A List Of Art Museums In Seoul That Will Inspire You
One thing I love about living in Seoul, Korea is how many opportunities there are to appreciate art. There are a ton of art museums in Seoul and even more art galleries in Seoul. Though I couldn’t possibly name them all, here is a list of some of the best art museums in Seoul that you need to check out while you’re here. There is everything from modern art to traditional crafts and museums that also cater to kids. Just take your pick. If you’re looking for inspiration, something different to do in Seoul, visit the captivating art museums and galleries that dot the city and cater to a diverse range of artistic tastes. To help you navigate the artistic side of Seoul, I’ve created a list of our favorite art museums that will make your trip, or life, in Seoul even better. The art museums in Seoul offer a diverse range of artistic experiences to enjoy, from traditional Korean art to contemporary works by both local and international artists, you will find plenty of places to be inspired. Find out more about these awesome art museums in Seoul, Korea: Art museums in Seoul I’m often asked how I’m always finding cool places and things to do in Seoul and one thing I do is follow some great Seoul art museums on SNS to see when there’s a cool exhibition. There are some inspiring art museums to find in Seoul, Korea. Looking for something different to do? Need something to do on a rainy day in Seoul? Check out a museum. Amore Pacific Art Museum (아모레퍼시픽미술관) Dedicated to contemporary art and often related to cosmetics, beauty, and fashion, you can find some fun works. We’ve noticed there is often a lot of light and shadow play in the exhibitions at this museum. The Amore Pacific building itself is super cool to walk through and after visiting the museum you can find an OSULLOC Cafe to have tea or go downstairs to find a variety of restaurants for lunch or dinner. Address: 100 Hangangdae-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울 용산구 한강대로 100) Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm Website: https://apma.amorepacific.com/ Ara Art Center (아라아트센터) Tucked away in the popular Insadong district of Seoul, this cool art center is often overlooked by tourists that are headed to more traditional spots, but this unassuming art museum is so cool. Head downstairs to find floors and floors of installations. Keep an eye on their website to stay updated on their ever-changing exhibitions. For a unique and unconventional experience with friends in Insadong, Ara Art Center is the place to be. Address: 26 Insadong 9-gil Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 인사동9길 26) Hours: 10:00am ~ 7:00pm Admission: Depends on the exhibition. Website: http://www.araart.co.kr/ Arario Museum in Space (아라리오뮤지엄 인 스페이스) Just next to Changdeokgung Palace, this gallery houses a very unique collection, with some bits that are definitely NOT kid friendly FYI. The sections not for kids are labelled so not to worry if you have a kiddo. The building was formerly an architectural firm designed by renowned Korean architect Swoo Geun Kim. Artworks are installed and you weave in and out and up and down until you end up at the courtyard. The collection inside is from the Arario Group’s extensive collection. If you’re interested in major contemporary artists, don’t miss this museum. Address: 83 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 율곡로 83) Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 7:00pm Website: https://www.arariomuseum.org/main.php Songwon Art Center (송원아트센타) The Songwon Art Center was founded in 2006 and is a spot to check out from inside and out. The building was designed by Kisu Park of Mass Studies and the space is both a culture and art space. There are five floors with multicultural spaces and they exhibit art of young and upcoming artists. This tends to be an art center that I’ll check out if we’re passing by and it’s open. I’ve seen it closed quite a bit so never quite sure when they’ll be hosting something but have had cool shows in the past and fun pop ups from time to time. Address: 75 Yunposun-gil, Hwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 윤보선길 75) Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00am ~ 6:00pm Website: https://songwonart.org/ Art Sonje Center (아트선재센터) This contemporary art space is in Jongno-gu and hosts exhibitions, performances, and more experimental projects by emerging and established artists. Most tourists will be visiting the more traditional hot spots in the area, but if you’re looking for something to change it up, try a visit to the Art Sonje Center. I’ve seen quite a few interesting exhibitions here over the years and it’s in an area that you could easily visit again and again in Seoul so it’s good to have on your list of places to check out. Address: 87 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울시 종로구 율곡로3길 87) Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 12:00pm ~ 7:00pm Website: http://artsonje.org/ National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관) I can’t get far in this list without mentioning one of
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One thing I love about living in Seoul, Korea is how many opportunities there are to appreciate art. There are a ton of art museums in Seoul and even more art galleries in Seoul. Though I couldn’t possibly name them all, here is a list of some of the best art museums in Seoul that you need to check out while you’re here. There is everything from modern art to traditional crafts and museums that also cater to kids. Just take your pick.
If you’re looking for inspiration, something different to do in Seoul, visit the captivating art museums and galleries that dot the city and cater to a diverse range of artistic tastes. To help you navigate the artistic side of Seoul, I’ve created a list of our favorite art museums that will make your trip, or life, in Seoul even better.
The art museums in Seoul offer a diverse range of artistic experiences to enjoy, from traditional Korean art to contemporary works by both local and international artists, you will find plenty of places to be inspired.
Find out more about these awesome art museums in Seoul, Korea:
Art museums in Seoul
I’m often asked how I’m always finding cool places and things to do in Seoul and one thing I do is follow some great Seoul art museums on SNS to see when there’s a cool exhibition. There are some inspiring art museums to find in Seoul, Korea. Looking for something different to do? Need something to do on a rainy day in Seoul? Check out a museum.
Amore Pacific Art Museum (아모레퍼시픽미술관)
Dedicated to contemporary art and often related to cosmetics, beauty, and fashion, you can find some fun works. We’ve noticed there is often a lot of light and shadow play in the exhibitions at this museum. The Amore Pacific building itself is super cool to walk through and after visiting the museum you can find an OSULLOC Cafe to have tea or go downstairs to find a variety of restaurants for lunch or dinner.
- Address: 100 Hangangdae-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울 용산구 한강대로 100)
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
- Website: https://apma.amorepacific.com/
Ara Art Center (아라아트센터)
Tucked away in the popular Insadong district of Seoul, this cool art center is often overlooked by tourists that are headed to more traditional spots, but this unassuming art museum is so cool. Head downstairs to find floors and floors of installations. Keep an eye on their website to stay updated on their ever-changing exhibitions. For a unique and unconventional experience with friends in Insadong, Ara Art Center is the place to be.
- Address: 26 Insadong 9-gil Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 인사동9길 26)
- Hours: 10:00am ~ 7:00pm
- Admission: Depends on the exhibition.
- Website: http://www.araart.co.kr/
Arario Museum in Space (아라리오뮤지엄 인 스페이스)
Just next to Changdeokgung Palace, this gallery houses a very unique collection, with some bits that are definitely NOT kid friendly FYI. The sections not for kids are labelled so not to worry if you have a kiddo. The building was formerly an architectural firm designed by renowned Korean architect Swoo Geun Kim.
Artworks are installed and you weave in and out and up and down until you end up at the courtyard. The collection inside is from the Arario Group’s extensive collection. If you’re interested in major contemporary artists, don’t miss this museum.
- Address: 83 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 율곡로 83)
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 7:00pm
- Website: https://www.arariomuseum.org/main.php
Songwon Art Center (송원아트센타)
The Songwon Art Center was founded in 2006 and is a spot to check out from inside and out. The building was designed by Kisu Park of Mass Studies and the space is both a culture and art space. There are five floors with multicultural spaces and they exhibit art of young and upcoming artists. This tends to be an art center that I’ll check out if we’re passing by and it’s open. I’ve seen it closed quite a bit so never quite sure when they’ll be hosting something but have had cool shows in the past and fun pop ups from time to time.
- Address: 75 Yunposun-gil, Hwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 윤보선길 75)
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00am ~ 6:00pm
- Website: https://songwonart.org/
Art Sonje Center (아트선재센터)
This contemporary art space is in Jongno-gu and hosts exhibitions, performances, and more experimental projects by emerging and established artists. Most tourists will be visiting the more traditional hot spots in the area, but if you’re looking for something to change it up, try a visit to the Art Sonje Center. I’ve seen quite a few interesting exhibitions here over the years and it’s in an area that you could easily visit again and again in Seoul so it’s good to have on your list of places to check out.
- Address: 87 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울시 종로구 율곡로3길 87)
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 12:00pm ~ 7:00pm
- Website: http://artsonje.org/
National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관)
I can’t get far in this list without mentioning one of my favorite museums in Seoul. The National Museum of Korea is gigantic and you can easily visit again and again and still need more time to see it all. If you’re interested in more traditional artforms and learning about art in Korea’s past, then start at the National Museum of Korea. You’ll find a treasure trove of traditional Korean artwork. The National Museum of Korea houses an expansive and extensive collection of pieces that span various periods, from ancient to contemporary.
On top of their already amazing collection, you can also find changing exhibitions that feature a number of cool works. Keep an eye on this stop which you can go to again and again like we do.
Pro Tip: Definitely look for the signs that will lead you to the immersive spaces where you can see the artwork come alive. There are a few rooms that are a bit hidden, but if you can find them, you’ll see the traditional paintings, sculptures, and more come to life before you. This is especially exciting for the kids you might have along with you.
- Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea (서울특별시 용산구 서빙고로 137 (용산동6가))
- Admission: Free, special exhibits are charged separately
- Hours of Operation: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm; Wednesday, Saturday: 10:00am ~ 9:00pm; Sunday, National Holidays: 10:00am ~ 7:00pm
- Website: http://www.museum.go.kr
D Museum (디뮤지엄)
This contemporary art museum creates some very interesting and thought provoking exhibitions for visitors. They really excel at continuously being innovative and creating installations that people will want to take pictures with, something super popular in Korea. It’s not just about the art, but about art that is photogenic for young Koreans quite often. Visit the D Museum to see why they’re so popular.
- Address: 83-21 Wangsimli-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 성동구 왕십리로 83-21)
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00am ~ 6:00pm
- Website: https://daelimmuseum.org/
Daelim Museum (대림미술관)
The Daelim Museum started in Daejeon in 1996 and then moved to Jongno in 2002 and hosts a lot of photography exhibitions and some more immersive installations like the one you see above. Located to the west of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the area isn’t super popular with tourists who tend to head to Bukchon Hanok Village and other hot spots in the downtown area. Visit the garden on the first floor and the exhibitions on the floors above.
- Address: 21 Jahamun-ro 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 자하문로4길 21)
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00am ~ 6:00pm
- Website: https://daelimmuseum.org/
K Museum of Contemporary Art (K현대미술관)
In the heart of Gangnam, the K Museum of Contemporary Art hosts various exhibitions that rotate consistently. These exhibitions tend to be colorful and a lot of photo-ops. When people ask me what they should see in Gangnam, I usually mention this awesome museum that often has 3 to 4 different shows going on at the same time. There’s usually something fun, bright, and a bit quirky to find at this art museum.
- Address: 807 Seolleung-ro, Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강남구 선릉로 807)
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 7:00pm
- Admission: Adults: W15,000; Middle School/High School Students: W12,000; Elementary Students: W10,000; Children: W8,000
- Website: https://www.kmcaseoul.org/
Kukje Gallery (국제갤러리)
This popular gallery is one of the longest running art galleries in Seoul. They often exhibit internationally acclaimed exhibitions so it’s one space to keep an eye on. Kukje Gallery has established itself as a leading venue for international exhibits like Helen Frankenthaler, Sam Francis, Jim Dine, Frank Stella, Robert Mangold, Anthony Caro and so many more. The gallery has a strong emphasis on collaborations between artist and gallery and art dealers around the world and aims to nurture upcoming artists.
- Address: 54 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu (서울특별시 종로구 삼청로 54)
- Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm; Sunday and holidays: 10:00am ~ 5:00pm
- Website: www.kukjegallery.com
Leeum Samsung Museum (리움미술관)
This hidden gem in Hannam-dong in Yongsan is owned by, yes you guessed it, Samsung. The building, designed by architects Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaus is beautiful and inside there are two areas: Museum 1 and Museum 2. Museum 1 houses the traditional Korean art collection while Museum 2 is dedicated to modern and contemporary art.
Don’t Miss: After walking through both museums, you’ll come to the gorgeous rotunda. The artwork hanging in the center is a piece by Korean artist Jung Hwa Choi. This is one of the most beautiful spots in the entire museum.
- Address: 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울시 용산구 이태원로 55길 60-16)
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:30am ~ 6:00pm
- Website: https://leeumhoam.org/
North Seoul Art Museum (SeMA) (서울시립 북서울미술관)
SeMA has a number of museums around the city and you should have all of them on your list of art museums to keep an eye on. The North Seoul art Museum is promoted as being especially kid-friendly which was why we initially visited. They had a very fun exhibition, as well as a children’s experiential space, and you can literally climb up on top of the interestingly designed building.
- Address: 1238 Dongil-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 7:00pm
- Website: sema.seoul.go.kr/
Seoul Museum of Craft Art (서울공예박물관)
Another great museum if you’re interested in more traditional artwork and Korean craftworks is the newer on the scene, Seoul Museum of Craft Art. SeMoCA is the first national museum in Seoul created to showcase Korean crafts. The museum is made up of seven buildings so you need to weave in and out and around much like some of the embroidery products you’ll see inside. It’s a stunning collection.
If you visit with kids, definitely make a reservation to visit the children’s section which offers a ton of AMAZING experiential opportunities for kids to get involved!
- Address: 4 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울시 종로구 율곡로 3길 4)
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
- Website: https://craftmuseum.seoul.go.kr/
Seoul’s Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art (MMCA) (국립현대미술관 서울관)
Located in the heart of Samcheong-dong, MMCA, or Seoul’s Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, is not only one of the representative art museums in the city, but it’s also a beautifully designed space… or spaces. Just outside of Gyeongbokgung Palace, this museum is housed in a collection of modern and historical buildings and is one of the easiest art museums for tourists to add into their Seoul itinerary easily.
- Address: 165 Sogyeok-dong Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 소격동 165)
- Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm; Friday – Saturday: 10:00am ~ 9:00pm
- Website: http://www.mmca.go.kr/
Seoul Museum of Art Seosomun Main Branch (SeMA) (서울시립미술관(서소문본관))
The main SeMA branch is located in Jeong-dong. Check out the façade of the former Supreme Court before stepping in to enjoy the art. This museum houses an extensive collection of artworks spanning various genres and periods, showcasing the rich tapestry of Korean and international art. This is a popular museum as it sits just next to the beautiful Deoksugung Palace.
- Address: 61 Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 덕수궁길 61)
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 8:00pm
- Website: https://sema.seoul.go.kr/
Seoul Arts Center (예술의전당)
Set in the culture and arts complex known as Seoul Arts Center in Seocho-dong, there are six large exhibition halls. You can find the Hangaram Art Museum, Hangaram Design Museum and Seoul Calligraphy Art Museum under one room if you’re looking for some artistic inspiration.
- Address: 2406 Nambusunhwanro, Seocho-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 서초구 남부순환로 2406)
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 7:00pm
- Website: https://www.sac.or.kr/
Nam Seoul Museum of Art (서울시립 남서울미술관)
The Nam-Seoul Museum of Art offers visitors a meaningful opportunity to linger beside the traces of history. The building previously served as the Belgian Consulate during the Korean Empire. Prepare to be enthralled as you immerse yourself in this captivating world of visual splendor, where each brushstroke and sculptural form tells a story.
- Address: 2076 Nambusunhwan-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul (서울시 관악구 남부순환로 2076)
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
- Website: https://sema.seoul.go.kr/
Seoul Olympic Museum of Art (소마미술관)
Located in Olympic Park, this art museum often has contemporary art exhibitions featuring emerging artists and established Korean artists. From what I’ve heard, the museum itself is beautifully designed with modern architecture and a tranquil environment very fitting in the Olympic Park area. I might have to head to the east side of Seoul more often to visit this one.
- Address: 424 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (서울시 송파구 올림픽로 424)
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
- Website: https://soma.kspo.or.kr/
Seokpajeong Seoul Art Museum (석파정 서울 미술관)
A museum that sits on a hillside and is a bit more difficult to get to for most people, I spotted it while driving once and made notes to go back. This is a unique art museum as you can visit some great exhibitions inside, but then you can also access Seokpajeong in the exterior. See contemporary art inside and then take a walk on the hillsides behind and find the traditional buildings, pavilion, and more. It makes for a great afternoon spot.
- Address: 4-1 Changuimun-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 창의문로11길 4-1)
- Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
- Website: https://www.seoulmuseum.org/
FAQ
How many art museums are there in Seoul?
There are over 100 art museums, big and small, in Seoul. That means there is a ton of opportunity to be inspired. This is just a glimpse at the amazing museums you can find in Seoul.
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