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Rain or shine, nothing can stop you from touring Seoul! One of the charms of traveling is learning about the origins of the art and history of the country you’re visiting, isn’t it? If the weather doesn’t cooperate with your outdoor plans, we at Visit Seoul advise visitors to opt for visiting art galleries and museums around Seoul instead. Here is the list of our top five places to experience art that is unique to Seoul.

Where Past Meets Present

National Museum of Korea

For tourists who want to better understand the culture of a foreign country, visiting major museums is a must. If you wish to learn about Korean history and culture, Visit Seoul highly recommends the National Museum of Korea. Located in central Seoul, this museum is a place for discovering Korean culture from the prehistoric era all the way to the present. Except for special exhibitions, admission is free of charge. Interpretation services are also available for non-Korean speakers. The museum is conveniently located near Itaewon, an area known for international dining, shopping, and night life, as well as hotels with varying price points.

Assemblage of Korean History, Modern & Contemporary

National Museum of Korean Contemporary History

The Korea you know today wasn’t built overnight. Curious? Visit Seoul recommends a visit to the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. Located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, an essential destination for all visitors to Seoul, the museum is easily accessible with free admission. The museum is a one-stop crash course on how modern Korea was built after Japanese colonial rule and the Korean War. Tours are available in 18 foreign languages, and advanced booking is required. The museum is a short ride away from the Insadong neighborhood, a popular area for shopping and dining Korean-style.

The Legacy of the Joseon Dynasty Royals

National Palace Museum of Korea

Fascinated by hanbok, a traditional Korean costume, tourists visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace is on the rise, naturally leading to a growing interest in Korean ancient history. Luckily, this period history is conveniently exhibited at the National Palace Museum of Korea. Located on the palace grounds, the museum is a place where visitors can view the lifestyle and traditional costumes worn in the royal court and experience ancient Korean culture. Admission is free, and audio guides are available in English, Japanese, and Chinese. Learn about the Joseon dynasty at the museum and walk around the palace to experience the living history.

Communicating with Modern & Contemporary Art

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Seokjogwan Hall, the modern building inside Deoksugung Palace, was once home to King Gojong of the Joseon dynasty. Today, it functions as the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Visit Seoul believe that the exhibitions held at this museum can offer an excellent opportunity for visitors to better understand Korean art history. Admission to the exhibition is KRW 2,000. Please note that there is an additional fee -- the entrance fee to Deoksugung Palace is KRW 1,000. Visitors can enhance their museum experience by taking a tour around Deoksugung Palace, one of Korea's main royal palaces.

From Former Supreme Court House to Major Museum

Seoul Museum of Art

Located near Deoksugung Palace, the Seosomun Main Building of the Seoul Museum of Art offers both tourists and Seoulites an excellent cultural experience. Admission is free to this museum. For a more interesting visit, we recommend downloading the museum’s docent app. From the museum, Seoul City Hall and the Cathedral Church of St. Mary the Virgin and St. Nicholas (Seoul Cathedral), a Romanesque-style church with 135 years of history, are both within easy walking distance.