Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) 서울시립미술관
Seoul · Myeongdong & Namsan · Museums & exhibits
Housed in a former courthouse whose stone facade was kept, the Seoul Museum of Art stages contemporary exhibitions in a calm central location beside Deoksugung. The museum's strong point is its changing program, which often covers photography, media art and Korean modern artists. The permanent collection can be seen for free, while larger special shows may charge a fee.
English labels are common in the main galleries. Check the website for current shows, because the program changes. The museum closes one weekday.
City Hall Station (시청역), Lines 1 and 2, Exit 1 or 2, is about a five-minute walk. Bus stops on Sejong-daero are also close.
Show this Korean name to your taxi driver or match it to signs: 서울시립미술관
- Best time to visit
- A weekday afternoon is quiet, and late-day light on the facade is lovely. A good rainy-day choice.
- Pair it with
- Deoksugung Palace and Stone Wall Path is next door, and Gwanghwamun Square and Cheonggyecheon Stream is a short walk north.
- Great for
- Solo travelers
- Local tip
- Next to Deoksugung. Permanent exhibitions are free and English labels are provided; closed on Mondays.