somewhere in notes

Seoul surprised me so much. To be honest, I also didn’t really know what to expect when I went. I was planning a trip to Japan, and a friend of mine who had lived in Seoul for a while recommended me to visit South Korea as well, if it would fit into my plans. Trusting him, I decided not to fly to Japan right away, but first to Seoul, then to Busan by train and after that to Japan with the ferry. I’m glad I did, because it was amazing! I can talk for a looooong time about the things I loved and that surprised me, but here I’ll keep it short and share some of my favorite museums in Seoul.

Beautiful museums to visit while traveling to Seoul

1. Leeum Museum of Art

On my first day in Seoul, I went to visit the Leeum Museum of Art. A beautiful space where architecture and art connect, since it’s designed by three world-famous architects: Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas. One part of the museum is dedicated to traditional Korean pieces such as ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy, and the other part focuses more on contemporary works. A great mix. You’ll learn more about the history of Korea, but also get a look into the now. Also the area in which the museum is located is great to explore, with many cute cafes around.

2. National Museum of Korea

The National Museum of Korea is the country’s largest and most important cultural institution. It has a collection of over 300,000 items, and offers a journey through Korea’s history and other parts of the world. A nice thing about this museum: it’s free to visit! The inside of the building is incredible to see, but also outside it’s beautiful to walk around, enjoy the views from this location.

3. Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA)

While walking around the city, I stumbled upon (with the help of maps) The Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA). This former Supreme Court building has now been transformed into a modern gallery. They usually have exhibitions featuring Korean and international artists, exploring urban life, identity, and social change.

The following museums I didn’t go to myself, but I would have gone if I had more time in Seoul.

4. The War Memorial Of Korea

The War Memorial of Korea is dedicated to remembering the nation’s military history. Interactive exhibits and personal stories guide visitors through centuries of Korean resilience, focusing especially on the Korean War. Both educational and emotional, offering a deeper understanding of the country’s journey toward peace.

5. The War and Women’s Human Rights Museum

The War and Women’s Human Rights Museum is a small but powerful museum that tells the stories of Korean “comfort women” who suffered under Japanese occupation during World War II. Through personal belongings, photos, and recorded testimonies, it brings history to life in a deeply human way. The space is intimate and respectful, designed to encourage reflection and awareness. I sadly didn’t have time to go, but will make sure to go during my next visit.

As you can see, Seoul has a diverse offer of museums. From contemporary to historic, big to small. Since there is so much to see and do in this city, it’s more than normal you’ll have to make some decisions and can’t visit them all. But even more reason to come back one day, and visit the museums you couldn’t before.

Seoul, I’ll be back. One day. Hopefully not too far in the future.