When it comes to my favorite art museums in Seoul, this place is an absolute must-visit: the Seosomun Main Branch of the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA), nestled along the beautiful Jeongdong-gil(정동길). As you pass the entrance of Deoksugung Palace(덕수궁) and walk about halfway down Jeongdong-gil, you’ll spot a gentle uphill path on your left, lined with lush, leafy trees. Walk up that path, and the museum building will reveal itself.
Built in 1928, the building originally served as the Gyeongseong Court(경성재판소) during the Japanese colonial period and later became the Supreme Court of Korea after liberation. Today, only its historic facade remains preserved, blending the building’s exotic architectural beauty with the deeply layered history of Korea’s colonial modern era.
If you are planning to visit SeMA and Jeongdong-gil, early summer is the absolute best time. Sitting under the lush, green canopy of trees right in front of the museum, or taking a peaceful stroll around Jeongdong-gil after catching an exhibition, is a guaranteed way to lift your spirits. Better yet, as one of Seoul’s premier public art institutions, the permanent exhibitions are completely free, and while many special exhibitions are also free, a small selection of major curated shows may require a ticket, making it incredibly accessible. (Personally, I highly recommend the permanent Chun Kyung-ja (천경자) collection—she is one of Korea’s most iconic female painters, celebrated for her vibrant color work!)
+ I’ve shared more stories about the surrounding area in my previous post, “Seoul’s Best Kept Secret: A Guide to Jeongdong-gil and Shin-ah Memorial Hall.”
SeMA (Seoul Museum of Art) Seosomun Main Branch
- Address: 61 Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Hours:
- Tue–Thu: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Fri: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sat–Sun: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Closed every Monday
- Admission: Permanent Exhibitions: Free / Special Exhibitions: Pricing varies
- Official Website: https://sema.seoul.go.kr/
- Maps: Google Maps | Naver Map (Highly recommended for navigating in Korea)
I recently visited the museum to see the special exhibition, ‘Yoo Youngkuk(유영국): The Mountain is Within Me‘, featuring one of the grandmasters of Korean modern art. Since it was a major retrospective of a pioneer in Korean abstract art—and a free exhibition with no reservation required—I arrived at around 10:30 AM on a Saturday to beat the weekend crowds.
Fortunately, there was no line to get in, and the galleries were comfortably uncrowded at first. However, by the time I finished my second lap around noon, the exhibition halls were starting to get quite packed.
+ I remember visiting on a Saturday early afternoon for the ‘Norman Foster’ exhibition a while back, and I had to wait in line for about 30 minutes just to enter. If you want to avoid the crowds on weekends, I highly recommend arriving right when it opens.
Since the exhibition ‘Yoo Youngkuk: The Mountain is Within Me‘ runs only until October 25, 2026, I won’t be writing a separate, detailed review for it. However, what I can confidently say is that the special exhibitions curated here at SeMA Seosomun Main Branch never disappoint.
As a traveler, visiting a country’s national or municipal art museums is always a rewarding experience. Stepping into a museum not just for its permanent collection, but with a sense of curiosity about what temporary exhibitions might be happening during your stay, is truly a priceless addition to any journey.
Safe travels, Soy Kim
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Nam-seoul Museum of Art: A Hidden Boutique Gallery in Sadang, Seoul
A Saturday Art Walk in Seoul: Exploring Gallery Mosoon, PKM Gallery, and Kong Gallery
Great content! Keep up the good work!