A Secret Space in the City: "Cats and Dogs" Photo Exhibition at the Yeouido Underground Bunker

When you think of Yeouido, the Cherry Blossom Festival, Hangang Park, and the Firework Festival usually come to mind. But today, I want to recommend a hidden gem that has returned with a world-class photographer: the Yeouido Underground Bunker.

Hearing the news that Seoul City is reopening this space—which had been operated on a limited basis—to the public, I headed to Yeouido on the very first day of the exhibition.

Finding the Secret Entrance

Walking about 10 minutes from Yeouido Station (Subway), a large poster for catches your eye. It makes you wonder, "Was there a place like this here?" right between the busy IFC Mall and the Yeouido Transfer Center.

Citizens passing by the exhibition entrance, which is surrounded by transparent glass, often stopped in their tracks to check out the poster.

Into the Bunker

Descending a rather long and narrow staircase, you reach the information desk. To celebrate the opening, Early Bird tickets are available online until December 31st. After verifying my ticket (purchased at a discount for 9,900 KRW, down from the regular 13,000 KRW), I received a paper ticket and entered. (Note: There are Braille signs on the stair handrails for accessibility.)

Across from the desk, the exhibition introduces the artist, Yann Arthus-Bertrand, described as a "world-renowned aerial photographer, documentary director, and environmental activist who records the Earth and its life through God's eyes." The exhibition, capturing the hidden stories of cats and dogs around the world, begins here.

A Unique Atmosphere

The Yeouido Underground Bunker is estimated to have been built during the Cold War era. Because of this, it remained an underutilized space in the city center, hidden from the public for decades.

Perhaps that’s why it feels completely different from entering a standard art gallery. The sight of exposed pipes covering the low ceiling is impressive. Yet, as you walk through the bunker, the unique atmosphere makes you focus entirely on the artwork.

Cats, Dogs, and Us

The exhibition is divided into three main sections: "Cat's Universe," "Dog's Universe," and "Animals' Universe," featuring over 200 photographs. Most of the works capture familiar pets interacting with people. You don't need to read every description intently; the artist's message and intentions are easily felt through the images alone.

A Scene Like the Movie Parasite

Walking through the maze-like bunker, immersed in the beauty of photographs that feel more emotional than paintings, you eventually reach a narrow corridor. Just when you think the exhibition is over, you see an emergency exit sign and a dark, narrow staircase to the right. It was fascinating because it looked exactly like the basement space in the movie Parasite.

AI & The Artist's Universe

Moving on to the fourth section, "Philosophers' Cats and Writers' Dogs," and finally "The Artist's Universe," you can see the artist's history and media videos.

Interestingly, all scenes in the videos were reconstructed using AI based on photo data. The intention was to convey the atmosphere of the moment the photos were taken. Seeing the delicate movements and changing expressions of the static figures made the meaning behind the works resonate even deeper.

Pet-Friendly & Future Plans

What makes this exhibition truly special is that pets are allowed if they are in a carrier. There are also free humanities lectures for citizens and a "Talk Talk to My Pet" corner where you can leave messages for your furry friends.

Seoul City plans to remodel the space starting next year to overcome the disadvantages of being underground while maximizing the bunker's historical and spatial identity. It is set to be reborn as a new cultural hub for tourists and families, which makes me look forward to its future even more.

A Perfect Day Out

After enjoying the wonderful photo exhibition, I stepped outside to find a beautiful late autumn afternoon at Yeouido Park across the street.

Although it was a pity that many maple leaves had already fallen, the mood was perfect as I walked along the path scattered with yellow ginkgo leaves, looking up at the blue sky peeking through the clouds.

The exhibition at the Yeouido Underground Bunker runs until May 14th next year. Don't miss this chance to explore a secret space in the city!

Exhibition Information:

Dates: Nov. 21, 2025 – May 14, 2026

Hours: Open year-round, 10:00 – 19:00 (Last entry at 18:00)

Location: Yeouido Bunker (Basement, 76 Yeouidae-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul)

Online Booking: Interpark, Yes24 Tickets.

Source: Seoul Newsletter