Visiting Museums in Seoul

Find out about the museums in Seoul - art, archaeology, history, local culture and science...

In Seoul, there are a large number of museums displaying archaeology, local history, crafts, and cultural heritage. There are also many art galleries. Seoul itself has over 135 private and public museums. Opening hours can vary and are best checked with the Seoul Tourism website. The Seoul Tourism website also provides details of entrance fees, addresses, local transport options and rules to follow when visiting museums in Seoul.

Museums in Seoul

Listed below are some of the most important museums in Seoul.

The National Folk Museum of Korea: State museum located in Gwanghwamun. The collection of almost 100,000 pieces is exhibited in four exhibition halls. The collection is one of the richest in Seoul. Printing, ceramics, textiles and jewellery documenting Korean history and culture are on display. Admission is free to all visitors. There are guided tours in English at 10:30 and 14:30.

  • The National Folk Museum of Korea
    At: 37 Samcheongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul
    Tel: 02 3704 3114
    Open: March to October 09:00-18:00, November to February 09:00-17:00. Closed on Tuesdays and 1 January

Seodaemun Museum of Natural History: Situated in the Seodaemun area, this museum exhibits a large collection of historical artefacts, fossils and specimens on three floors. The museum also offers films, educational programmes and special events.

  • Seodaemun Museum of Natural History
    At: 51 Yeonheero 32-gil Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
    Tel: 02 330 8899
    Open: March to October 09:00-18:00 and November to February 09:00-17:00. Closed on Mondays, 1 January, Lunar New Year and Chuseok

National Museum of Korea: Located in Yongsan, the museum holds one of the most important art collections in South Korea and also offers concerts, lectures, workshops and educational programmes throughout the year. Free one-hour guided tours in English are at 10:30 and 14:30.

  • National Museum of Korea
    At: Seobinggoro 137,Yongsan-gu, Seoul
    Tel: 02 2077 9293
    Open: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 09:00-18:00, Wednesdays and Saturdays 09:00-21:00, Sundays and holidays 09:00-21:00. Closed on Mondays and 1 January

The National Museum of Contemporary Art: A collection of approximately 9,000 pieces, consisting mainly of paintings, engravings, new media works, crafts and sculptures representing worldwide artists of different periods, including modern times. Admission is free to all visitors.

  • The National Museum of Contemporary Art
    At: San 58-4 Makgye-dong, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
    Tel: 02 2188 6000
    Open: March to October 10:00-18:00 (Saturdays and Sundays 10:00-21:00) and November to February 10:00-17:00 (Saturdays and Sundays 10:00-20:00). Closed on Mondays and 1 January

The Leeum Samsung Museum of Art: Founded by the Samsung Cooperation. Museum one houses an extensive collection of Korean traditional arts and crafts and Museum two houses modern art works by renowned international and Korean artists.

  • Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
    At: 747-18 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
    Tel: 02 2014 6901
    Open: Saturdays 15:30-19:30, Sundays and holidays 10:30-18:00. Closed on Mondays, 1 January , Lunar New Year and Chuseok
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The War Memorial of Korea: This history museum was once the headquarters of the Korean Infantry. It houses an extensive collection of war-related artifacts. Admission is free to all visitors.

  • The War Memorial of Korea
    At: 8 Yongsandong 1-ga Yongsan-gu, Seoul
    Tel: 02 709 3139
    Open: Open daily 09:00-18:00. Closed on Mondays

The Seoul Metropolitan Museum of Art: Exhibits paintings by Picasso, van Gogh, Matisse and many famous Korean contemporary artists.

  • Seoul Metropolitan Museum of Art
    At: 61 Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
    Tel: 02 2124 8800
    Open: Weekdays 10:00-20:00 , weekends and national holidays 10:00-18:00. March to October weekends and national holidays 10:00-19:00. Closed on Mondays and 1 January

The National Palace Museum of Korea: Opened in 2005 to encourage a better understanding and appreciation of Choseon Dynasty culture. It has a large collection of pottery, clothing and artefacts dating back to the 16th century. Admission is free to all visitors. There is a guided tour in English at 15:00.

  • National Palace Museum of Korea
    At: 12 Hyojaro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
    Tel: 02 3701 7500
    Open: Weekdays 09:00-18:00, weekends and holidays 09:00-19:00. Closed on Mondays.

The Seoul National Science Museum: Features a comprehensive range of interactive exhibitions and offers several educational programmes.