“The very first artwork we encounter in life is a toy.” Maum Studio has created a play space filled entirely with wooden toys: Tokyo Toy Museum Seoul. Since its opening in 1984, the Tokyo Toy Museum has operated 14 branches across Japan, and now its story continues here in Seoul.

This story begins with the Han River. At the center flows the river, with four great trees rising above it. Children swim freely along the water, discovering playful adventures inside the trees. There, they are not alone—squirrels, birds, caterpillars, and insects live together as well. It is a scene that reminds us that land, trees, people, and nature are all connected.

The Tokyo Toy Museum is rooted in the philosophy of Mokuiku (木育), which treasures the tactile bond between wood and the human hand. Planting a tree nurtures nature, and in turn, that tree nurtures children through playthings. Building on this philosophy, Maum Studio has shaped every element—from toes to fingertips—with the texture of wood. The breath of diverse tree species awakens children’s senses, bringing warmth to everyone who experiences the space.

Within wood—hard yet the warmest of materials—children face small challenges and learn to connect with one another. This is more than a play space; it is a place where senses and nature come together. For the next two years at the Hyundai Department Store, Cheonho, you can discover Tokyo Toy Museum Seoul, a place that celebrates children’s laughter and growth.