When you think of Seoul you may envision tall skyscrapers, bustling shopping districts, and endless amounts of street food, but the city has a very distinct art scene that can often be hidden to those who don’t actively look for it. Here is a list of both large and small galleries or museums in Seoul that every art lover should visit.
List of Galleries or Museums in Seoul
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) | Jongno-gu
The MMCA has many branches throughout Korea, but its Seoul branch is perhaps the representative institution of Korean modern art. The centre, located in the heart of Samcheong-dong, focuses on introducing global contemporary art to Korea.
Museum: National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art [MMCA] (국립현대미술관)
For More Info: (English) (Korean)
Current Exhibitions:
Chung Sang Hwa (May 22 – Sept. 26, 2021)
For more information, click here.
LEEUM | Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Leeum is a hidden gem. Located at the end of Itaewon, near Hangangjin station, Leeum was at first a privately owned collection of pieces by the Samsung family. It became open to the public in recent years and has since been a must-see sight for any art lover in Seoul.
Museum: Leeum Samsung Museum of Art (리움 삼성미술관)
For More Info: (English) (Korean)
Current Exhibitions:
Museum 1: Beyond Time [Permanent Exhibition]
Museum 2: Beyond Space [Permanent Exhibition]
Museum 2: Beyond Space [Permanent Exhibition]
For more information, click here.
ARA MODERN ART MUSEUM | Jongno-gu, Seoul
ARA is an exclusive modern art museum located in the traditional art scene hub of Seoul.
Museum: ARA Modern Art Museum (아라모던아트뮤지엄)
Address: 26 Insadong 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea / 서울특별시 종로구 인사동9길 26
Phone Number: 02-732-1177
For More Info: (Website)
SEOUL ARTS CENTER | Seocho-gu, Seoul
Seoul Arts Center is perhaps the most famous and largest art museum in Seoul. Located South of the river, its grounds feature (along with its art hall), an opera hall, a music hall, and water fountain show.
Museum: Seoul Arts Center (예술의 전단)
Address: Nambu Loop Line 2407 (700 Seocho-dong) Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea / 서울시 소초구 남부순환로 2406
Phone Number: 02-580-1300
For More Info : (Korean, English)
Current Exhibitions:
Pablo Picasso Retrospective (April 30 – Aug. 29, 2021)
For more information click here.
[All photos and information courtesy of the respective museums]
Did you find this article helpful? Leave a comment below! You can also check out our article on 10 Must-See Outrageous Korean Museums for more Seoul museums to visit.
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