: the History Hall, the Art Hall and the Project Exhibition.
In the History Hall you can see examples of some of the first bears ever made. They were created by the original bear makers, the German company Steiff, more than 100 years ago. See famous scenes and characters from history represented in teddy bear form. Keep your eye out for the moon landing, as well as bears dressed as The Beatles, Marylyn Monroe and Gandi. Don’t miss the (battery operated) Elvis bears, which perform Elvis songs during shows throughout the day.
Continue on to the Art Hall to witness bears as famous pieces of art. The Mona Lisa, Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam and Rodin’s The Thinker are among the replicated works. See two of the world’s most expensive bears, the LV bear and the Diamond Bear.
Spend time in the garden during fine weather. Replicas of the Korean black bear family, as well as a number of other giant bears, are placed around the grounds. There’s a pond and fountain, each adorned with bears. Refuel in the museum café that serves a range of light meals and snacks. The museum also has its own licensed bar.
A visit to the museum will take between one and two hours. It is located in Seogwipo, a short distance from the Cheonjeyeon Falls and the Yeomiji Botanical Gardens. The museum is open daily and there is a charge for entry. Get there by car, or hire a limousine from the airport.
