Quick Guide To The Top Museums in Seoul

During the pandemic, like many people, we were forced to start exploring our own area. Lucky for us, we live in a country that is filled with so many tourist attractions, great restaurants, fun coffee shops, and much more. We took this opportunity to explore museums and learn something new about South Korea. To our surprise, South Korea has great museums to tell Korean history in such a fun and visual manner.  Here is a quick guide to the top museums in Seoul that we consider should be a must visit when you are in the capital.

Helpful tip: make sure you check out the website of each of the museums in Seoul before stopping by as a lot of these museums are by appointment only and are requiring you to reserve your spot online.

• 

• 

National Museum of Korea

This is the museum to learn all about Korean history. If you don’t know much about Korea and how the country was created before the Japanese colonization, this is the place to grasp all that knowledge. Not only will you encounter old artifacts used in the Goryeo days but they also have on display Korean calligraphy and paintings. Here you will have an idea of a timeline about the history and how Korea has evolved into what it is today. 

But don’t be sad if you were looking for something more, the National Museum of Korea also has on display world art galleries and you are able to see interesting artifacts from around the world. 

Outside of the museum there is an outdoor exhibition area that includes a Pagoda Garden and a beautiful waterfall. We recommend you make time to check this area out and enjoy the beautiful gardens around the museum.  

HOW TO GO TO NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREA
By Bus: Blue 502 and Blue 400 (National Museum of Korea/Yongsan Family Park bus stop)
By Subway: Line 4 to Ichon Station exit #2

HOURS
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 10:00-18:00
Wednesday & Saturday: 10:00-21:00
Sunday & Holiday: 10:00-19:00

ADMISSION
Free admission
Special exhibitions: Ticket purchase required
https://www.museum.go.kr/site/eng/home

• 

• 

National Folk Museum of Korea

While the National Museum of Korea offers you an insight on the history of Korea, the National Folk Museum of Korea will show you all about the Korean traditional daily life. This museum offers the opportunity to explore every aspect of Korean life such as their traditional clothing, what they ate, how they kept warm in cold times, how western influence came about and much more. Located right next to Gyeongbokgung palace, this museum is one additional stop you have to make while you are in the area. 

HOW TO GO TO NATIONAL FOLK MUSEUM OF KOREA
By Bus: Jongno #11 get off at National Folk Museum of Korea
By Subway: Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station exit #5

HOURS
March-October: 9:00-18:00
November- February: 9:00-17:00

ADMISSION
Free admission
https://www.nfm.go.kr/english/index.do

• 

• 

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

The MMCA, which opened in 2013, is an excellent destination to visit if you’re in the Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon area. This national museum will give you an insight about Korean modern art. There is a wide range of art genres represented, including painting, drawing, sculpture, new media, calligraphy, craft, architecture, and much more. When we visited we were able to see an interesting film about a freedom village, and the manner that the film was presented was so artistic and astonishing so we recommend you to stop by if you are interested in getting a different perspective.

HOW TO GO TO NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART
By Subway: Line 3 Anguk Station Exit #1 (14 minute walk)

HOURS
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday: 10:00-18:00
Wednesday & Saturday: 10:00-21:00

ADMISSION
Tickets: 4,000KRW
Wednesday & Saturday: 18:00 ~ 21:00 : Free Admission
https://www.mmca.go.kr/eng/contents.do?menuId=5050011531

Lotte World Folk Museum

Have you seen Night at the Museum? Do you remember the scene where the rival miniatures civilizations are fighting? This museum reminded us of that scene in particular. The Lotte World Folk Museum features fun miniature displays of Korean folk culture. You will be educated about Korea’s extensive history all the way to the Japanese colonial period. This place is a real treat to experience and if you are already in the Jamsil area this is a stop that you have to make. 

HOW TO GO TO LOTTE WORLD FOLK MUSEUM
By Subway: Line 2 Jamsil Station Exit #3 or 4

HOURS
Weekday: 09:30-20:00
Weekend: 09:30-21:00

ADMISSION
Adults: 5,000KRW
Children: 2,000KRW
https://adventure.lotteworld.com/museum/main/index.do

Seoul Museum of Craft Art

This is a beautiful new museum in the Anguk area dedicated to displaying exceptional crafts that connect South Korea’s past, present, and future. For people with visual impairments, each exhibition hall provides an interactive zone where they may experience the exhibits. There are exhibition halls and a children’s museum with so much history and knowledge.

HOW TO GO TO SEOUL MUSEUM OF CRAFT ART
By Bus: 601, 109, 151, 162
By Subway: Line 3 Anguk Station Exit #1

HOURS
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday: 10:00-18:00
Wednesday & Saturday: 10:00-21:00

ADMISSION
Free admission for main collection
https://craftmuseum.seoul.go.kr/main