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.
© Seoul Arts Center
(A map below the post displays all the Artful Destinations at once.)
Theater and Arts Center
A. Sejong Center (세종문화회관)
Sejong Center was newly constructed after the Seoul Citizens’ Hall was destroyed by fire. Initially an organization under the city of Seoul, it became independent and is now operated by the Sejong Center Foundation. Along with the Seoul Arts Center, it is one of the leading multi-arts centers in Korea. The center includes the Main Theater, Small Theater, Performing Arts Stage, and an art museum.
It hosts government events as well as major cultural events.
Located near Gyeongbokgung Palace and National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, it is right in front of Gwanghwamun Station on Subway Line 5.
B. Seoul Arts Center (예술의전당)
As a leading national arts institution operated by the central government, it is equipped with large, medium, and small concert halls, an opera house, as well as large exhibition spaces such as the Hangaram Art Museum and the Calligraphy Museum.
True to its role as the hub of Korea’s cultural and artistic scene, it houses the National Opera Company, National Ballet Company, National Contemporary Dance Company, National Chorus, and National Symphony Orchestra. The Seoul Arts Troupe, the Korea Arts & Culture Education Service, and the Korea Arts Management Service are also based here. The Seoul Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and the KBS Symphony Orchestra frequently perform at this venue.
It is located right next to institutions like the Korea National University of Arts and the National Gugak Center, so the directions to the National Gugak Center are the same as those mentioned below.
- Location
- Access by Subway: Seoul Nambu Terminal Station on Subway Line 3
- English homepage, YouTube, Naver TV
C. National Theater of Korea (국립극장)
It is the first national theater in Asia, established on April 29, 1950. The current structure was built in the 1970s and has since been remodeled several times to improve convenience and functionality.
What sets it apart from the Sejong Center and the Seoul Arts Center is its identity as a production theater based on traditional arts, where creative activities are carried out.
It is home to the National Changgeuk Company, the National Dance Company, and the National Gugak Orchestra, with a strong focus on classical works and original productions.
As a central theater, it has recently been focusing on increasing the number of performances by other national art organizations. Despite being located in the heart of Seoul, its location halfway up Namsan Mountain makes transportation less convenient. The nearest subway station is Dongguk Univ. Station on Line 3, from which it takes about 20-30 minutes to walk uphill. Although the walk from Beotigogae Station on Line 6 takes a similar amount of time, the route alternates between uphill and downhill, making Beotigogae Station a more convenient option for walking.
National Theater has theaters such as Haeoreum Grand Theater, Daloreum Theater, and Hanul Theater, and their locations are as follows; Map of NTOK.
※ NTOK: National Theater of Korea
Haeoreum Grand Theater: 해오름극장
Daloreum Theater: 달오름극장
Hanul Theater: 하늘극장
- Location
- Access by Subway: Beotigogae Station on Line 6 or Dongguk Univ. Station on Line 3
- English Website
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Related post
Artful Destinations in Seoul: Museum
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
