Top 6 Contemporary Art Museums in Seoul Every Traveler Should Visit

Exploring Seoul? Approved ☑️ Traveling to the city as an art lover? Approved Twice ✔️✔️ Korea’s capital is a melting pot of art, culture, and expression that is as diverse as its population. In particular, its contemporary art scene is thriving with the addition of museums, bold gallery spaces, immersive exhibitions, and public art that pulses through the city. Seoul’s art identity is a fusion of tradition, innovation, and experimentation. Its uniqueness has attracted tens of thousands of visitors and achieved global recognition. Here, we present the must-visit 6 Contemporary Art Museums in Seoul worth adding to your Travel Bucket List.

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1. MMCA Seoul 국립현대미술관 서울관

• 📌 30 Samcheong-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
• 🕛 10 AM – 6 PM
• 🌐 https://www.mmca.go.kr/
• ☎️ +82 2-3701-9500

We start our list with the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA). Here, Korean art meets global contemporary movements. It offers visitors a chance to see and learn about the country’s art scene since the early 1900s. The national contemporary art museum has contributed to the development of Korean contemporary art since its establishment in 1969. It is also the only national art museum accommodating contemporary and modern Korean and international art of different periods.

MMCA has four branches across the country: Gwacheon, Deoksugung, Seoul, and Cheongju. The Seoul venue was the third branch of MMCA, which opened in 2013. It stands out from other museums through its approach of “madang,” a Korean traditional architectural concept featuring a spacious courtyard for people to gather and socialize. It is renowned for its diverse exhibitions and great accessibility. MMCA Seoul has many amenities and cultural facilities, including the MMCA Imaging Center, MMCA multi-space, Art Shop Seoul, Art Book Seoul, a restaurant, a tea house, and a coffee shop.

How To Get There?

• Take Line 3 to Anguk Station.
• Use Exit 1.
• Enjoy a 10-minute walk towards the MMCA Seoul.

Highlights

• Historical Experience: The Seoul venue includes two historical buildings: the Royal Office of Genealogy and the old Defense Security Command Building. It offers visitors a glimpse into the buildings from the Joseon era and Japanese rule.
• Home Within Home: MMCA Seoul is an architectural masterpiece, featuring a traditional Korean house within a western-style house.
• World-Class Exhibitions: MMCA Seoul hosts Korean Contemporary and multidisciplinary art exhibitions regularly. Some exhibitions offer an immersive experience where visitors can actively participate.
• Art Events: The contemporary art museum hosts artist talks, lectures, art trainings, and appreciation programs, which everyone can enjoy and partake in.
• Art Shops: In addition to appreciating art, you can buy various art-related products and art books from the two onsite stores.

2. Leeum Samsung Museum of Art 리움 삼성미술관

• 📌 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
• 🕛 10 AM – 6 PM
• 🌐 https://www.leeum.org/
• ☎️ +82 2-2014-6901

If you want to visit an indoor destination on rainy days, head to Samsung’s Leeum Museum of Art in Hannam-dong. It offers a perfect escape during the days when outdoor activities are impossible. Launched by the Samsung Cultural Foundation in 2004, Leeum is among the three private art museums in Korea. It is renowned for its stunning architecture and a strong mix of Korean traditional and contemporary works.

The museum has two sections, Museum 1 (M1) and Museum 2 (M2). The former features a gigantic collection of traditional Korean art, including 36 national treasures. Expect to see Celadon, ceramics, folk paintings, crowns, ornaments, Buddhist art, sculptures, 14th-century daggers, and more. On the other hand, M2 is a hub for modern and contemporary art. It features works by Korean and foreign artists, including Yves Klein, Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, and Mark Rothko. The space itself is a work of art designed by Jean Nouvel.

How To Get There?

• Take Line 6 to Hangangjin Station.
• Use Exit 1.
• The exit directly leads to the Leeum Museum of Art.
• Alternative: Take a local bus to the Hannam-dong Community Center bus stop. The museum is a 7-minute walk away.

