Museums – Seoul

Seoul's museums cover a broad range, from Korea's thousand-year history to contemporary art. Many national museums are free and easy to reach by subway.

Combined ticket

The Integrated Palace Pass covers four major palaces and Jongmyo Shrine for three months.

Free admission days

The National Museum of Korea and Folk Museum are free daily, and many museums offer free or discounted entry on the last Wednesday of the month (Culture Day).

Map

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Places

  1. National Museum of Korea

    The country's largest museum, tracing Korean history and art from prehistory to the present.

    Category
    History museum
    Duration
    3 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Weekday mornings

    Tip: Permanent exhibitions are free, so do not miss the Goryeo celadon hall.

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  2. War Memorial of Korea

    A museum on the Korean War and military history, with aircraft and tanks displayed outdoors.

    Category
    History museum
    Duration
    2.5 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Afternoon

    Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the outdoor exhibits.

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  3. Dongdaemun Design Plaza

    A curving Zaha Hadid building hosting design exhibitions and fashion events.

    Category
    Gallery
    Duration
    2 h
    Price
    $$
    Best time
    Evening

    Tip: The exterior is lit at night; exhibitions need tickets, but the grounds are free to walk.

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  4. Leeum Museum of Art

    A museum pairing traditional Korean art with contemporary works in buildings by three renowned architects.

    Category
    Art museum
    Duration
    2.5 h
    Price
    $$
    Best time
    Weekday afternoons

    Tip: It is closed on Mondays, so book tickets in advance.

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  5. MMCA Seoul

    The national museum in Samcheong-dong showing Korean and international contemporary art.

    Category
    Art museum
    Duration
    2 h
    Price
    $
    Best time
    Afternoon

    Tip: Some tickets cover multiple halls at certain times.

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  6. National Folk Museum of Korea

    A museum inside Gyeongbokgung showing everyday life, clothing and customs of Koreans.

    Category
    History museum
    Duration
    1.5 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Afternoon

    Tip: Ideal after visiting the palace, and good for children.

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  7. Seodaemun Prison History Hall

    A former prison where independence activists were held under Japanese rule, now a museum.

    Category
    History museum
    Duration
    1.5 h
    Price
    $
    Best time
    Morning

    Tip: The subject is heavy, so check the content before visiting with children.

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  8. Seoul Museum of History

    Traces Seoul's growth from the Joseon era to today through models and old photographs.

    Category
    History museum
    Duration
    1.5 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Weekdays

    Tip: The large model of Seoul is worth seeing; admission is usually free.

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Last updated:

Please verify with official sources before your visit.

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