10 Best museums in Seoul

If you plan to visit Seoul, you can't miss its palaces, parks and temples, but you can't miss its museums either. Noted as one of Asia's most cultural cities, it is home to some of the country's most outstanding exhibitions and has a wide range of subject matter. From art galleries to war exhibits, there's something for everyone in the South Korean capital.

Some of the best things to do in Seoul include visiting the Figure W Museum, checking out the eclectic Football Faentasium exhibition, revisiting the Korean War at its memorial exhibition, discovering local art at Leeum, discovering interactive experiences at the Alive Museum and even visiting a former prison cell at Seodaemun.

The Figure W Museum in Seoul is a cultural gem not to be missed when visiting this vibrant city. With its diverse and captivating collection, the museum offers a unique experience for art and history lovers, and you'll see it the moment you enter the exhibition, as you'll be surrounded by a variety of galleries ranging from ancient to contemporary times.

The Figure W Museum is noted for its collection of Korean historical artefacts. From exquisitely decorated ceramics to beautifully preserved traditional costumes, you can learn about Korea's rich cultural heritage and see a recreation of some of Seoul's finest palaces.

In addition, the museum also houses a section dedicated to the evolution of the South Korean capital over the centuries, allowing you to understand how the city has grown and changed over the years, including periods of great success but also long wars, economic crises and social conflicts.

If you're passionate about modern art, you'll also be delighted by the contemporary gallery at the Figure W Museum Works by local and international artists adorn the walls, covering a wide range of styles and artistic expressions. From paintings to innovative sculptures, this section of the museum will invite you to reflect on the different ways in which art can capture the essence of today's society.

Interesting details

• Price: entrance fee is approximately 12 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11.00 am to 6.00 pm.
• Location: 3 Seolleung-ro 158-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

The Football Faentasium Museum is a paradise for football lovers and the curious alike. This unique museum combines a passion for the world's most popular sport with interactive and educational elements that will take you on a journey through the history and excitement of the game. Here you'll find captivating football memorabilia and exhibits spanning decades of achievement.

One of the Football Faentasium Museum 's most famous displays consists of an extensive collection of autographed jerseys and memorabilia from both national and international football legends. From the worn boots of iconic players such as Ronaldo Nazario to medals won at famous tournaments such as the World Cup, this museum allows you to get an up-close look at the greatness of those who have left their mark on the history of the sport.

In one room of the museum you will also find an exclusive exhibition on the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, which for the first time brought the top national team competition to Asia and became an event that definitively promoted the sport in South Korea. You can also see the Seoul World Cup Stadium, as the exhibition is located there.

In addition to the static exhibition, the museum offers interactive experiences that put you in the boots of a footballer. You can test your skills on free-kick simulators, challenge your knowledge in trivia games and learn about the tactics of the game on interactive screens. These activities not only entertain, but also educate, offering a complete insight into what it means to be part of the world of football.

Interesting details

• Price: entrance fee is approximately 10 euros per person.
• Opening hours: daily from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.
• Location: 240, World Cup-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul.

If you are a history buff and want to learn about the reasons and triggers that led to the confrontation and division of Korea into two different countries, the Korean War Memorial Museum is a must-see. This museum pays tribute to the men and women who participated in the war, while providing a comprehensive overview of the events and the impact it had on the Korean peninsula.

The museum's main exhibition features a rich collection of artefacts, photographs and historical documents that chronicle the events of the war. From soldiers' uniforms to strategic maps, each object tells a part of the story and allows you to understand the scale of the challenges faced by Korea during that tumultuous period.

One of the most moving parts of the museum is the Korean War Memorial, a place of remembrance and respect for those who lost their lives in the Korean War. The museum also houses an auditorium where documentaries are shown and educational events are held to provide a deeper understanding of the war and its aftermath.

Throughout the exhibition you can learn about the ongoing conflicts between the two countries that led many Koreans to never meet again since the end of the war. Because of its historical importance, this museum is often recommended in the best tours of Seoul.

Interesting details

• Price: Admission to the museum is free.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 6pm.
• Location: 29 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

The National Museum of Korea in Seoul is a cultural treasure trove of Korea's rich history and heritage. The museum is home to a wide variety of artefacts ranging from ancient to modern times, so you can not only learn about Korea's present day, but also its ancient past.

One of the highlights of the museum's exhibits is its collection of ancient art and artefacts. From delicately sculpted ceramics to splendid traditional paintings, each object tells a story about the creativity and skill of Korean artists over the centuries.

You can also explore religious objects, historic textiles and tools that give you a complete picture of life and society in different eras. One of the rooms also includes furnishings that once occupied the halls of Seoul's most prominent palaces, such as Gyeongbokgung.

The National Museum of Korea also houses a section dedicated to national treasures, which are considered invaluable cultural heritage. Among these treasures are artefacts such as the Emille Bell, one of the largest bronze bells in the world, and Tangible National Treasure No. 191, an exquisitely crafted gold crown.

Details of interest

• Price: Admission to the museum is free.
• Opening hours: daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• Location: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

The National Folk Museum of Korea in Seoul is a fascinating window into the traditions and daily life of Korea, which is rich in traditional Korean customs. The museum celebrates Korea's cultural heritage through a wide variety of exhibits ranging from clothing and architecture to customs and festivities.

Its collection of traditional costumes, known as hanbok, is considered the museum's greatest asset. These exquisitely crafted garments will give you a unique insight into Korea's historical fashion and how it has evolved over the generations. In addition, the museum also displays replicas of traditional houses and tools used in daily life, allowing you to understand what life was like in the past.

