Planning the perfect trip can be difficult when inclement weather can come at any time. Thankfully, Seoul is full of cultural tourist attractions that will never fail to fill in when you have to make a sudden change to your schedule. The city has many museums and an array of cultural institutes offering insights in getting to know Korea’s past and present in depth. Here, visitors will get to learn the history of the country as well as have great photo ops with many interesting backdrops. Visitors’ interaction is highly appreciated at some of these places, making for unforgettable memories off the beaten track!
 

Museums to meet Korea’s history and culture!

The National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관)

 

 

The National Museum of Korea is the nation’s largest museum, housing over 330,000 national treasures and relics spread out through six permanent exhibition halls with various themes. The museum also has a separately charged special exhibition hall and children’s museum. The museum is enormous and with so much to see, it is nearly impossible to see it all in one day. Therefore, we recommend visiting the official homepage to find the location of the items or area you are most interested in viewing to save time. The museum also offers video or audio guides for a fee in order to improve your experience.

* Museum-viewing Tip: Group visitors can make the most of a short amount of time by reserving the “Museum Masterpiece Guide” tour or “Smart Curator” tablet PC tour programs in advance. (Inquiries & reservations: +82-2-2077-9683 (English), +82-2-2077-9676 (Japanese), +82-2-2077-9686 (Chinese))

☞ Address: 137, Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
☞ Directions: Ichon Station (Seoul Subway Line 4, Gyeongui-Jungang Line). Walk approx. 5 min. through connected underground passage to the museum.
☞ Operating hours: Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday 09:00-18:00 / Wednesday, Saturday (extended hours) 09:00-21:00 / Sunday & public holidays 09:00-19:00 
※ Closed New Year’s Day & designated holidays by the National Museum of Korea.
☞ Docent tour for foreigners: (Walk-ins accepted)
Monday-Friday: English (10:00, 11:00, 14:00), Japanese/Chinese (10:00)
Saturday-Sunday: English (10:00, 11:00, 14:00), Japanese/Chinese (11:00, 14:00)
※ Commentary tour schedule changes monthly; please check availability before visiting.
☞ Admission: Permanent exhibition - free / Special and temporary exhibition halls – fee applies
☞ Audio/visual guide (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese) rentals: Visual guide (PMP) 3,000 won / Audio guide (MP3) 1,000 won
☞ Inquiries: +82-2-2077-9000 (Korean, English)
☞ Website: www.museum.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

 

National Folk Museum of Korea (국립민속박물관)

 

 

Located next to Gyeongbokgung Palace, this museum offers a glimpse into the historical daily life and lifestyle of Korea’s common people. The traditional exterior of the museum draws the eye first, often being mistaken as part of the palace grounds. The museum has three permanent exhibition halls and two special exhibition halls, as well as an open-air exhibition where visitors can walk along traditional streets and learn about folk life. The permanent exhibition halls cover Korea from the Prehistoric Era up until modern history, allowing visitors to hop into a ‘time machine’ and immerse themselves in the past. More than anything, the museum brings Korea’s historical items to life through the use of modern touch screens and videos.

☞ Address: 37, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
☞ Directions: Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 1. Walk for about 15 minutes.
☞ Operating hours: March-May & September-October 09:00-18:00 / June-August 09:00-18:30 / November-February 09:00-17:00 (hours extended until 19:00 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from May to August.)
☞ Docent tour for foreigners: (On-site reservation required)
Wednesday-Monday: Chinese (09:30, 13:30), English (10:30, 14:30), Japanese (11:00, 15:00)
☞ Audio guide (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese) rentals: 1,000 won
☞ Inquiries: +82-2-3704-3114 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
☞ Website: www.nfm.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, German, French, Spanish)

 

National Palace Museum of Korea (국립고궁박물관)

 

 

If you were ever curious about the history and lifestyle of the Joseon royal court, visit the National Palace Museum of Korea. This three-story building tells the story of Korea’s royalty, from Joseon Dynasty’s foundation (1392) until the Korean Empire. The museum is divided into various themes including Kings of the Joseon Dynasty, Korea’s Imperial Family, and Royal Court Music. Here, you have the chance to see over 2,000 unique and interesting items related to the royal families, from the water clock first invented by King Sejong (r. 1418-1450) to the Cadillac limousine of Emperor Sunjong (r. 1907-1910).

* Museum-viewing Tip: Exhibits “State Rites of the Joseon Dynasty” and “Korean Empire and the Imperial Family” on the first floor are currently closed for renovation.

