We have compiled a list of art and culture hubs operated by the central government and Seoul Metropolitan Government, all easily accessible by subway.
For over 5,000 years, Koreans have lived on this land, inheriting and developing our artistic heritage. Seoul is home to an abundance of cultural and artistic institutions where you can experience this unique legacy. If you’re planning a week-long trip to Seoul, we highly recommend visiting at least one of these locations.
There are also world-renowned art museums in the private sector. We will introduce them again on another occasion.
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea © 남궁선
(A map below the post displays all the Artful Destinations at once.)
Museum
1. National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (국립현대미술관)
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul, right next to Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is within walking distance from Gyeongbokgung Station or Anguk Station on Subway Line 3.
The museum showcases modern and contemporary art. Artwork from approximately 1890 onward is housed here.
The MMCA has branches in Seoul, Gwacheon, Deoksugung, and Cheongju.
While the Gwacheon and Seoul branches primarily focus on exhibitions featuring artists active after 1945, contemporary artists, and renowned modern artists, the Deoksugung branch mainly showcases works by modern Korean artists from the late Joseon Dynasty, the Japanese colonial period, and the post-liberation era.
2. National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (대한민국 역사박물관)
It is located near Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Exploring the English website beforehand might also be of interest.
You can find historical materials from Korea’s modern and contemporary periods here.
While the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) focuses on artworks created during these periods, this location showcases a wide range of artifacts and materials that bring modern and contemporary history to life.
The site is equipped with various facilities, including a café, a cultural shop, and a rooftop garden. From the rooftop, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
- Location
- Access by Subway: Gyeongbokgung Station or Anguk Station on Subway Line 3
- English website
3. National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관)
It is located in Yongsan, Seoul. If you are planning a trip to Korea, a visit to this place is highly recommended.
It is within walking distance from Ichon Station on Subway Line 4. The museum primarily houses and exhibits traditional art and artifacts from Korea’s pre-modern periods.
While the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) and the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History focus on modern and contemporary eras,
this museum offers a glimpse into the world before those periods.
As Korea’s largest and most representative national museum, it boasts an impressive scale and visitor count, ranking high even on the global stage. Additionally, there are 13 regional national museums operating across the country.
4. National Folk Museum of Korea (국립민속박물관)
It is an institution dedicated to the collection, preservation, research, exhibition, education, and exchange of tools, materials, and information related to the lifestyles, customs, and traditions of Koreans and people from around the world.
Year-round exhibitions provide a glimpse into the everyday lives of Korean people.
Due to the restoration of Gyeongbokgung Palace, it has been decided that the institution will relocate to another site by 2031.
Currently, it is located within the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace and operates an English-language website.
5. National Palace Museum of Korea (국립고궁박물관)
They showcase artifacts and historical materials related to the Joseon royal family.
You can view historically significant treasures, including royal garments, palace decorations, ceramics, and various books, many of which are designated as National Treasures or Cultural Properties.
Located within the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
6. Seoul Museum of Art (서울시립미술관)
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art focuses on preserving and advancing modern art from a national perspective, as well as promoting Korean modern art to the world.
In contrast, the Seoul Museum of Art emphasizes accessibility to modern art, aiming to provide Seoul citizens with opportunities to enjoy culture.
To create an environment where citizens can visit without burden, most exhibitions at the Seoul Museum of Art are free of charge.
The museum is located right next to Deoksugung Palace and is easily accessible on foot from City Hall Station. Visitors can enjoy it alongside Deoksugung Palace.
7. Seoul Museum of Craft Art (서울공예박물관)
‘Craft (工藝)’ refers to the combination of techniques and art created by hand, primarily focusing on producing items that are both beautiful and practical. As the only museum in Korea dedicated to crafts, it collects, preserves, and exhibits over 20,000 pieces of craftwork and craft-related materials, spanning various eras and fields from the past to the present.
It is located near Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. The museum is right in front of Anguk Station on Subway Line 3.
If you’re visiting with children, this is a must-see destination
8. National Gugak Center (국립국악원)
‘Gugak’ refers to Korea’s traditional music and will provide music-loving tourists with a refreshing sense of unfamiliarity and inspiration.
National Gugak Center is the nation’s leading music institution responsible for preserving and transmitting Korea’s traditional music, as well as overseeing its promotion and development.
The museum hosts performances of traditional Korean music.
Located south of the Han River, it is a 15-20 minute walk from Nambu Terminal Station on Subway Line 3. To make it easier, shuttle buses are operated on evenings, departing from the subway station once or twice.
It might also be nice to follow the walking directions on the map below.
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Related post
Artful Destinations in Seoul: Theater
We have compiled a list of art and culture hubs operated by the central government and Seoul Metropolitan Government, all easily accessible by subway. For over 5,000 years, Koreans have lived on this land, inheriting and developing our artistic heritage. Seoul is home to an abundance of cultural and artistic institutions where you can experience […]
Artful Destinations on the Map
①National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea ②National Museum of Korean Contemporary History ③National Museum of Korea ④National Folk Museum of Korea ⑤National Palace Museum of Korea ⑥Seoul Museum of Art ⑦Seoul Museum of Craft Art ⑧National Gugak Center / ⓐSejong Center ⓑSeoul Arts Center ⓒNational Theater of Korea