The National Folk Museum of Korea also celebrates the country's unique festivals and cultural practices. From Lunar New Year to shamanic rituals, the exhibits will transport you to different moments in the Korean cultural calendar. You can also explore the varied cuisine and folk beliefs that have shaped the country's identity over the centuries.

If you plan to visit Seoul during Christmas, you can find Christmas decorations and performances here, as although it is not a typical local holiday, the museum also pays homage to Western customs.

Interesting details

• Price: Admission to the museum is free.
• Hours: daily from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm.
• Location: 37 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

The Seodaemun Prison Museum in Seoul is a moving site that will transport you back to the darkest chapters of Korean history. This museum is located on the site of the former prison, which was a symbol of the struggle for independence during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Upon entering, you will embark on a journey of reflection and remembrance that will take you through the challenges and bravery of those who fought for freedom.

At Seodaemun it will make your blood run cold to see the display of the original prison cells and corridors. As you walk through these spaces, you will have the opportunity to experience up close the conditions under which political prisoners fought for their country and their ideals. Signage and images on display will allow you to learn the individual and collective stories of the prisoners who suffered here.

The museum also features a variety of historical materials, such as documents and photographs, documenting the struggle and sacrifice of those who were held in the prison.

In addition, multimedia exhibits will provide you with a deeper understanding of the events and circumstances surrounding this tumultuous period in Korean history. This museum is included in the Discover Seoul Pass options, so if you purchase the city's tourist card you can save money on your tour.

Interesting details

• Price: Entrance to the museum costs approximately 4 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9.30am-6pm.
• Location: 251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul.

The Leeum Art Museum is a must-see destination for contemporary and traditional art lovers. This unique museum combines two buildings, designed by two renowned architects, to house a large collection ranging from antiquity to the most avant-garde creativity. Upon entering, you will find yourself immersed in an artistic experience that fuses the classical and the modern.

One of the Leeum Art Museum 's main attractions is its collection of Korean and Asian art. From Buddhist antiquities to ceramics and traditional paintings, these pieces reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. In addition, the museum also houses a selection of international art, with masterpieces by renowned artists spanning different art movements from around the world.

The museum's contemporary art section features innovative works that challenge the conventional boundaries of art. From multimedia installations to experimental expressions, this part of the museum invites you to explore the creative voices of the present. The architectural design of the buildings is also an attraction in itself, creating a dynamic backdrop for the artworks and offering a unique spatial experience.

In any case, even if you are planning a short stay in the city, a visit to this museum, which houses one of the most interesting collections in the South Korean capital, is a must. If you are planning an express trip, here is a list of activities that can help you get to know Seoul in 3 days.

Interesting details

• Price: the entrance fee is approximately 12 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
• Location: 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

The Seoul Museum of History is a captivating window into the vibrant and evolving past of this ancient city. This museum will take you on an exciting journey through the centuries, from the earliest settlements to the modern metropolis that is the South Korean capital today.

Its collection of artefacts and exhibits that tell the story of the city's history is one of the main displays. From replicas of ancient dwellings to items used in everyday life, these pieces will give you an authentic insight into how local life was lived in different eras. In addition, interactive and multimedia exhibits allow you to explore defining historical events and influential figures that have shaped the city.

The museum also features a section dedicated to the urban and architectural changes that Seoul has undergone over the years. You will see models and visual representations that illustrate the evolution of the city, from its original structure to its modern development. This section will help you understand how Seoul has grown and adapted as time has progressed.

As this museum is centrally located, you can make the most of your visit by combining this tour with a guided tour of the city or some of Seoul's best food tours, which will allow you to discover the delicacies of Korean cuisine.

Interesting details

• Price: Admission to the museum is free.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9am-6pm.
• Location: 55 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

The Seoul National Art Museum is a treasure trove of art that encompasses a wide range of creative expression, from traditional Korean art to cutting-edge contemporary works.

Korean art, which includes a variety of paintings, sculptures, ceramics and traditional artefacts, takes centre stage at the museum. From the masterpieces of the Joseon dynasty to the most contemporary pieces, this collection will give you a complete overview of the evolution of art in Korea over the centuries.

In addition, the museum also houses a section dedicated to international art. Here you will find works by renowned artists from all over the world, allowing you to explore different artistic movements and creative approaches. From painting to sculpture and installation, this section will give you a global perspective on the diversity of contemporary art.

If you are planning to visit Seoul during the summer, you can find interactive night exhibitions in this museum, which will allow you to discover local and international art without time constraints, making it also one of the best things to do at night in the South Korean capital.

Interesting details

• Price: Admission to the museum is free.
• Opening hours: daily from 10am to 9pm.
• Location: 30 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

If you want to see one of the most interesting interactive exhibits in Seoul, you can't miss the Alive Museum. This place combines modern technology with Korean history and culture in a unique way. Upon entering, you will find yourself immersed in a dynamic world that will take you on a journey through time and space. The museum uses a variety of multimedia techniques and special effects to create immersive experiences that allow you to experience history and culture in a different way.

From the ancient kingdoms to the modern era, the museum will transport you to different key moments in the country's history. You will see realistic recreations of historical scenes, iconic characters and memorable events that will give you a deeper understanding of Korea's evolution over the centuries.

In addition to history, the Alive Museum also features sections dedicated to popular culture and everyday life in Korea. Through interactive displays and sensory exhibits, you can explore fashion, music, food and other aspects of contemporary culture. This will give you a comprehensive insight into how Korea's past and present intertwine to form the country's identity.

Details of interest

• Price: entrance to the museum costs approximately 9 euros per person.
• Opening hours: daily from 11am to 6pm.
• Location: 12 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul.