Over the years, Seoul has secured a prominent position as one of the trendiest and most artistic cities in the world. With that said the art museums in Seoul have played an immense role in Seoul’s development into a cultural hub. They have served not only as an exhibition space but also as a community of art lovers and a source of inspiration. Here are the best art museums in Seoul for you to check out!
*Please note that the museums’ opening hours may vary. Check the official museum website or social media for up-to-date opening hours before your visit.
- National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA)
- Daelim Museum
- D Museum
- Leeum, Samsung Art Museum
- Seoul Museum of Art
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
1. National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA)
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The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) was founded in 1969 as a state-owned museum to raise art and cultural awareness in Korea through exhibitions, educational research, and international exchanges.
MMCA has four branches – two of which are in Seoul: the Deoksugung branch and the Seoul branch. The Deoksugung branch is located inside the Deoksugung Palace, in the Seokjojeon Annex. Seokjojeon was considered the epitome of modernized architecture in Korea at the time it was built. Now it is used as a modern art museum in recognition of the edifice’s lasting cultural impact.
The Seoul Branch is located near Gyeongbokgung Palace and Insadong. Its proximity to the ancient palace and the museum’s contemporary architecture creates an interesting juxtaposition that is difficult to find.
Address:
- MMCA Deoksugung – 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul (Kakao Map)
- MMCA Seoul – 30 Samcheong-ro, Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Map)
Opening Hours:
- MMCA Deoksugung – Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun: 10:00am~6:00pm / Wed, Sat: 10:00am~9:00pm / Closed on January 1st, Mondays
- MMCA Seoul – Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun: 10:00am~6:00pm / Wed, Sat: 10:00am~9:00pm / Closed on January 1st, Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day), Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day)
Things to Do Around the Museum:
a. Deoksugung Guided Tour
b. Insadong Guided Tour
- Insadong Half Day Walking Food Tour
- Seoul Walking Tour: Insadong & Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour
c. Insadong DIY Activities
- Make Your Own Stamp in Insadong
- Make Your Own Korean Stamp Seal in Insadong
- Traditional Bookbinding & Calligraphy Experience in Insadong
- Write Your Name in Korean on a T-shirt in Insadong
- Make a One of a Kind Souvenir with Korean Traditional Paper ‘Hanji’
2. Daelim Museum
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Daelim Museum is another modern art museum located near the Gyeongbokgung Palace. The museum first opened in 1996 as a photography museum in Daejeon before relocating to Seoul and expanding to different mediums of art. The museum has held exhibitions of world-renowned artists, such as the late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, photographer Juergen Teller, and furniture designer Finn Juhl.
Address:
- Daelim Museum – 21, Jahamun-ro 4-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Kakao Map)
Opening Hours:
- Daelim Museum – Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun: 11:00am~7:00pm / Fri, Sat 11:00am~8:00pm / Closed on Mondays, Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day) (*Last admission: 1 hour before closing time)
Things to Do Around the Museum:
a. Gyeongbokgung Guided Tour
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Half Day Tour
- Seoul Walking Tour: Gyeongbokgung, Seochon Village & Tongin Market (Lunch & Hanbok Included)
- Seoul VIP Pedicab Tour: Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Hanok Village, and more
- Seochon Village Art & Food Walking Tour
- Gyeongbokgung & Insadong Food Walking Tour
b. Hanbok (Korean Traditional Attire) Experience
- Hanbok Rental near Gyeongbokgung & Insadong in Seoul
- Hanbok Rental in Gyeongbokgung/ Changdeokgung Palace
- Hanbok Rental at Gyeongbokgung Palace (+ Photoshoot options)
c. Snap Photoshoot
- Modern Hanbok Rental & Photoshoot at Korean Traditional House or Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Hanbok Rental & Photoshoot with Video in Gyeongbokgung Palace/ Bukchon Hanok Village (+ Makeup option)
- Seoul Travel Snap Photoshoot (Day/ Night)
3. D Museum
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In 2016, Daelim Museum marked its 20th anniversary by opening the D Museum in Hannam-dong, a luxurious residential area. In 2021, the D Museum moved to Seongsu-dong, a hipster area so-called the Brooklyn of Seoul. Click here for a complete guide on Seongsu-dong!