Highlights

• Centuries-old Paintings and Calligraphy: Leeum Museum of Art houses masterpieces by famous painters and scholars, including the astonishing Buddhist paintings of the Goryeo Dynasty and iconic works by Joseon masters Jeong Seon and Kim Hongdo.
• Permanent Exhibition Hall of M1: Each floor of this museum has a specific theme, such as World of Authority, Faith, and Splendor (1st), Taste and Appreciation (2nd), Journey of White Light (3rd), and Designs on a Jade-Green Background (4th).
• Impressive Celadon Collection: M1’s fourth floor houses vessels from the golden age of Goryeo Celadon, from the 12th to the first half of the 13th century.
• Sculpture Garden: This space over the parking garage is a haven for art lovers and offers a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts. Admire one-of-a-kind sculptures in a serene setting.

3. Arario Museum in Space 아라리오뮤지엄 인 스페이스

• 📌 83 Yulgok-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
• 🕛 10 AM – 7 PM
• 🌐 http://www.arariomuseum.org/
• ☎️ +82 2-736-5700

There are multiple reasons why Arario Museum in Space is among the top 6 contemporary art museums in Seoul. First, this contemporary art museum effectively demonstrates Negativism, Korean architect Kim Swoo-geun’s architectural aesthetics of “symbosis.” Based on that, the structure is built with brick walls and has the aesthetics of Chang-deok Palace. The interior is expansive and features traditional Korean design.

This unique renovated space is near Changdeokgung. Established in 1971, it was once architect Swoo-geun’s architecture studio, Space Group Building. The contemporary art museum has eclectic and quirky private collections that attract art lovers from all over the world. It also offers an immersive experience with thought-provoking and modern installations. Unlike other museums, you will experience a different ambiance at Arario.

How To Get There?

• Take Line 3 to Anguk Station.
• Use Exit 3.
• Walk straight for three minutes to the Arario Museum in Space.
• Alternative: Take Bus No. 109, 151, 162, 171, 272, or 7025 to Chang Duk Gung Stop.

Highlights

• Architectural Charm: The Arario Museum in Space is a former resident-turned museum. Its homey vibe, natural setting, and innovative use of space contribute to the museum’s popularity.
• Curated Contemporary Art: The museum showcases modern and contemporary art installations. The ARARIO collection spans over half a century.
• A Mazelike Exploration: The museum is like a maze decorated with contemporary artworks. You will explore its exhibitions in big and small rooms through the triangular and spiral staircases.
• Diverse Dining Facilities: The glass building next to the Arario Museum houses various restaurants offering French, Korean, and Eurorpean fare.

💡 Tip: Buy a Seoul Pass to enjoy free admission to most museums.

4. Art Sonje Center 아트선재센터

• 📌 87 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
• 🕛 12 PM – 7 PM
• 🌐 https://artsonje.org/
• ☎️ +82 2-733-8949

Continue your Seoul museum expedition to Art Sonje Center. Since its establishment in 1998, this center has been among the leading contemporary art institutions in the city. It was founded as an extension of Daewoo Foundation’s commitment to social sharing practices in the arts. As such, the museum aims to showcase the latest developments in global art and to introduce Korean audiences to art, architecture, design, performance, and film.

Art Sonje Center hosts experimental and international contemporary exhibitions plus educational programs. It also offers a wide range of programs, including performances, screenings, and educational activities. In doing so, the center aims to foster new artistic productions, promote curatorial discourse, and advocate for contemporary art. If you want to admire domestic and international contemporary art, Art Sonje Center is your destination.

How To Get There?

• Take Line 3 to Anguk Station.
• Use Exit 1.
• Walk towards Gyeongbokgung Palace.
• Turn right at Poongmoon Girl’s High School.
• Walk straight for seven minutes towards Jeongdok Library.

Highlights

• Three-Floor Art Complex: Art Sonje Center’s building was once a traditional Korean Hanok home. It features a vertical architectural design, a blend of traditional Korean and Western styles.
• Curatorial Practice: Art Sonje Center offers exhibitions, publications, performances, and screenings, focusing on contemporary art and diverse cultures.
• Ever-Growing Collection: The art museum’s collection features the dynamic evolution of contemporary art since the 1990s. Major collection exhibitions include “Resonance” (1998), “5” (2003), and “Connect 1: Still Acts” (2016).
• Gardens: The center’s interior and rooftop gardens offer a spatial experience within an urban setting.

