Discover the Best Museums in Seoul: 6 Must-See Locations

Tired of the usual coffee shop hangouts? For an enriching and fun way to spend your afternoon, why not try a museum tour in Seoul? With over 100 museums across the city, there's always something new to explore.

These six museums are consistently ranked among the top cultural destinations in Seoul.

1. National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관)

With deep historical roots, the National Museum of Korea first opened in 1945, the same year Korea gained independence from Japan. Over the years, it has moved locations, finally settling in Yongsan Family Park in October 2005.

Boasting a collection of over 220,000 artifacts and artworks, around 13,000 items are displayed at any given time. The best approach to exploring this vast museum is to take it one section at a time.

Start your journey on the first floor, which features archaeological and historical exhibits. Here, you can discover artifacts from as far back as 1392, offering a glimpse into Korea's earliest civilizations.

On the second floor, you'll find a stunning array of calligraphy, paintings, and art pieces generously donated by private collectors.

On the third floor, you'll encounter a stunning collection of Buddhist sculptures, ceramics, and artwork that showcase the rich heritage of Asian culture.

Whether you visit on a weekday or weekend, expect to see plenty of visitors. Every Saturday, the museum hosts special events such as free concerts and film screenings, complementing both permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Yongsan-dong 6-ga 168-6 (Seobinggo-ro 137), Yongsan-gu

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2. Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art (리움)

The Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, operated by the Samsung Foundation of Culture, is committed to showcasing and preserving two distinct forms of art.

MUSEUM 1 displays a rich collection of traditional Korean art, including 36 pieces recognized as national treasures. Step back in time to the 14th century with ancient artifacts like daggers, crowns, earrings, and other ornaments. Buddhist art, sculptures, paintings, and manuscripts are also on display.

This museum also features traditional ceramics, including Celadon (a distinctive type of glaze and pottery from Asia), Buncheong (a bluish-green Korean stoneware), and fine porcelain.

From landscapes to folk art, the diverse range of works in MUSEUM 1 offers a fascinating glimpse into Korea’s cultural heritage.

MUSEUM 2 showcases modern and contemporary art by both Korean and international artists. The exhibits, featuring paintings, sculptures, photography, and video, present a striking contrast to traditional works, reflecting the evolving and ever-changing nature of contemporary art.

In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum regularly hosts special exhibitions that change approximately every three months.

MUSEUM 1 was designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, MUSEUM 2 by French architect Jean Nouvel, and the children's center by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, with each drawing inspiration from Korean culture.

747-18, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu

3. National Folk Museum of Korea (한국민속박물관)

For an authentic journey into Korea’s past, the place to visit is clear: The National Folk Museum of Korea.

Nestled within the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, this museum boasts a collection of over 98,000 artifacts and prides itself as 'the only national museum dedicated to the history of traditional Korean life.'

The museum is divided into three main exhibition halls. The first, titled 'History of Korean People,' showcases artifacts from everyday life in Korea, spanning from prehistoric times to 1910.

The second hall, 'The Korean Way of Life,' offers an immersive experience where visitors can truly understand what it was like to live as a Korean villager in ancient times.

The third exhibition hall, titled 'Life Cycle of the Koreans,' highlights the profound influence of Confucianism on Korean culture, illustrating how these philosophical principles shaped many cultural customs that continue to impact Korean society today.

The museum also features outdoor exhibits, including replicas of spirit posts where villagers once prayed, stone piles used for worship, grinding mills, rice storage shelters, and pits for kimchi pots.

Samcheongro 37, Jongno-gu

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4. War Memorial of Korea (전쟁기념관)

With a history spanning 5,000 years, Korea has endured numerous wars, which is why the War Memorial of Korea offers a comprehensive collection of stories and artifacts.

Situated on the former grounds of army headquarters, the museum features two major exhibitions.

The indoor exhibition consists of six halls. The first is the Memorial Hall, which honors all those who fought and lost their lives in Korea's wars.

The next exhibit is the War Room, showcasing Korean weaponry from the Paleolithic era, along with armor, helmets, swords, and other weapons used across various periods of Korean history.

Another indoor exhibit focuses entirely on the Korean War of the 1950s. It begins with North Korea’s unexpected invasion of the South on June 25, 1950, and explores the role of the United Nations, as well as the wartime experiences of Koreans.

Experience the eerie Combat Experience Room, a simulation of a Korean night battle, complete with special effects, videos, sounds, cannon smoke, and the smell of gunpowder. The re-enactment of these battles offers a chilling glimpse into the horrors of combat.

Other exhibits include the Expeditionary Forces room, highlighting Korea’s global military deployments, and the ROK Armed Forces room, which chronicles the evolution of South Korea’s military through its weapons, uniforms, and tactics.

In the Defense Industry room, you can explore the equipment safeguarding South Korea today, from gas masks to aircraft. For a closer look at some incredible machinery, don’t miss the Outdoor Exhibition.

The Outdoor Exhibition showcases restored tanks, vehicles, submarines, aircraft, and artillery from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Not only can you stand next to these massive machines, but you can even climb inside them.

Admission to the museum is free of charge.

8 YongSan-dong 1(il)ga YongSan-Gu

5. National Palace Museum of Korea (국립고궁박물관)

The Joseon Dynasty, Korea’s longest-reigning dynasty, spanned five centuries. As the final royal dynasty of Korea, it left an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural and traditional foundations, deeply influenced by Confucian ideals.

The National Palace Museum showcases the records, ceremonies, architecture, fashion, royal lifestyle, education, art, music, and culture of the Joseon Dynasty.

Housing over 40,000 royal treasures and artifacts, the museum offers free admission.

12, Hyojaro, Jongno-gu

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6. Seoul Museum of History (서울역사박물관)

The Seoul Museum of History highlights the transformation of Seoul, tracing its journey from prehistoric times to the modern urban landscape we see now.

As the capital of the Joseon Dynasty, Seoul is home to a wealth of information and artifacts from that era. In fact, much of the city's present-day success stems from its role as the heart of the dynasty.

This legacy made Seoul more innovative and forward-thinking than many of its neighboring cities, a characteristic that continues to shape the city today.

The museum chronicles Seoul's evolution into the vibrant metropolis it is today, while also hosting various special exhibitions.

2-1 Sinmunno 1 ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul