Seoul is a city where temples, cafés, malls… and suddenly, museums appear around every corner. Think museums are boring? Think again. These days, Seoul’s museums are tailor-made for your interests. Whether you’re an art buff, military history nerd, or someone who just loves nostalgia, there’s something here for you. Let’s take a fun and friendly museum trip through Seoul—based on your unique taste!
1. If You’re All About Art & Design
✅ National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul
A deep dive into Korea’s contemporary art world. The immersive exhibitions make you feel like you’re part of the art itself.
- Address: 30 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul / Google Maps | Naver Map
- Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00 / Wed & Sat open till 21:00
- Admission: Permanent exhibitions free; ticketed special exhibits
- Closed: Mondays
- One-liner: “Sure, galleries are nice—but this place hits you right in the patriotic feels with modern Korean art!”
✅ Seoul Museum of Art
A place where popular and experimental meet. Bonus: walking the Deoksugung Stone Wall path nearby is peak aesthetic.
- Address: 61 Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul / Google Maps | Naver Map
- Hours: Tue–Fri 10:00–20:00 / Weekends & Holidays 10:00–18:00
- Admission: Mostly free, some paid exhibitions
- Closed: Mondays
- One-liner: “Peak hipster vibes. Get your artsy Instagram shots here!”
2. Curious About Korean History & Culture?
✅ National Museum of Korea
Perfect for first-timers. Massive collection, multilingual guides, and it’s FREE. You’ll lose track of time here!
- Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul / Google Maps | Naver Map
- Hours: Sun–Tue & Thu–Fri 10:00–18:00 / Wed & Sat till 21:00
- Admission: Free permanent exhibits; special exhibitions ticketed
- Closed: Jan 1, Lunar New Year & Chuseok
- One-liner: “Want Korean history but don’t know where to begin? Start here!”
✅ Seoul Museum of History
Beyond exhibits, they offer cool programs tied to real spots around the city. Urban explorers, rejoice!
- Address: 55 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul / Google Maps | Naver Map
- Hours: Tue–Sun 09:00–18:00 (Fridays until 21:00)
- Admission: Free
- Closed: Mondays & Jan 1
- One-liner: “Curious how Seoul got so fast-paced? Start the time machine here.”
✅ National Museum of Korean Contemporary History
From black-and-white news footage to interactive archives—you’ll walk away knowing why recent decades matter.
- Address: 198 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul / Google Maps | Naver Map
- Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00
- Admission: Free
- Closed: Mondays
- One-liner: “Korean modern history finally makes sense after visiting here.”
✅ Seodaemun Prison History Hall
More than a museum—it’s an emotional journey. Walk the same paths as Korea’s freedom fighters.
- Address: 251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul / Google Maps | Naver Map
- Hours: Tue–Sun 09:30–18:00 (Last entry 17:00)
- Admission: Adults 3,000 KRW / Youth 1,500 KRW / Kids 1,000 KRW
- Closed: Mondays
- One-liner: “Where history literally surrounds you. Powerful, unforgettable.”
3. Got a Thing for War History and Military Stuff?
✅ War Memorial of Korea
Covers not just the Korean War but major wars in modern Korean history. A massive military museum where you can walk right up to real tanks and fighter jets.
- Address: 29 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul / Google Maps | Naver Map
- Hours: Tue–Sun 09:30–18:00 (Last entry 17:30)
- Admission: Free
- Closed: Mondays
- One-liner: “If you’re a military buff, this is heaven next to a tank.”
4. Fascinated by Daily Life and Folk Traditions?
✅ National Folk Museum of Korea
A walk through Korea’s traditional ways of living—clothing, food, farming, and festivals. Great for families and cultural explorers.
- Address: 37 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (inside Gyeongbokgung) / Google Maps | Naver Map
- Hours: 09:00–18:00 (Mar–Oct) / 09:00–17:00 (Nov–Feb)
- Admission: Free (Palace ticket required: 3,000 KRW)
- Closed: Tuesdays
- One-liner: “So this is how old-school Koreans lived? Mind = blown.”
✅ Hanseong Baekje Museum
Focuses on the Baekje period when Seoul was the capital—way before it was called Seoul. The ancient vibes are strong here.
- Address: 71 Wiryeseong-daero, Songpa-gu, Seoul / Google Maps | Naver Map
- Hours: Tue–Sun 09:00–18:00 (Last entry 17:30)
- Admission: Free
- Closed: Mondays
- One-liner: “Didn’t know Seoul had this much Three Kingdoms history!”
✅ Seoul Museum of Living History
Step into Seoul life from the 1960s–80s. Complete with recreated homes and vintage items—your parents’ nostalgia in one place.
- Address: 8 Hwarang-ro 47-gil, Nowon-gu, Seoul / Google Maps | Naver Map
- Hours: Tue–Sun 09:00–18:00 (Last entry 17:00)
- Admission: Free
- Closed: Mondays
- One-liner: “Perfect spot for taking retro pics and bonding with mom.”
5. Love a Place That’s a Photo Spot in Itself?
✅ Donuimun Museum Village
An open-air museum village recreating mid-20th century Seoul streets. A mix of exhibition, experience, and total retro vibes.
- Address: 76 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul / Google Maps | Naver Map
- Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–19:00
- Admission: Free
- Closed: Mondays
- One-liner: “It’s like stepping into a vintage K-drama set!”
✅ Seoul Museum of Craft Art
A peaceful space where you meet Korea’s traditional and modern crafts—housed in beautifully renovated hanok buildings.
- Address: 3 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul / Google Maps | Naver Map
- Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00 (Last entry 17:30)
- Admission: Free
- Closed: Mondays
- One-liner: “Minimalist, zen, and deeply Korean—a calm break from the city buzz.”
Museums in Seoul aren’t just places to “learn”—they’re spaces to connect with your curiosity and personality. Whether you’re after bold art, ancient stories, or a deep dive into grandma’s rice cooker, there’s a perfect place for you. Next time it rains, or you’re looking for a unique way to spend the day—why not step into a museum?
What’s your style? Personally, I’ve been loving the Seoul Museum of Living History lately—chatting with my mom there was a memory in itself!