11 Best Sights in Seoul, South Korea

For anyone who wants to become better acquainted with Korea's unique history, culture, or arts the National Museum is the museum to visit. The sixth largest in the world, any of the 13,000 works of art permanently on display could stand impressively on its own. By following the chronologically arranged path, visitors get a sense of not only the depth and beauty of Korean culture, but also how it evolved over the centuries. In addition to the expansive permanent collection, the museum hosts impressive special exhibitions as well.  For those wanting more information about the works and periods of Korean history, the museum offers "smart curators" (digital tablets that offer audio explanations and more) and guided tours in English for groups.

The Cheonggyecheon Stream is a manmade waterway and walking path stretching 11 km (7 miles) through central Seoul and is one of the city’s most popular attractions. The museum exhibits trace the history of the stream from its natural origins to pollution during the Japanese occupation, to being covered by a freeway overpass, to the 21st-century restoration project that revived it, transforming it into the peaceful oasis it is today.

Part of the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, this museum displays pottery, porcelain, and other relics excavated during the park's construction; they date from the 14th century to the Japanese occupation of Korea in the 20th century.

This unique little museum lies on a residential street north of the hectic thoroughfares around Dongdaemun Square. Permanent and special exhibitions explore the history of the sewing industry in Korea, and there are hands-on experiences such as making brooches or keychains. Tours in English are offered for one to 20 people and must be reserved at least one day in advance.

The Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds are home to this museum dedicated to the traditional and present-day lifestyles of the Korean people. It's a great introduction to the culture and history of the country for first-time visitors, especially the captivating permanent exhibition that covers daily life in villages from the 17th to 20th centuries. There's also a rotating special exhibit; its past subjects have included folklore, makgeolli, and the history and development of towns such as Busan and Incheon. Although there is no daily tour in English, groups of 10 can reserve English tours in advance at least five days before arriving, and audio guides can be rented at the information desk. A cafe on site sells snacks and sandwiches.

Located on the National Museum of Korea grounds, the National Hangeul Museum opened in 2014 with the aim of promoting the Korean language, often thought to be the country’s most prized cultural asset. The museum’s permanent exhibition is devoted to the Hunminjeongeum, a document drawn up by King Sejong in 1446 detailing the script for the language. Past special exhibitions at the museum have covered everything from calligraphy to women’s songs. Although it may seem a bit dry, the museum has many visual and interactive elements to keep visitors interested. Explanatory text is generally available in English and Korean. Guided tours of the museum take place on Wednesday at 2 pm and 3 pm. 

Located across from Gyeongbokgung Palace, this free history museum not only displays documents and photos that chronicle the recent past of the city but also has some stunning views of the Gwanghwamun area from its 8th floor rooftop garden. The museum has several permanent exhibitions spanning the years 1894 to the present day and is a good place to go to begin to understand the city's modernization, independence, and shift to democracy. English language guided tours are available for groups of five or more with advance reservation.

Set in Dongdaemun City Wall Park (also known as Heunginjimun Park), this compact yet worthwhile museum is dedicated to the 18.63 km-long (11.58 mile-long) wall that has surrounded Seoul for more than 600 years. The museum is divided into three permanent exhibition halls featuring the history of the wall, the construction and management of the wall, and the damage and reconstruction of the wall. If you’re planning on walking the Seoul City Wall Trail consider popping into the museum first to enhance your experience.

The Seoul Museum of History traces the growth of the nation from the stone-age to modern times. The main museum is divided into four areas—the Joseon Capital, the lifestyle, culture, and the development of Seoul. For children there are numerous interactive exhibits such as the floor-map of Seoul, Touch Hall, and the Education Hall. Also, the museum frequently hosts concerts, movies, and other events. While the museum is free, special exhibitions have a separate admission fee.

More than any other event, the Korean War has defined the country's recent history. The War Memorial of Korea focuses on exploring and depicting this war, as well as the others in Korea's history. Outdoors, there are fighter jets and artillery alongside sculptures expressing the hope of reunification and peace. Inside, the museum's exhibitions span the history of warfare in Korea, with an obvious focus on the (technically ongoing) Korean War. The historical exhibition halls are an interesting view into ancient and medieval warfare, while the more modern ones give a sense of Korea's difficult 20th century history. As is often the case with war museums, this one is sobering but the message presented is that of hope for a peaceful future.

Founded in 2012, this small museum on the residential end of the Hongdae neighborhood highlights the lives of comfort women—women forced into sexual slavery during World War II, mostly at the hands of Japanese Imperialist soldiers. Upon arrival, visitors are given audio guides (available in English, Korean, and Japanese) that walk them through the various exhibitions of the three-story space in sequential order. While filled with thought-provoking photographs, contemporary artworks, and historical documents that shed light on the atrocities, it’s hearing the testimonies of the halmonis (surviving women, referred to as grandmothers) that truly makes an impression. The even-handed curation also raises awareness of Vietnamese women abused by Korean soldiers and the work that halmonis have done to aid sexual assault victims worldwide. It is a heavy experience, but one that focuses on learning from the women rather than dwelling on the past.