Address:
- D Museum – 83-21 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Kakao Map)
Opening Hours:
- D Museum – Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun: 11:00am~6:00pm / Fri, Sat 11:00am~7:00pm / Closed on Mondays (Except April 1st & 8th), Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day) (*Last admission: 1 hour before closing time)
Things to Do Around the Museum:
a. Seongsu-dong Guided Tour
b. K-Beauty Experience
c. One & Only Activities
4. Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
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Leeum Museum is owned by the global conglomerate, Samsung and it is located in Hannam-dong and was designed by the world-renowned architects, Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaus. The museum has two sections: Museum 1 and Museum 2. Museum 1 of Leeum mostly houses traditional Korean art, including 36 national treasure pieces. Meanwhile, Museum 2 is a space dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Its permanent collection contains artworks from legendary artists like Damien Hirst, Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko, Yves Klein, and Donald Judd.
Perhaps the most principal area in the museum is the rotunda in Museum 1. A colorful hanging art piece created by a Korean artist, Jung-Hwa Choi, drops down through the snow-white rotunda. If you are looking for an extensive art collection in Seoul, the Leeum Museum is the place to be.
Address:
- 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Kakao Map)
Opening Hours:
- Tue~Sun: 10:00am~6:00pm (*Last admission: 30 mins before closing time) / Closed on Mondays, January 1st, Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day), Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day)
Things to Do Around the Museum:
a. Visit Seoul’s Landmark
b. Experience Itaewon’s Nightlife
c. K-Beauty Experience
d. One & Only Activities
- Vegan Korean Food Cooking Class in Itaewon
- Make Traditional Korean Accessories with Korean Traditional Paper ‘Hanji’
- Korean Traditional Mother-of-Pearl Lacquerware Craft Experience
5. Seoul Museum of Art
Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) is operated by the Seoul City Council and the building in which the main branch of the museum is located was previously occupied by the Supreme Court of Korea before the relocation of the court. The museum is within walking distance from Deoksugung and the stone-walled path that leads from Deoksugung to SeMA is one of the most beautiful streets in Korea. The museum carries a large collection of masterpieces created by prominent Korean artists such as Nam June Paik, Ufan Lee, Seobo Park, and Whangi Kim. SeMA also plays a big role in promoting young Korean artists through means like financial support, professional consulting, exhibition promotion, and residence programs.
Address:
- 61 Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Kakao Map)
Opening Hours:
- Tue~Fri: 10:00am~8:00pm / Sat,Sun: 10:00pm~7:00pm (March~October), 10:00am~6:00pm (November~February) / Close on Mondays, January 1st
6. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a striking architectural landmark located in Seoul, designed by the renowned British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. Officially opened on March 21, 2014, DDP serves as a cultural hub and a major attraction within the Dongdaemun area, known for its vibrant fashion scene.
As the centerpiece of South Korea’s fashion district, DDP hosts a variety of events including exhibitions, fashion shows, conferences, and cultural festivals. It features multiple spaces such as an exhibition hall, conference rooms, a design museum, and a design market that operates 24 hours. The plaza also integrates elements of the historic Seoul fortress, preserving parts of the ancient structure within its design.
Get your discounted tickets to the special Immersive-K exhibition at DDP through Trazy! Presented by the Kansong Art Museum, this world-first media art exhibition brings Korean art to life. Experience 99 digitalized cultural treasures from the museum’s collection—don’t miss out on this incredible showcase!
Address:
- 281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04566 (Kakao Map)
Opening Hours:
- Every day 10:00am~8:00pm (Operating hours vary by exhibition, please refer to the website.)
Things to Do Around the Museum:
Art museums in Seoul have had a defining presence in the city’s unique culture. For more attractions in Seoul, don’t forget to visit Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop!
