Free museums and galleries in Seoul 168

Museum · Yongsan-gu · Ichon Stn. (Line 4, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

Korea's largest museum, with all permanent galleries free. The spacious lobby and Reflecting Pond garden are good for a rest, and Wednesday and Saturday evening openings are quieter.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Gyeongbokgung Stn. / Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

A free museum of Korean daily life. The outdoor Memory Street and children's museum make it great for families.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Gwanghwamun Stn. / Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)

A free museum on Seoul's transformation from the Joseon era to the present. The old Tram No. 381 outside is a photo favourite.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Gwanghwamun Stn. (Line 5) Exit 2

A free modern history museum facing Gwanghwamun Square. Insider tip: the rooftop viewpoint takes in Gyeongbokgung and the square at a glance.

Art gallery · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3) Exit 1

Samcheong-dong's flagship contemporary art museum. Time your visit for Culture Day or Wednesday and Saturday evenings and it's free.

Art gallery · Jung-gu · City Hall Stn. (Lines 1, 2)

A municipal art museum preserving the facade of the old Supreme Court. On the Deoksugung stone wall walking route, with free permanent exhibitions.

Museum · Jung-gu · Euljiro 1-ga Stn. (Line 2) Exit 6, Myeongdong Stn. (Line 4) Exit 5

A compact free museum on the history of stamps. In the middle of Myeong-dong, so it's a handy escape from the heat or cold.

Art gallery · Yongsan-gu · Hangangjin Stn. (Line 6) Exit 1

The Samsung Foundation of Culture's flagship museum. The best tip: see the traditional art permanent collection, full of national treasures, for free.

Museum · Mapo-gu · Digital Media City Stn. (Line 6, Airport Railroad, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

Free museum covering 100 years of Korean cinema. The on-site film archive library screens classics at no charge.

Museum · Seodaemun-gu · Ewha Womans University Stn. (Line 2) Exit 2

Free university museum of ceramics, paintings and more. Easily combined with a look at the campus landmark ECC.

Museum · Seongdong-gu · Yongdu Stn. / Sindap Stn. (Line 2 branch)

Free museum on the history and restoration of Cheonggyecheon Stream. Pairs well with the neighbouring Shanty Town Experience Hall and a walk along the stream.

Museum · Gangseo-gu · Gayang Stn. (Line 9)

A Gangseo-gu district museum on the life of Heo Jun, author of the Donguibogam, and on Korean medicine. Visit on a free day and it costs nothing.

Museum · Songpa-gu · Mongchontoseong Stn. (Line 8)

A museum of Baekje history beside Mongchontoseong Fortress in Olympic Park. Free exhibitions with heating and air conditioning make it ideal with kids.

Art gallery · Gangdong-gu · Godeok Stn. (Line 5)

A multipurpose cultural venue inside Myeongil Neighbourhood Park. Combine free gallery shows with outdoor festivals.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Gyeongbokgung Stn. (Line 3)

Joseon royal treasures displayed at the entrance to Gyeongbokgung. Free and indoors, it pairs well with the palace on a rainy day.

Museum · Jung-gu · Hoehyeon Stn. (Line 4)

The 1912 Renaissance-style former bank building, a listed heritage site, is a sight in itself. Easiest to reach by subway.

Museum · Jung-gu · Hoehyeon Stn. (Line 4)

A small free museum in the basement of Woori Bank's head office. Open weekdays only, so a lunchtime visit works best.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

Free museum inside Jeongdok Public Library. Traces education history from the Joseon era to today; pairs well with a Bukchon walk.

Art gallery · Jongno-gu · Dongmyo Stn. (Lines 1, 6)

The site of the Changsin-dong house where Nam June Paik lived from 1937 to 1950. A hanok built in 1960 was renovated and opened in 2017, with the permanent exhibition Megatron Rhapsody free to view.

Museum · Seocho-gu · Cheonggyesan Ipgu Stn. (Sinbundang Line)

The world's first audio museum, from Edison's phonograph to 20th-century vintage audio, seen on a 90-minute docent tour that includes actual listening sessions. The building was designed by Kengo Kuma. Free, but all seats must be booked in advance and competition is fierce.

Museum · Yongsan-gu · Sinyongsan Stn. (Line 4)

The exhibition floor traces Yongsan's urban transformation and the Yongsan disaster through material collected on the Yongsan base

Museum · Jongno-gu · Jonggak Stn. (Line 1)

Museum · Seocho-gu

Art gallery · Gwanak-gu · Sadang Stn. (Lines 2, 4)

Nam-Seoul Museum of Art is steeped in history and invites you to linger.

Museum · Gwangjin-gu · Konkuk Univ. Stn. (Lines 2, 7)

Founded in March 1963 as one of the university's basic cultural institutions, it collects, preserves and exhibits historical artifacts bearing the spirit of our ancestors, serving the university's faculty and staff

Art gallery · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

Opened in 1988, Hakgojae has advanced the beauty and value of Korean traditional art under the motto "learn from the old, create the new."

Art gallery · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

Established in 2000 under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to promote cultural tourism products by discovering, producing, publicising, distributing and selling high-quality, internationally competitive goods

Museum · Yongsan-gu · Ichon Stn. (Line 4, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

※ Closed for one year for renovation.

Art gallery · Seocho-gu · Seonbawi Stn. (Line 4)

A non-profit museum devoted to metal craft, aiming to be a hub of Korea's contemporary craft movement.

Art gallery · Mapo-gu

Nanji Residency is a residency support space for artists.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Dongdaemun Stn. (Lines 1, 4)

Set in Dongdaemun Seonggwak Park, the Seoul City Wall Museum covers the history and culture of the city wall from the Joseon period to today, with permanent and special exhibition halls, an archive and a study room. The Seoul City Wall

Art gallery · Gangnam-gu · Seolleung Stn. (Line 2, Suin-Bundang Line)

POSCO Art Museum leads the way in putting "art in daily life, daily life in art" into practice.

Art gallery · Gangnam-gu · Apgujeong Stn. (Line 3)

Located on the first basement and second floors of Space C, the Coreana Museum of Art opened in November 2003 to support the arts as a corporation and to connect with the public through art,

Museum · Jung-gu · Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)

A museum devoted to farming, where traditional tools and the history of Korea's agricultural culture can be seen at a glance.

Art gallery · Seongbuk-gu · Hansung Univ. Stn. (Line 4)

Opened in 1938 as Korea's first modern private art museum, Kansong remains one of the country's leading private museums. The Kansong collection

Art gallery · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3), Exit 6

OCI Museum of Art fulfils the social role of an art museum as a hub of cultural activity, presenting in-depth exhibitions and supporting artists to help Korean contemporary art grow.

Museum · Jung-gu · Gwanghwamun Stn. (Line 5)

Founded by Shinhan Bank in 1997, Korea's first museum devoted to financial history offers an overview of the country's banking development and helps the general public and students understand it.

Art gallery · Seongbuk-gu · Bukhansan Bomun Stn. (Ui-Sinseol Line), Exit 2

A district-run museum dedicated to Choi Man-lin, one of Korea's leading sculptors, who worked here for 30 years.

Museum · Eunpyeong-gu · Gupabal Stn. (Line 3)

Art gallery · Seocho-gu · Nambu Bus Terminal Stn. (Line 3)

Seoripul Youth Art Gallery.

Museum · Seongdong-gu · Hanyang Univ. Stn. (Line 2), Exit 2, 2-min walk

Since its founding in 1978, Hanyang University Museum has continuously excavated, collected, preserved and researched valuable cultural heritage.

Museum · Gangnam-gu · Apgujeong Rodeo Stn. (Suin-Bundang Line)

The memorial hall displays the life, achievements and personal effects of Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, independence activist, visionary and enduring teacher of the Korean people, along with a range of programmes.

Museum · Jung-gu · Hoehyeon Stn. (Line 4)

Established to honour the spirit and will of Ahn Jung-geun, who gave his life fighting for Korea's independence under Japanese rule, and managed by the Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Association. Built in 1970, the hall opened in 1971.

Art gallery · Jung-gu · City Hall Stn. (Lines 1, 2)

Opened in April 1988, the Chosun Ilbo Art Museum stages dozens of in-house exhibitions, invitational shows and rented exhibitions each year, giving artists a place to present their work and the public a place to see it.

Art gallery · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

A gallery specialising in fine art, founded in April 1970, it has played a pivotal role in developing Korean contemporary art and bringing it to the world, representing Korean art for over 30 years.

Museum · Mapo-gu · Daeheung Stn. (Line 6)

Total floor area of 99.194 sq m, with a collection of some 1,500 objects. Opened on 2 February 1974.

Museum · Seocho-gu · Yangjae Stn. (Line 3, Sinbundang Line)

A systematic record of more than 100 years of Korean electricity history, preserving it and conveying the value of electric power.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Hansung Univ. Stn. (Line 4)

Founded in May 1989 to foster a correct understanding and transmission of Korean traditional thought and to redefine the historical mission of the Catholic Church in Korea.

Museum · Seongbuk-gu · Hansung Univ. Stn. (Line 4)

The Seonjamdan altar site, Historic Site No. 83, is where Lady Seoreung was honoured as the goddess of sericulture and rites were held during the Joseon dynasty.

Art gallery · Jongno-gu · Jongno 5-ga Stn. (Line 1)

A non-profit institution opened in 2007, Doosan Gallery is based in Seoul and runs exhibitions along with programmes at home and abroad such as the Doosan Curator Workshop and Doosan Residency.

Museum · Dongdaemun-gu · Hankuk Univ. of Foreign Studies Stn. (Line 1)

Open since 1978, the museum addresses the distance from nature created by industrialisation and urbanisation.

Museum · Yongsan-gu · Sookmyung Women's Univ. Stn. (Line 4)

Opened on 10 June 1971 around some 300 artefacts collected and held by Sookmyung Women's University, the museum covers culture, art and antiquities.

Museum · Seodaemun-gu · Sinchon Stn. (Line 2, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

Korea's first natural history museum, with a total floor area of 1,980 sq m and a collection of about 57,000 specimens.

Museum · Nowon-gu · Bonghwasan Stn. (Line 6)

Korea's only museum specialising in military history, devoted to collecting, preserving, exhibiting and researching military cultural heritage.

Art gallery · Jongno-gu · Jonggak Stn. (Line 1)

The rise of digital media and information technology has reshaped daily life and accelerated a paradigm shift in art and culture, with new media transforming earlier forms of artistic expression.

Art gallery · Jongno-gu · Jonggak Stn. (Line 1)

Since opening in 1977, Sun Gallery has staged over 500 curated exhibitions, carefully selecting works by a wide range of artists across painting, sculpture, installation and media art.

Museum · Dongdaemun-gu · Jegi-dong Stn. (Line 1)

Located on the site of Bojewon, a Joseon-era relief and medical institution, in Korea's largest herbal medicine distribution district, this district-run museum of Dongdaemun-gu displays traditional Korean medicine artefacts and medicinal herbs.

Museum · Seodaemun-gu · Sinchon Stn. (Line 2, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

Yonsei University Museum, with its long history and tradition, opened in 1924.

Museum · Yongsan-gu · Sookmyung Women's Univ. Stn. (Line 4)

Dedicated to raising appreciation and awareness of embroidery and textile art, the museum has exhibition halls, a library, a dyeing conservation lab, classrooms and an information centre for display, education and research.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Jonggak Stn. (Line 1)

The Buddhist Art Museum's inaugural special exhibition is the first in the Three Jewels series on Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, built around the theme of 'Buddha' and the idea that anyone can become one.

Museum · Jongno-gu

The collection brings together relics gathered by founder Dr. Bae Sang-myung, donations from Kim Dae-hwan, Fukuda Eiko and other supporters, and finds from excavations and site surveys.

Museum · Jung-gu · City Hall Stn. (Lines 1, 2)

Officially opened on 28 March 2019.

Art gallery · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

The house of Go Hui-dong, pen name Chungok, Korea's first Western-style painter.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

A museum where you can see and hear the regional folk songs that carry the sentiment of the Korean people.

Museum · Dobong-gu · Ssangmun Stn. (Line 4)

Art gallery · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

Museum · Jongno-gu · Euljiro 3-ga Stn. (Lines 2, 3)

The Beautiful Youth Jeon Tae-il Memorial Hall is a multipurpose labor facility built by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to revisit the historical significance of Jeon Tae-il, a turning point in the history of Korea's labor movement.

Museum · Gangseo-gu · Gayang Stn. (Line 9)

Art gallery · Jung-gu · City Hall Stn. (Lines 1, 2)

Museum · Dongjak-gu · Nodeul Stn. (Line 9)

A space honoring the loyalty of the Six Martyred Ministers and other subjects who gave their lives to restore Danjong, the sixth king of Joseon. The first floor has a screening room showing a documentary drawn from their records, plus an educational area.

Art gallery · Jungnang-gu · Mangu Stn. (Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

Exhibition Halls 1 and 2 host shows on a wide range of themes, with works spanning modern to contemporary art.

Museum · Mapo-gu · Sinchon Stn. (Line 2)

The museum holds Lee Han-yeol's personal effects along with materials from the June 1987 Democracy Movement.

Museum · Gangbuk-gu · 4.19 Democratic Cemetery Stn. (Ui-Sinseol Line)

Museum · Seongbuk-gu · Sangwolgok Stn. (Line 6)

Museum · Guro-gu · Guro Digital Complex Stn. (Line 2)

The museum traces the area's story from the old Guro Industrial Complex to today's Seoul Digital Industrial Complex.

Art gallery · Jongno-gu

An art museum devoted to preserving and researching the history of art, collecting records and materials that follow the traces left by individual artists and groups.

Museum · Gwangjin-gu · Children's Grand Park Stn. (Line 7)

When the school was reorganized as Sejong University in 1979, the museum was renamed the Sejong Museum.

Art gallery · Nowon-gu · Nowon Stn. (Lines 4, 7)

Museum · Jongno-gu

The museum organizes and preserves source materials on Korean contemporary art, provides art information, and tracks currents in the art world based on accurate records.

Museum · Dongdaemun-gu · Hoegi Stn. (Line 1, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

Since opening in 1955, the museum has centered on archaeology, history and folklore.

Art gallery · Nowon-gu · Hagye Stn. (Line 7)

An art space showing contemporary art, giving the university community and local residents a chance to enjoy culture.

Museum · Yongsan-gu · Hangangjin Stn. (Line 6)

Museum · Jongno-gu · Hansung Univ. Stn. (Line 4)

The former residence of the Seoul mayor in Hyehwa-dong, remodelled and reopened as an exhibition and information center on the Hanyang City Wall.

Art gallery · Seongdong-gu · Yongdap Stn. (Line 2)

Haengwon Gallery, located on the 1st floor of the library.

Museum · Seodaemun-gu · Chungjeongno Stn. (Lines 2, 5)

Personal effects and records of Lee Jong-kun, founder of Chong Kun Dang.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Jonggak Stn. (Line 1)

Founded by the Jogye Order, Korea's leading Buddhist order, and opened in 2007. It sits near Jogyesa, the central temple of Korean Buddhism, and the Joseon-era palaces Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung.

Museum · Jung-gu · Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Stn. (Lines 2, 4, 5)

In October 1925, Gyeongseong Stadium first opened on the eastern side of the Hanyang City Wall.

Art gallery · Seongbuk-gu · Hansung Univ. Stn. (Line 4)

The first annex of Seongbuk Museum of Art, created as a living space for creation that supports and nurtures visual artists and keeps experimentation alive across many forms of practice.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

Opened in 2002, the museum collects and exhibits minhwa folk paintings that capture the lives and wishes of ordinary people.

Museum · Seocho-gu · Nambu Bus Terminal Stn. (Line 3)

Museum · Dongdaemun-gu · Hoegi Stn. (Line 1, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

The museum displays materials tracing the history of Korean medicine, helping students of the field deepen their specialist knowledge.

Museum · Seodaemun-gu · Sinchon Stn. (Line 2)

Museum · Gangnam-gu · Hakdong Stn. (Line 7)

Opened in August 2000 to mark the 30th anniversary of the Korea Customs Service, the museum preserves the history of customs houses and customs administration and promotes the agency's standing and international image.

Museum · Seocho-gu · Nambu Bus Terminal Stn. (Line 3)

A specialist institution for collecting, preserving and providing access to arts records, the ARKO Arts Archive gathers, conserves and makes available key documents tracing the course of modern and contemporary Korean art history.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Hansung Univ. Stn. (Line 4)

Museum · Seongbuk-gu · Bukhansan Bogungmun Stn. (Ui-Sinseol Line)

Welcome to the Garden of Tea.

Museum · Gwanak-gu · Gwanaksan Stn. (Sillim Line)

Excavated artefacts from major sites including Jeongok-ri in Yeoncheon, Osan-ri in Yangyang, Heunam-ri in Yeoju, the Goguryeo fortresses around Achasan, and the Seokchon-dong Tombs and Mongchontoseong Fortress in Seoul, along with the Geunyeokhwahwi albums compiled by Oh Se-chang.

Museum · Jung-gu · Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)

Museum · Jongno-gu · Gwanghwamun Stn. (Line 5)

An exhibition space in the heart of Gwanghwamun where history comes alive, devoted to King Sejong, the 4th king of Joseon, and Admiral Yi Sun-sin of the Imjin War, the two figures Koreans most respect and take pride in.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Hyehwa Stn. (Line 4)

The royal edict establishing Daehan Hospital; early 20th-century medical instruments, medicines and books; the clock from the Daehan Hospital clock tower, and more.

Museum · Yeongdeungpo-gu · Saetgang Stn. (Line 9, Sillim Line)

Museum · Dongjak-gu · Soongsil Univ. Stn. (Line 7)

Holdings include National Treasure No. 141, a fine-lined bronze mirror with knobs; National Treasure No. 231, a set of Bronze Age casting moulds; and Treasure No. 569, the calligraphy of patriot Ahn Jung-geun.

Museum · Songpa-gu · Jamsil Stn. (Lines 2, 8)

Art gallery · Nowon-gu · Wolgye Stn. (Line 1)

The first registered art museum established at a two- or three-year college in Seoul (Seoul No. 28), Ajeong Art Museum works under the vision of "diversity and coexistence in art," covering painting, craft, design and installation.

Museum · Seocho-gu · Nambu Bus Terminal Stn. (Line 3)

Opened in 1995, this is Korea's only museum devoted to traditional Korean music, displaying a wide range of gugak artifacts and instruments.

Museum · Gangnam-gu · Suseo Stn. (Line 3, Suin-Bundang Line)

The museum honors the scholarship and virtue of the great master Tanheo, who reconciled the teachings of Confucianism, Buddhism and Daoism, displaying his personal effects, books and translated works.

Museum · Dobong-gu · Solbat Park Stn. (Ui-Sinseol Line)

Devoted to Kim Soo-young, Korea's leading poet of freedom, in the area where he wrote during his lifetime.

Art gallery · Eunpyeong-gu

The name combines Samgaksan, the old name for Bukhansan, with the black rocks of the area.

Museum · Mapo-gu · Hongik Univ. Stn. (Line 2, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

The museum's collection spans archaeological artifacts to modern and contemporary painting, sculpture and ceramics, with a focus on exhibitions, research and education.

Museum · Jung-gu · City Hall Stn. (Lines 1, 2)

Displays 45 structural remains of the Joseon-era Gungisi military armory and modern buildings unearthed during construction of Seoul City Hall, along with some 143 related artifacts including the Joseon cannon Bullanggi Japo (Treasure No. 861-2).

Art gallery · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

Museum · Yongsan-gu · Sinyongsan Stn. (Line 4)

Housed in the former Yongsan Railway Hospital, a century-old modern building preserved as intact as possible, the museum was reborn as a local museum telling the urban history and cultural diversity of Yongsan.

Museum · Jung-gu · Myeongdong Stn. (Line 4)

The museum collects and studies the belongings and records of sisters who devoted their lives to spreading the Christian message in new cultures, conveying Christian culture through the visual language of exhibition.

Art gallery · Jongno-gu · Muakjae Stn. (Line 3)

The highest-set art museum in Seoul, just five minutes from the city center.

Museum · Jung-gu · Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Stn. (Lines 2, 4, 5)

The museum presents finds excavated during the creation of Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) and Dongdaemun History and Culture Park.

Museum · Jung-gu · Chungjeongno Stn. (Lines 2, 5)

Opened in June 2019, this public museum in Jung-gu, Seoul stands at the crossroads outside Seosomun Gate, the official state execution ground of the Joseon dynasty. Late Joseon period.

Museum · Dongdaemun-gu · Hoegi Stn. (Line 1, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

The museum surveys, collects, preserves and exhibits materials on Korean and international history, archaeology, folklore and art, as well as cultural properties related to the history of Seoul.

Art gallery · Dobong-gu · Changdong Stn. (Lines 1, 4)

Korea's only public museum dedicated to photography, focusing on the medium's documentary and creative sides and covering photographic culture as a whole.

Art gallery · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

The name Tongin expresses the wish that what we think and do may become the root of beauty in the world and the foundation of a sound culture. Tongin Shop has championed the beauty of Korean art since a time when it drew little attention.

Art gallery · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

Founded in response to the art world's wish for a memorial museum honouring Woljeon, who devoted his life to Korean painting, with prominent cultural figures serving as founding members and foundation officers.

Museum · Seongbuk-gu · Sungshin Women's Univ. Stn. (Line 4, Ui-Sinseol Line)

Museum · Jung-gu · Dongguk Univ. Stn. (Line 3)

Dongguk University Museum opened on 1 September 1963, with the late Dr. Hwang Su-yong as its first director.

Museum · Seongbuk-gu · Korea Univ. Stn. (Line 6)

The first university museum in Korea, this general museum holds some 100,000 items spanning history, archaeology, folklore and art.

Museum · Jung-gu · Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)

Korea refused to be defeated by the ruin and poverty left by the Korean War and achieved economic growth that astonished the world. The hall traces how the country's land and infrastructure changed and grew after the war.

Museum · Seocho-gu · Yangjae Citizen's Forest Stn. (Sinbundang Line)

Notice of closure for exhibition hall renovation work.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)

A restaurant turned museum.

Museum · Seongbuk-gu · Sangwolgok Stn. (Line 6)

The university museum opened on 27 May 1977.

Art gallery · Jongno-gu · Hyehwa Stn. (Line 4)

Arko Art Center marks its 50th anniversary in 2024.

Museum · Dobong-gu · 4.19 Democratic Cemetery Stn. (Ui-Sinseol Line)

Established in May 1971, the museum began as a small exhibition room of about 40 pyeong on the 7th floor of Building D on the Unni-dong campus.

Art gallery · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

Opened in 1977 as Songwon Gallery in Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Noh Gallery has played a leading role in establishing and developing the Korean art market ever since.

Art gallery · Seongdong-gu · Seongsu Stn. (Line 2)

Wooran's exhibitions rediscover the aesthetics of fading traditional crafts and the working process of master artisans, supporting artists' new creative work and presenting the value and meaning of craft today through a contemporary lens.

Museum · Seodaemun-gu · Dongnimmun Stn. (Line 3)

The Constitution of the Republic of Korea states that the nation 'upholds the legacy of the Provisional Government born of the March First Independence Movement.' This memorial hall embodies that constitutional spirit.

Art gallery · Jongno-gu · Gyeongbokgung Stn. (Line 3)

Since opening in Insa-dong in 1999, Artside Gallery has worked under the credo that 'art is the ceaseless centering of the periphery,' guiding the creative direction of Korean and international artists.

Museum · Yongsan-gu · Namyeong Stn. (Line 1)

The new Democracy Movement Memorial Hall (37 Hangang-daero 71-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul) occupies a former state torture facility.

Museum · Yongsan-gu · Hyochang Park Stn. (Line 6, Gyeongui-Jungang Line)

Closed for exhibition hall renovation: 21 October - 31 December 2024 (scheduled).

Museum · Jung-gu · Seodaemun Stn. (Line 5)

Home to Hwaam Hall, a performance venue.

Art gallery · Seocho-gu · Nambu Bus Terminal Stn. (Line 3)

Opened in 1993 as a Class 1 specialised art museum, Hanwon was founded with the personal funds of the late Ha Dong-hwan, honorary chairman of the Hanwon Group and founder of Dong-A Motor.

Museum · Eunpyeong-gu · Bulgwang Stn. (Lines 3, 6)

A new kind of literary venue open to all, the hall honours the literary legacy of writer Lee Ho-cheol and serves as a cultural complex where literature and the arts come together.

Museum · Nowon-gu · Hagye Stn. (Line 7)

Korea's first science center for young people, in Nowon. Permanent exhibitions are free to view, with hands-on experiments and lecture programmes.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Gyeongbokgung Stn. (Line 3)

A memorial to the poet Yun Dong-ju on the slopes of Inwangsan, converted from the former Cheongun water pressure station. The adjoining Poet's Hill offers views over Seoul.

Museum · Seongbuk-gu · Hansung Univ. Stn. (Line 4)

A literature museum devoted to writers who lived or stayed in Seongbuk and to the area's literary history. Easy to pair with the Seongbuk-dong arts and culture walking route.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3) Exit 1, 1-min walk

Korea's first public craft museum, free to visit. Right by Anguk Station, with a large courtyard and a children's museum.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Seodaemun Stn. / Gwanghwamun Stn. (Line 5)

A modern-era alley village recreating the old Saemunan neighbourhood. Free entry to retro tearooms, comic book rooms and a cinema, and a great spot for vintage photos.

Art gallery · Gangnam-gu · Cheongdam Stn. (Line 7) Exit 8, Apgujeong Rodeo Stn. (Suin-Bundang Line)

A free contemporary art space in a triangular building designed by Herzog & de Meuron. Part of the Cheongdam-dong gallery walk.

Art gallery · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3) Exit 1

Samcheong-dong's leading gallery, showing Korean and international masters. Combine with nearby galleries for a free art stroll.

Museum · Nowon-gu · Taereung Stn. (Lines 6, 7)

A free museum recreating Seoul household life from the 1960s to the 1980s. The old classroom, barbershop and "my car" era displays are favourites.

Art gallery · Seongbuk-gu · Hansung Univ. Stn. (Line 4)

Korea's first district-run art museum. Good as a walking art route combined with the Choi Sunu House and Kansong Art Museum in Seongbuk-dong.

Art gallery · Nowon-gu · Hagye Stn. (Line 7)

A free art museum with a wide lawn and a children's gallery. Well suited to a family outing.

