11 Best Sights in Seoul, South Korea

Established in 2002 by the Hanmi Pharmaceutical's foundation for arts and culture, this museum (which was formerly known as The Museum of Photography Seoul) is dedicated to displaying the work of prominent and up-and-coming Korean photographers, as well hosting international exchanges. It also aims to encourage and inspire those who wish to pursue photography as a career by offering classes and training through its academy. It relocated to a purpose-built building in central Seoul in late 2022.

Both traditional and hyper-modern art is the focus at this museum, which showcases one topic or artist at a time. Past exhibitions have highlighted abstract expressionist Mary Corse, sculptor Lee Bul, and graphic artist William Kentridge. Located in Yongsan's striking Amorepacific Headquarters designed by architect David Chipperfield, the museum first began with the private collection of the conglomerate’s CEO, Suh Sungwhan. Also on the premises is a library called apLAP containing 10,000 catalogs of exhibitions from all over the world, plus a gift shop and a number of cafes and restaurants.

Founded by world-famous collector Kim Chang-il, this contemporary art museum is housed in a striking brick building from the 1970s. In addition to the rotating exhibitions, there are several dining options including the standout Fritz Coffee and Le Cochon, a French restaurant in the attached glass building.

Contemporary art, and especially photography, is the focus of this small but special museum near Gyeongbukgung Palace. Its colorful galleries are the reason you come, but be sure to admire the exterior, a modernist cube comprised of stained glass panels. From the balcony, you can spot Inwansan and Bukhansan mountains in the distance.

Featuring paintings, sculptures, installations, performances, and video projects by artists from both Korea and abroad, the museum emphasizes interaction between the audience and the artist, and the curators aren't afraid to put forth challenging and experimental work. Gangnam has grown into one of the country's creative hubs, and the K Museum of Contemporary Art is a great place to visit if you want to put your finger on the pulse of the currents informing and inspiring the modern Korean arts scene.

Operated by the Samsung Foundation of Culture, the Leeum Museum is named after Lee Byung-chul, the conglomerate’s founder. With the stated goal of becoming a museum where “we ponder the future based on our understanding of the past and present,” Leeum has two main sections, one devoted to traditional Korean art and another devoted to contemporary, international artists like Damien Hirst, Andy Warhol, and Donald Judd. The buildings, designed by Mario Botta and Jean Nouvel respectively, are both architectural marvels. Also on the premises are a cafe, gift shop, and an education and culture center for children.

Opened in 2018, this relatively new museum is dedicated to introducing new waves of modern art from around the globe. From paintings to immersive installations, LMOA is curated with any eye on quality work that also pushes boundaries, with exhibitions of work by artists such as Shepard Fairey, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kenny Scharf, and others.

Arguably the best known institution of contemporary Korean art, the MMCA has four branches; this location opened in 2013 as its headquarters. Spread across four stories, its facilities include a media lab, digital library, and outdoor courtyard in addition to several galleries. Past exhibitions include a retrospective on Lee Kyungsung, collected works of Duchamp, and a curation of films by Guy Maddin. The museum is a co-sponsor of several prestigious art awards, including the annual Korea Artist Prize for innovative, visual artists addressing social issues, and the museum frequently hosts exhibitions gathering works of such artists. Don’t forget to stop by the museum’s book shop and gift store for souvenirs highlighting contemporary Korean artists. 

With an entrance resembling something from a spy movie, this unique underground museum is set in an abandoned 1970s military bunker that was rediscovered in 2005 during work on a new subway line. Reached via a glass-covered stairway emerging from the side of a multi-lane road (there’s also an elevator), the bunker is now a satellite gallery of the Seoul Museum of Art. The space features a permanent gallery relating to the bunker’s history and an exhibition hall showcasing a rotating array of contemporary art.

One of the city's main art museums, the Seoul Museum of Art's collection is a balanced mix of Korean and foreign as well as classic and modern art. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum often holds special exhibitions ranging from classic foreign masters to new Korean talent. This is a good stop to see what is happening in the Korean art world. The building itself is a grand colonial-era structure that, though it began life as a gallery, later housed the Korean Supreme Court.

The first public museum in the country to specialize in craft arts, SeMoCA opened in 2021 on the site of the former Pungmoon Girls High School. The museum showcases more than 23,000 pieces across four exhibition buildings and includes samples of embroidered fabrics, furniture, and traditional games dating back hundreds of years. While the topic of craft art may not appeal to everyone, the curation here is exceptionally well-done with many detailed explanations and interactive elements. Parents are particularly fond of the museum’s Craft Village, which has kid-friendly studios dedicated to metalwork, ceramics, and wood crafts. Classes for children are also available through the museum's reservation system.