For art lovers in Seoul, the city has no shortage of places to visit. The Seoul Museum of Art, for example, is housed in a beautiful building that was once home to the Supreme Court. It offers a range of local and international exhibits and also has other branches including at Gyeonghuigung and the Nam Seoul Annex housed within the former Belgian Embassy building. For modern art lovers, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is a very new museum, just by Gyeongbokgung, that introduces global contemporary art with outdoor and indoor installations and pieces. It operates a number of museums including a branch right inside Deoksugung which stands out with its Western façade.

Another exquisite contemporary art museum worth checking out is the Arario Museum in Space, just by Changdeokgung. This private museum has a great collection of local and international contemporary art works all housed within a beautiful building. Its fine dining restaurant also garners buzz for its food and service and beautiful views of the palace grounds. In Hannamdong, the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, is not only one of the finest comprehensive art museums in Seoul but the country itself and should definitely not be missed for art lovers. The museum has three sections, each designed by different world-renown architects and displays everything from priceless Korean arts and crafts to noteworthy modern art collection as well.
The Hangaram Art Museum (part of the Seoul Art Center), the Ilmin Museum of Art (by the Cheonggyecheon Stream), the Sejong Museum of Art (part of the Sejong Center), and the Soma Art Museum (located within Seoul Olympic Park), all also hosts a variety of exhibits throughout the year. The 63 Sky Art gallery within the 63 Building in Yeouido is smaller but unique as it’s Seoul’s highest art gallery with picturesque views of the city from the 60th floor. Check the respective homepages of these galleries and museums to see what’s currently exhibiting during your visit to Seoul.

If you’re pressed for time, there are many wonderful art galleries around Seoul with many of them found in the northwestern neighborhoods such as Samcheongdong, Bukchondong, and Pyeongchangdong. The Gallery Hyundai, Kyungin Museum of Fine Art, Kumho Museum of Art, Hakgojae Gallery, Gana Art Center, and Ara Art Center all are some of the best known galleries and for visitors admission is generally free or very inexpensive. Also in this vicinity is the Seoul Museum which exhibits a wide range of genres of art and its beautiful outdoor grounds with historic landmarks such as Seokpajeong shouldn’t be missed.

Of course, art isn’t limited to only galleries and museums and for a unique look at neighborhoods and art coming together, try visiting the Ihwa Mural Village just on Naksan. Various artists have painted and installed wall murals and other artworks which have transformed the community into a popular destination with cafes and restaurants readily found. The scenic views from Naksan is an added bonus. Another budding, similarly artistic neighborhood that’s less touristy is Mullaedong in western Seoul. The mainly industrial neighborhood with its many metal workshops and factories has become a popular sought out destination for artists who have installed various art pieces and murals. The mixture of art and industrial urban surrounding is quite unique and worth a visit for art lovers and photographers.

Graffiti is still a lesser known concept but the evidence there’s a strong and growing group of followers is evident in areas like Itaewon. Underpasses such as the one connecting Apgujeong and the Han River Park, in Sinchon near the Megabox movie theater, or on the wall installations near Hongdae’s subway station exit nine are also well known for their tags and street art.

For something a little different and fun, the Trick Eye Museum in Hongdae and the Alive Museum in Insadong feature realistic 3D art works that will be fun picture taking for the whole family. The Grevin Museum is the French museum’s first branch in Asia and features lifelike wax figures of past and present, Korean and international, celebrities and is another top draw for families.

Be sure to check the homepage of the museums and galleries to take advantage of free admission times and days. For example, the last Wednesday of every month is “Culture Day” in Korea when many museums offer free or discounted admission.