More of Seoul: Museums 서울 + Galleries
Museums are a wonderful testament to the scope of time. They can spell out what rivets and safeguards the energy of those who dwell there. They’re informative, can provide relevant topics and works, and are often concentrated history lessons. They can beautify the phoenix of hardships. Museums in Seoul are no exception.
National Museum
The National Museum is the most all-encompassing museum of the city. Probably the largest museum of Seoul, you can easily spend an entire afternoon there. Like all of the main museums, the National is free for entrance. It encompasses the sheer scope of Korean culture in make, in product, and in representation. The architecture and spatiality are also an emblem of Korean culture. A lovely place to visit.
Leeum
Itaewon might be known for its underground night scene; the daytime views around the neighborhood are peaceful indeed. Already written of and still a favorite, Leeum has installations that are both indoor and outdoor immersives. This includes traditional and contemporary work. There are also seasonally or time-placed temporary exhibits.
National Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art
Moma can serve chairs in twisted positions and Geffen is a warehouse. The contemporary museum of Seoul is more audacious in context of its conservative society. The topic of equality is geopolitically prominent and recent works pique interest, particularly in terms of national autonomy and identity, gender rights and safety, as well as bridging evolution between generations. These of course sew together and overlap at times but they’re also independent strands and singularly significant considerations of Korea. Relatedly, the museum is well-placed nearby the Bukchon traditional village
History Museum
Likewise, near to Bukchon and the modern museum, the history museum is one of the most poignant tellings, or rather, showings of a country’s past. Though a smaller museum, there is a specifically succinct chronology in the showcase of history here. Even more importantly, the immersives of past culture are legit, the most emotional life-size history museum I’ve come across. It’s interactive for children as well and as typical of many Koreans, it’s a unique angle of whimsical.
Seoul Museum of Art
Seoul Museum of Art is again in the same area as the two previous. It’s an active community space inclusive of the museum. The museum interestingly integrates the former Supreme Court and the artwork and workshops seem to deliberately show current opinions and reflections of Korea. The participatory programs are meaningful aspects, outreach to interact with the community.
Sejong Center + Sejong Museum of Art
Sejong overall is an area that celebrates the Korean language and artistic culture. The museum within the center includes galleries and exhibitions. The center itself hosts performances in opera, musical, dance, and theater. I strongly suggest seeing traditional culture there. The performing arts are one of the hopes we have in today’s world, its preservation and support will be everything for survival…!
Sejong Center right off of the main square
Sejong Museum
Donuimun Museum Village
Not far from the history museum, the Donuimun Museum Village is like a small building complex area. It’s a spatial collection of traditional Hanok architecture. Some interiors are set up to show what homes of yesteryear were like, and you can walk the interiors, and have a rest. There’s a cafe, homestyle eateries and petite shops within and around the village.
Insadong Galleries
Insadong is a lovely collection of shops, Michelin-recommended eateries, markets, and traditional tea spots. Amongst its best features are also galleries that populate the main thoroughfare. One-roomed, these galleries show what’s in the veins of the city. Star Gallery, Gallery Eun, and Yoon Gallery are among the highlights.