☞ Address: 12, Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
☞ Directions: Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 5. Walk for about 2 minutes.
☞ Operating hours: Weekdays 09:00-18:00 / Weekends & public holidays 09:00-19:00
※ Closed Mondays.
☞ Docent tour for foreigners: (Walk-ins accepted)
Tuesday-Sunday: Japanese (10:00, 13:30), Chinese (10:30, 14:00), English (11:00, 14:30)
※ Commentary tour schedule subject to change.
☞ Inquiries: +82-2-3701-7500 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
※ Foreigner language assistance varies by schedule of translators.
☞ Website: www.gogung.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
 

Museums every tourist must visit!

National Hangeul Museum (국립한글박물관)

 

 

The National Hangeul Museum was opened on Hangeul Day, October 9, 2014 to revisit the history of the Korean language through the use of real materials. As Korean vowels were formed with the philosophical theory of earth, humans, and the sky being connected, so the museum was built with this design in mind: the underground floor represents earth, the first two floors, humans and the third floor, the sky, all connected into one four-story building. The museum’s main exhibit is located on the second floor. “Footprints of Hangeul” showcases the path of hangeul, from its creation to its current form, and on into the future. The third floor features a Hangeul Playground for children and a learning center. The learning center provides a fun and easy way for foreigners to become familiar with hangeul through the use of electronic equipment and activities.

* Museum-viewing Tip: A guided explanation tour can be booked outside the scheduled hours with an advanced reservation via phone. (Inquiries & reservation: +82-2-2124-6200 (English, Japanese, Chinese))

☞ Address: 139, Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
☞ Directions: Ichon Station (Seoul Subway Line 4, Gyeongui-Jungang Line). Walk approx. 5 min. through connected underground passage to the museum.
☞ Operating hours: Tuesday-Friday, Sunday 09:00-18:00 / Last Wednesday of every month, Saturday (extended hours) 09:00-21:00
※ Closed Mondays, New Year’s Day & designated holidays by the National Hangeul Museum.
☞ Docent tour for foreigners: (Walk-ins accepted)
Wednesday: English (13:00), Thursday: Chinese (13:00), Friday: Japanese (13:00)
※ Commentary tour schedule subject to change.
☞ Inquiries: +82-2-2124-6200 (English, Japanese, Chinese)
☞ Website: www.hangeul.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

 

Museum Kimchikan (뮤지엄김치간)

 

 

Museum Kimchikan provides visitors with the chance to learn about Korean food culture, focusing on the iconic traditional food, kimchi. The museum is spread out over three floors, introducing kimchi through many unique and fun ways. The fourth floor features a digital game for visitors to make kimchi while the fifth floor displays the various types of kimchi and other pickled foods from around the world. The highlight of the museum, however, is the sixth floor where visitors can experience the culture of Gimjang, the making and sharing of kimchi, by make their own kimchi to take home for a small fee.

* Museum-viewing Tip: A ticket to the museum is valid for three hours after purchasing from the museum ticket booth, so be sure to hold on to it! The fifth and sixth floors can be accessed by scanning the barcode of the ticket.

☞ Address: 4-6F, 35-4, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
☞ Directions: Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 6. Walk for about 5 minutes. / Jonggak Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 3. Walk for about 9 minutes.
☞ Operating hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00
※ Closed Mondays, New Year’s Day, Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) holidays & Christmas.
☞ Admission: Adults 5,000 won / Teenagers & Children 3,000 won / Infants 2,000 won
※ Additional fees apply for experience programs, reservation at least four days in advance by e-mailing to museum@pulmuone.com is required to participate.
☞ Inquiries: +82-2-6002-6456, +82-2-6002-6477, 02-2223-2573 (Korean, English, Chinese)
☞ Website: www.kimchikan.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

 

The War Memorial of Korea (전쟁기념관)

 

 

The number one must-visit tourist attraction in Korea is The War Memorial of Korea, as listed on the travel site “TripAdvisor.” The museum houses seven exhibitions halls and a children’s museum in a three-story building in addition to an outdoor exhibition space. The exhibitions showcase various relics and materials from the prehistoric era to the Korean War, an event that divided the peninsula in half. The main attraction of the memorial is the “Korean War Room,” reproducing refugee life through the use of large, comprehensive dioramas and displaying the arms and uniforms of the many countries who participated in the war.

☞ Address: 29, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
☞ Directions: Samgakji Station (Seoul Subway Line 4, 6), Exit 11 or 12. Walk for about 3 minutes.
☞ Operating hours: 09:00-18:00 (extended hours until 20:00 on the last Wednesday of each month.)
※ Closed Mondays (when coinciding with a holiday, closed the following day)
☞ Docent tour for foreigners: (Walk-ins accepted)
Tuesday-Sunday: English, Japanese (10:00, 14:00)
※ Chinese tour available according to working schedule of docent
※ Advance reservation for commentary tour is also accepted; therefore on-site participation may be limited depending on the number of reservations made. We recommend you reserve online at least 3 days before your visit.
☞ Admission: Free (Special exhibitions may charge a fee.)
☞ Inquiries: +82-2-709-3139 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
☞ Website: www.warmemo.or.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

 

Museums for shutterbugs!

The Museum of Performing Arts at the National Theater of Korea(국립극장)

 

 

The Museum of Performing Arts is the first of its kind in Korea, located in Byeoloreum Theater at the National Theater of Korea. The first floor features temporary exhibits for children and performing arts archives and the second floor is home to the permanent exhibition, divided into two categories of “Behind the Scenes” and “History of Korean Performing Arts.” While the museum is not as grand as others, the chance to get a unique look at stage props and try on costumes makes ones time spent at this museum a precious memory.

* Museum-viewing Tip: Visitors can take a photo of themselves on stage through the use of an interactive system at the ‘Behind the Scenes' exhibit on the second floor. The photo can then be sent by photo-mail as a keepsake.

☞ Address: 59, Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
☞ Directions: Dongguk Univ. Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 6. Take a taxi for approx. 5 min.
☞ Operating hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00
※ Closed Mondays, New Year’s Day
☞ Website: www.ntok.go.kr (Korean, English)

 

Grevin Seoul Museum (서울 그레뱅 뮤지엄)

 

 

 

With 133 years of history, the famous Parisian wax museum Grevin opened their fourth international and first Asian museum, the Grevin Seoul Museum, on July 30, 2015. The museum features life-like wax statues of hallyu stars and Korean celebrities in 14 unique areas. Among the 80-some-odd figures on display are Kim Su-hyun, PSY, G-Dragon, Madonna and George Clooney. Visitors can hear explanations in four languages including English, Japanese and Chinese, by scanning the QR code at each display. More information on the displays can be found on the official website.

☞ Address: Eulji-ro Annex Building, 23, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
☞ Directions: Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 1. Walk for about 3 minutes.
☞ Operating hours: Sunday-Thursday 10:00-19:00 / Friday-Saturday 10:00-21:00
※ Operating hours may vary
☞ Admission: Adults 18,000 won / Teenagers & Children 15,000 won
☞ Website: www.grevin-seoul.com (Korean, English)

 

Seoul Trick Eye Museum (서울 트릭아이미술관)

 

 

If a day at an art museum sounds like a snoozefest, you haven't visited Trick Eye Museum where the paintings are so realistic, they appear to pop right out of the canvas and into real life. The Trick Eye Museum is popular among international tourists and families alike for this very reason. 

The fun paintings are grouped in various themes, including Water World, World Masterpieces, Syncro Zone, and even a mirror room. Strike many poses, by turns both funny and lovely, to star in your own personal masterpiece collection. In addition to the paintings, the museum is also home to an open-year-round ice museum, where you can find ice sculptures of many famous landmarks, and a carnival street, where you can pay to play many popular carnival games like darts and ball tossing.

☞ Address: Seogyo Plaza B2F, 20, Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
☞ Directions: Hongik Univ. Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, Gyeongui-Jungang Line, AREX), Exit 9. Walk for about 6 minutes.
☞ Operating hours: 09:00-21:00
☞ Admission: Adults 15,000 won / Teenagers & Children 12,000 won
☞ Inquiries: +82-2-3144-6300 (Korean, English, Chinese)
☞ Website: trickeye.com/seoul (Korean, English, Chinese, Thai, Russian)
 

The top 10 tourist attractions in Korea <TESEUM Jeju & Seoul>

welcome to Teseum The world’s first hands-on teddy bear exhibition theme park
welcome to Teseum The world's first exhibition theme park with various real life-sized wildlife stuffed animals and teddy bears
welcome to Teseum In the arms of the Teddy Bear
 

 

 

 

At TESEUM, the world’s first hands-on teddy bear exhibition theme park, we produce globally well-known teddy bears to a real life-size so that our visitors can touch and feel the teddy bears.

TESEUM first opened in Jeju Island in 2008, gathering more than a million domestic and foreign visitors annually and has become one of the top 10 most visited tourist attractions in Jeju Island.
 

 

 

Now you will be able to meet our teddy bears in Seoul, the center of Korea. We believe that TESEUM’s teddy bears will both warm our visitors’ hearts and provide them with unforgettable memories.

*source : KTO(Korea Tourism Organization) www.visitkorea.or.kr

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