Art gallery · Gangseo-gu · Gayang Stn. (Line 9)

A museum honouring Gyeomjae Jeong Seon, master of true-view landscape painting. Free on designated days and always free for seniors and veterans.

Art gallery · Gwanak-gu · Seoul Nat'l Univ. Stn. (Line 2) + bus

Contemporary art for free in a cantilevered building designed by Rem Koolhaas. Combine it with a campus stroll.

Art gallery · Geumcheon-gu · Doksan Stn. (Line 1)

A municipal art museum in Geumcheon-gu that opened in 2025. Most exhibitions are free, making it a cultural landmark for southwest Seoul.

Museum · Songpa-gu · Jangji Stn. (Line 8)

A free museum devoted to books. Popular for indoor outings thanks to the Bookium children's activity space and reading lounge.

Museum · Yongsan-gu · Samgakji Stn. (Lines 4, 6)

The free outdoor display of tanks, fighter jets and warships is a huge hit with children. The indoor permanent galleries are free too.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Dongnimmun Stn. (Line 3)

Joseon-era rain gauges and more than a century of Seoul weather records. Far more rewarding if you book the free guided tour.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Dongnimmun Stn. (Line 3)

Hands-on exhibits like trying on uniforms and mock investigations make it a hit with kids. A 5-minute walk from Dilkusha.

Museum · Jung-gu · City Hall Stn. (Lines 1, 2)

Free museum in the 1916 red-brick East Hall, Korea's first modern school. Combine with a stroll along Jeongdong-gil and Deoksugung.

Museum · Seongdong-gu · Yongdap Stn. (Line 2)

Built atop a working sewage treatment plant, with views of the underground facilities. A good rainy-day outing for kids.

Museum · Seongdong-gu · Seoul Forest Stn. (Suin-Bundang Line)

Free museum at Korea's first modern water purification plant, the 1908 Ttukdo pumping station. The red-brick pump house is a heritage site; near Seoul Forest.

Museum · Mapo-gu · World Cup Stadium Stn. (Line 6)

Korea's first zero-energy public building, where the building itself is the solar and geothermal exhibit. Check eco-tour booking slots.

Art gallery · Jongno-gu

A sculpture museum on the hillside in Pyeongchang-dong. The building itself is a work of art, the permanent exhibition is free, and the galleries look out onto Bukhansan.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Jonggak Stn. (Line 1)

A museum devoted to tea, set in a hanok in Insa-dong. The exhibition space is free, and you can rest at the tea house inside.

Museum · Jung-gu · Chungjeongno Stn. (Line 2)

A memorial museum housed in the former Yangjeong High School building. The actual Berlin laurel wreath is on display, and the museum connects to the forest trail in Sohn Kee-chung Sports Park.

Art gallery · Jongno-gu · Anguk Stn. (Line 3)

A Samcheong-ro gallery specialising in photography and contemporary art. Small in scale but consistently well curated, and always free to enter.

Museum · Jongno-gu · Dongnimmun Stn. (Line 3)

An exhibition hall devoted to Korean archery, next to Hwanghakjeong. See how bows and arrows are made, then watch actual shooting at the archery range alongside.

Museum · Gwanak-gu · Nakseongdae Stn. (Line 2)

A free science center next to Nakseongdae. With an astronomical observatory and an ecology greenhouse, it fills half a day with kids.

Museum · Gangseo-gu · Songjeong Stn. (Line 5)

Korea's only national aviation museum, next to Gimpo Airport. Real aircraft on display and flight simulators, free as part of the permanent exhibition.

Museum · Songpa-gu · Mongchontoseong Stn. (Line 8)

A hands-on children's museum about the Hanseong Baekje era. Opened in 2024, inside Olympic Park.

Art gallery · Yongsan-gu · Hangangjin Stn. (Line 6)

The Seoul branch of the global gallery, in the Le Beige Building at Hangangjin. Curated shows by world-renowned artists, free to view.