A museum about teddy bears?

Yes, a museum about teddy bears and we were not even in the US where the toys originated.

The Teddy Bear Museum at Jeju Island was surprisingly witty and entertaining.

Who would have thought that three floors of a modern, stylish building can be devoted to teddy bears and be a hit for tourists.

The museum near the Lotte Hotel, where we were billeted, will be enjoyed by anyone from six to eighty specially if the kids are treated to the stuffed toys, available at the souvenir shops where more than 800 bear products are sold.

The museum curator did a fine job. Imagine seeing teddy bears from well known masterpieces from the self-portrait of Van Gogh, the Mona Lisa, collection of parody bears of different personalities and scenes depicting important events of the century..

My favorites are the Vincent Bear Gogh. (in photo). When we were in Seoul, we chanced upon the exhibit of Van Gogh. That was a real treat, imagine not having to go to Amsterdam to see the master’s work. While we were there we looked for Van Gogh’s famous self-portrait , the one after he cut off his ear. It was not included at the exhibit but another self-portrait was.

Imagine the group’s amusement when we saw the portrait depicted at the museum.

Another favorite is the Marilyn Monroe bear depicting a scene in the movie 7-year Itch where she tries to pull down her dress blown up by sidewalk air vent.

Another winner is the Thrilla in Manila fight between Ali and Frazier.

The wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana was also represented, but at the sex museum in another part of the island, ‘twas the partnership of Charles and Camilla that was billeted as one of the most famous love stories in the world.

The museum has the tinest teddies on record (4.5 mm) on a throw pillow on a miniature sofa, under a magnifying glass.

The Louie Vuitton Bear, the most successful charity auction bear which raised $193,000 for the abused children around the world, was also on display.