5. Total Museum of Contemporary Art 토탈미술관

• 📌 8 PyeongChang 32-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
• 🕛 12 PM – 6 PM
• 🌐 http://www.totalmuseum.org/
• ☎️ +82 2-379-7037

Get ready to explore Korea’s first private art museum. The Total Museum of Contemporary Art started when there was almost no institutional foundation for culture in the country. Founders architect Shin-Kyu Moon and director Joon-Eui Noh first launched the Total Gallery for designers in Daehakro, Dongsung-dong in 1976. They soon opened Korea’s first outdoor sculpture park-type art museum in Jangheung in 1984. Eventually, the couple opened the current Total Museum of Contemporary Art in PyeongChang-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul in 1992.

The TMCA focuses on education and experimental art. It aims to raise awareness and appreciation of contemporary art and culture. In addition to hosting domestic and international contemporary art exhibitions, the museum hosts various events and cultural activities throughout the year. Its outdoor exhibition spaces offer scenic views that complement the museum experience.

How To Get There?

• Take Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station.
• Use Exit 3.
• Transfer to local bus 1020 or 1711.
• Get off at the Lotte Castle Apartments Bus Stop.

Highlights

• TMCA’s Architecture: Winner of the Architecture Award of the Year, the Total Museum of Contemporary Art symbolizes founding architect Shin-Kyu Moon’s vision of creating a ‘blank canvas’ for contemporary artists.
• Rich Permanent Collection: The art museum features sculptures, paintings, prints, illustrated books, and videos.
• Special Events: The TMCA hosts concerts, seminars, lectures, publications, workshops, and educational programs.
• Projects: The private contemporary art museum has many ongoing projects, such as Sunday Book Club, TMCA CineNote, The Show Must Go On_Canada, and TMCA Complex.

6. Seoul Museum of Art – Seosomun Main Branch 서울시립미술관 서소문본관

• 📌 61 Deoksugung-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
• 🕛 Tuesday-Friday: 9 AM – 10 PM, Saturday-Monday: 9 AM – 9 PM
• 🌐 https://sema.seoul.go.kr/
• ☎️ +82 2-2124-8800

Art lovers must visit the Seoul Museum of Art at least once. It is a representative public art museum with accessible and trendy exhibitions. The origin of the SeMA dates back to 1988, when it was opened in the Gyeonghuigung Palace area. In 2002, it shifted to its current location in Jeong-dong behind Deoksugung Palace. The Seosumun Main Branch is located within an old Korean Supreme Building. It integrates the historical charm of its exterior facade with modern architecture.

Upon arrival, you will first admire the building’s Renaissance architecture. Then, climb the wooden stairs to the second and third floors, where the art museum displays permanent and temporary exhibitions in its exhibition halls. Each display addresses various facets of Korean art, culture, history, and lifestyle. After spending an hour or two inside the Seosumun Main Branch, head out to explore other locations of the SeMA. There are six more branches across Seoul waiting for you to explore.

How To Get There?

• Take Line 1 to City Hall Station.
• Use Exit 1.
• Walk to the SeMA’s Seosomun Main Branch.
• Alternative: Take Line 2 to City Hall Station, then use exit 10, 11, or 12.

Highlights

• Free Admission: The Seoul Museum of Art Seosomun Main Branch offers free entry to its permanent exhibitions, except for a few special displays.
• Outdoor Sculpture Park, SeMA Walk: Walk along the upslope footpath of Deoksugung Palace to a beautiful garden full of flowers, trees, and sculptural works.
• World-Class Exhibitions: Check out SeMA’s permanent (Megatron Rhapsody, Chun Kyung-ja Centennial) and special (Storage Story, The 80th Anniversary of the Liberation GanaArt Collection) exhibitions.
• Educational Activities: The art museum frequently hosts lectures, workshops, video screenings, talks, and small-scale performances.
• Amenities: The building features multiple exhibition halls and galleries, two classrooms, a nursing room, an auditorium, a bookstore, and a cafe.

Check out excellent Art Tours in Seoul:

These 6 Contemporary Art Museums in Seoul only reflect a part of its vibrant art scope. With 500 exhibitions happening concurrently across the country, the city hosts hundreds of them regularly. These museums offer a glimpse into the evolution of Seoul’s contemporary art scene from the past to the present. You will also find local and international galleries—featuring artistic talents nurtured in the country and from the outside. And let’s not forget art festivals, street art, and murals, where Seoul’s urban canvas comes alive.