As a country steeped in history, art, and culture, there’s an ample number of museums in Seoul that’s definitely worth a visit so here’s a breakdown of some of the ones you must go!
History buffs are in for a treat as Seoul is not only an ancient city but was the capital and center of the final Joseon Dynasty for over 500 years. The National Museum of Korea is the largest museum in South Korea and displays over 15,000 relics and artifacts related to the nation’s history. The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History focuses on Korea’s modern era, from the 19th century, which tells the fascinating story of Korea’s rise from the trials of occupation and ashes of war. If you’re looking for history specific to Seoul, the Seoul Museum of History offers a comprehensive insight into the capital’s founding and growth.

For museums related to specific periods of Korean history, the Seodaemun Prison Hall will offer an unflinching look at Korea during the Japanese occupation while the War Memorial of Korea is the best museum for a deeper look into the turbulent period of the Korean War including the years before and after it. Olympic fanatics will want to stop by the Seoul Olympic Museum which tells the story of how Seoul won the bid to host the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics, its preparations, its highlights, and legacy on Korea.

Those interested in ecological preservation can check out the Cheonggyecheon Museum which takes a look at the fascinating tale of the Cheonggyecheon Stream in the heart of Seoul. This stream was an important historic stream in the past that was virtually paved over as Korea developed in the modern era but was eventually restored and now an important landmark of the capital.

For museums related to Korean culture, head to Gyeongbokgung Palace which houses both the National Folk Museum of Korea and the National Palace Museum of Korea. The former focuses on traditional folk life of Koreans from the past to today, while the latter delves into royal life of the Joseon Dynasty’s royal families including how they lived, ate, were educated, and married.
The Korea Furniture Museum is a true gem that houses ten beautiful restored traditional Korean homes and displays some 500 wonderful antique furniture pieces. Note though that this museum can only be visited with advanced reservations on a tour. And, though death may be a morbid subject to some, the Shuim Museum beautifully contemplates life and death with both modern art and historic Korean relics.

Art lovers will want to check out the Seoul Museum of Art, which is housed in a beautiful building in the historic Jeongdong neighborhood. The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is a relatively new sprawling museum that should appeal to contemporary art lovers as should the Arario Museum in Space which has already garnered buzz among modern art circles. There are also quite a few free private galleries near the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art that are worth checking out including the Kukje Gallery, Arario Gallery and more, many of which are free. Other museums north of the Han River that are worth checking out include the Ara Art Center in Insadong, the Gana Art Gallery in Pyeongchangdong, and the Ilmin Museum of Art just between Cheonggyecheon and Gwanghwamun Square.

And art lovers should definitely not miss the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art which has one of the best balanced collection of both Korean and non-Korean, past and modern art. The 63 Sky Art in the 63 Building, though not large, has the distinction of being the tallest art museum in Seoul. The Seoul Museum is a new museum that’s also worth visiting not only for its varied exhibitions throughout the year but for its beautiful and historic grounds which should not be missed.

Other specialty museums that will appeal to different interests include the Simone Handbag Museum in Garosugil, the Bank of Korea Museum for all things currency and finance-related, and the National Gugak Center to find out about the Korean traditional music genre of Gugak.

As a final tip, do check the individual homepages of these museums so you can avoid any closed days as well as receive tips such as certain free museum days!