Top 11 Must-Visit Korea Museums in Seoul | Luxury Tour & Culture Experience
Explore Seoul’s top museums for a culturally enriching experience on your luxury trip, with insights into Korea’s rich history and art.
Source: TripAdvisor
If there are two things that South Korea boasts, it is a deep history that captivates the mind and finesse for the arts that translates not only into its pop culture but into its fine arts culture, as well.
As such, when visiting Korea, it’s essential to have at least one or two museums on your list of sights to see and as part of your itinerary.
Those with refined taste who want to have a culturally enriching experience can especially enjoy these museums as part of their trip - be it an adventure-seeking trip, a wellness trip post-medical tourism, or even a luxury shopping trip.
In fact, if you’re interest in going on luxury medical tour, then you should check out more information about medical tour services on All About Seoul.
We’ve gathered up a list of the best museums in Seoul to visit if you’re a Korean history buff or art enthusiast.
Note: Information such as admission fees and opening hours in this article is as of August 2024 and may be subject to change depending on your visit.
Art Museums
1. MMCA (National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art) Seoul
Source: MMCA Official
One of the best places to go to appreciate Seoul museum art is none other than the MMCA (National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art).
Not only does the museum host many art collections and exhibitions, but it also showcases digital art, appealing to lovers of all art mediums.
The museum complex also boasts facilities like a merchandise shop, an art book shop, a tea house by the famous brand OSULLOC, a TERAROSA coffee shop, the Korean restaurant DOORE, a multi-project hall, and even a film theatre reserved for arthouse and international film premiers.
Admission/Ticket Price: One exhibition ticket = 2,000 Korean Won. All-exhibition pass ticket = 5,000 Korean Won. Free admission is available on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 6 PM to 9 PM and also on the last Wednesday of every month (Culture Day).
Address: 30 Samcheong-ro, Jongno District, Seoul
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. 10 AM to 9 PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
2. Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
Source: Visit Korea
Run by the Samsung Foundation of Culture, The Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, is one of Korea’s top-class private art museums.
The museum showcases a combination of traditional and modern art, using Samsung’s latest technology to digitize parts of the viewing experience.
The museum also has a store and cafe to give you a fuller outing and experience.
Admission/Ticket Price: Varies depending on the collection/exhibition.
Please note that you can visit the exhibitions without reserving tickets ahead of time, however, there may be a long waiting time if you book tickets on arrival.
Address: 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM from Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays.
3. Daelim Museum
Source: Daelim Museum Official
Daelim Museum’s slogan is ‘An art museum where daily life becomes art’. Run by the Daelim Cultural Foundation, the museum hopes to inspire visitors through its curated art and art education programs.
With roots as the first Korean museum specializing in photography, the museum has evolved to include contemporary photography and innovative design in its exhibitions.
Admission/Ticket Price: 17,000 Korean Won for adults, 5,000 Korean Won for minors, 3,000 for children (aged 3-13).
Address: 21 Jahamun-ro 4-gil, Jongno District, Seoul
Opening Hours: 11 AM - 7 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. 11 AM to 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Closed on Mondays.
4. Arario Museum in Space
Source: Arario Museum Official
The Arario Museum in Space triumphs in being a unique and modern art museum that is based on the concept of ‘preservation and creation’.
With Korean architect Kim Su Geun as the mastermind behind the space, the museum also features works from Western and Asian artists.
Each exhibition space is dedicated to a specific artist, making it easy to focus on their respective style.
Admission/Ticket Price: 15,000 Korean Won for adults, 9,000 Korean Won for minors, 6,000 Korean Won for children.
Address: 83 Yulgok-ro, Jongno District, Seoul
Opening Hours: 10 AM - 7 PM from Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays.
5. Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA)
Source: Seoul Museum of Art Official
The Seoul Museum of Art (also known as SeMA) is a museum that features various exhibition spaces - both permanent and seasonal.
SeMA is a collaborative network museum with several creative minds coming together to build it.
One of the other advantages of visiting this museum is that the Seoul Museum of Art entrance fee is free excluding some of the special exhibitions, which is a bargain in exchange for the sophisticated experience you will have there.
Admission/Ticket Price: Free except for special exhibitions
Address: 61 Deoksugung-gil, Jung District, Seoul
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 7 PM on weekends. 10 AM to 8 PM from Tuesday to Friday. Closed on Mondays.
6. Seoul Arts Center
Source: Seoul Arts Center Official
This Seoul Arts Center is a bargain for your time as it has 3 museums in one location.
You can maximize your art appreciation by seeing multiple exhibitions in one visit to one place.
Including facilities like an opera house and musical hall, the Seoul Arts Center is made up of the Hangaram Art Museum, Hangaram Design Museum, and Seoul Calligraphy Museum.
Enjoying refined art culture is the perfect cherry on top of your luxury tour experience in Seoul.
Admission/Ticket Price: Depending on the museum and exhibition
Address: 2406 Nambusunhwan-ro, Seocho District, Seoul
Opening Hours: 12 AM to 10 PM from Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays.
History and Cultural Museums
1. National Museum of Korea
Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government
Another of the best museums in Seoul is the National Museum of Korea.
It is not only the biggest Korean museum but also considered the biggest museum in Asia, in terms of floor space. As such, it hosts a huge collection of artifacts ranging from ancient dynasties to modern society periods.
The museum also hosts educational programs (some catered to children), exchange programs, concerts, and more events for an interactive experience.
Admission/Ticket Price: Free except for special exhibitions.
Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul
Opening Hours: 10 AM - 6 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. 10 AM - 9 PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
2. Seoul Museum of History
Source: Seoul Museum of History Official
Another free Seoul museum that you can visit is the Seoul Museum of History.
Here you can enjoy seeing the visual transformation of Seoul over the decades since the Joseon Dynasty.
Some of the famous artifacts on exhibit include an old tram and an old section of the Gwanghwamun gate.
The museum also includes VR exhibitions, guided tour services, and audio guides in English, Japanese, and Chinese to increase visitors’ engagement.
Admission/Ticket Price: Free
Address: 55 Saemunan-ro, Jongno District, Seoul
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. 9 AM to 10 PM on Fridays. Closed on Mondays.
3. National Folk Museum of Korea
Source: Flickr
With 3 main exhibitions about traditional Korean life, the National Folk Museum of Korea is like a time capsule where you can travel back in time to see the average daily lives of Korean citizens way back when.
The museum focuses on acquiring and preserving artifacts and their traits to the utmost quality.
The museum has also started recording modern life practices, through investigative research, in recent years due to fast social development.
Admission/Ticket Price: Free
Address: 37 Samcheong-ro, Jongno District, Seoul
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM every day.
4. War Memorial of Korea
Source: Expedia
If you’re a war history enthusiast, then the War Memorial of Korea is a must-visit stop on your itinerary.
The museum commemorates the sacrifices of those who fought in the war with preserved artifacts from the Korean War.
You can even see life-size weapons that are too big to be displayed inside the building outside.
Some of the exhibitions at the museum include the War History Room, The Memorial Hall, The Korean War Room, and more, which will give you a deeper look into the war times.
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM - 6 PM from Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays.
5. National Palace Museum of Korea
Source: TimeOut
If you’re looking for free museums to visit in Seoul, the National Palace Museum of Korea is the place to go.
Covering topics such as cultural practices, politics, science practices of the time, and more, the National Palace Museum gives a holistic look at the ancient lifestyle of Korea.
You can find the museum on the grounds of the Gyeongbokgung Palace.
With 7 permanent exhibitions, the museum displays the periodic history of the Joseon Dynasty.
If you’re looking to see the reality behind historical K-Dramas for instance, this museum is a must-see in Seoul.
An added advantage? This museum is close to the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, which is the perfect relaxing escape to wind down and process all of the incredible information you have gained at the exhibitions.
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