An Art Lover’s Guide to Seoul

The Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, situated in the hills of Namsan, presents a varied collection spanning centuries of Korean and Western art and architecture, displayed in two buildings. The first showcases national art, including 36 national treasures such as landscapes, folk paintings, and Korean pottery art, like Celadon and Buncheong. The second exhibits modern and contemporary art, featuring noteworthy artists like Damien Hirst, Andy Warhol, and Yves Klein. If you're an art enthusiast looking to delve deep into Seoul's vibrant creative environment and history, Leeum is the perfect place to start. Learn more about the museum’s collection from a self-guided audio tour of Seoul

With separate branches in Gwacheon, Deoksugung, and Cheongju, the MMCA Seoul branch focuses on global contemporary art and creating a cultural platform. As you meander through the MMCA’s expansive galleries, observe the dynamic evolution of Korean and global art unfolding before your eyes. The facility is unique for using Korea's traditional architectural concept of Madang, a spacious courtyard for people to gather and socialize. Carefully curated displays highlight the skill of diverse Korean contemporary artists, providing a glimpse into the ever-changing world of artistic expression. Take a guided tour to better understand the art and artists. Insider tip: See the contrast of Korea’s modern art just a few steps away at Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Discover the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA), centrally located near Deoksugung Palace. The building features three floors of exhibition halls, an outdoor sculpture park, and additional spaces for public engagement. Its modestly priced art classes, bilingual docent programs, lectures, and art events make it a popular destination for locals and tourists. Check the museum’s website for upcoming Seoul art festivals. To elevate your visit, consider taking a custom self-guided tour complete with a private driver.

From ultra-modern installations to striking sculptures, Hangaram Art Museum proudly showcases Seoul as a thriving hub for artistic expression. The museum showcases rotating exhibits in its six expansive halls, featuring contemporary artists from domestic and foreign backgrounds. Located in the left wing of the Seoul Arts Center, the Hangaram Art Museum is neighbored by an Opera House, Music Hall, and the Seoul Calligraphy Art Museum.

Step into a world of wonder at Kukje Gallery, the go-to spot for discovering emerging artists in Seoul. Just a few minutes walk from Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Folk Museum of Korea, this gallery is a lively destination where established and upcoming artists converge, creating a dynamic platform for diverse artistic voices. The gallery, renowned for major solo exhibitions featuring globally acclaimed artists, also promotes local talent. It remains a significant force in championing Korean artists, particularly those associated with the Dansaekhwa (monochrome painting) art movement.

During your visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, take full advantage of your admission ticket with a trip to the National Folk Museum of Korea. The museum presents three permanent exhibits: History of Korean People, Life Cycle of the Koreans, and Korean Way of Life. Don’t miss the expertly crafted shadow puppets, wooden sculptures, Korean ceramics, and Korean calligraphy art showcasing over a thousand years of functional artistry. Many palace tours include visiting the National Folk Museum of Korea, offering a richer understanding of the exhibits.

Insider tip: If visiting the National Folk Museum leaves you wanting more cultural immersion, walk to Gyeongbokgung Palace and rent a hanbok (traditional Korean dress).

Ihwa Mural Village is a vibrant outdoor art gallery adorned with colorful murals, transforming the neighborhood into an interactive public space and the go-to destination for street art in Seoul. In 2006, Korean artists initiated a revitalization project to turn the area into a sought-after destination for locals and visitors looking for a vibrant artistic experience in Seoul. To see the mural village illuminated, take a nighttime hike along the city’s fortress walls.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a cutting-edge cultural hub celebrated for its groundbreaking architecture designed by the renowned Zaha Hadid. This innovative space showcases Hadid's architectural brilliance and serves as a forward-thinking platform for creative exploration. Head inside to immerse yourself in the art hall’s dynamic rotating exhibitions that merge design, art, and technology. Try to time your visit with a SeouLight show, which consists of a brilliant light and sound display projected on DDP. Or you can get the inside scoop on the DDP on a customized Seoul tour.

Insider tip: Once you have an appetite, walk to the nearby Dongdaemun Market to gorge yourself on Korean food and find the perfect souvenirs there.

Located in the foothills of Bukhasan National Park, the Gana Art Center is one of the city’s hidden gems for art lovers. Noted as one of the first art galleries in Seoul, today, it is a prestigious and influential art institution, often hosting auctions that draw art buyers worldwide. Each rotating exhibit serves as a portal into the minds of artists, providing a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of creative expression in contemporary and modern art in Seoul.

Situated near Changdeokgung Palace, the Arario Museum boasts a captivating collection of modern art spanning 40 years. It is also well-known for its Museum within a Museum project, where artists reside at the Arario Museum in Seoul or Jejudo to produce new works. Designers crafted the museum’s distinctive exterior to resemble the local historical aesthetic, and the facades adorned with ivy branches blend harmoniously with the nearby palace and hanok houses. To learn more about the area, take a heritage tour.

Nestled between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village is where tradition and expression intertwine for an alluring experience. Stroll through narrow streets flanked by beautifully preserved hanoks (traditional Korean houses). Here, galleries and studios seamlessly integrate with historic architecture. Bukchon Hanok Village isn't just a glimpse into Korea's architectural legacy; it's a living canvas for local artists and artisans, perfectly blending the old and the new. Insider tip: To get the full story behind the aesthetics of Bukchon Hanok Village, take a guided tour of the village and nearby palaces.