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When visiting or making the big decision to live in a new country, one of the best things to do, in my opinion, is to visit art and history museums. In this article, I will show you some of my favorite museums that I visited during my two-year language stay in South Korea.
You will find exciting information about the best and main museums in Busan and Seoul, where to find them and when to visit them. These museums share the history, art and everything related to the birth and growth of Korea, how it has developed economically and socially and immerse yourself in the wonderful and fascinating history that it has to offer.
1. War Memorial of Korea (전쟁기념관)
Let’s start with the most famous museum and, in my opinion, also the most important one, the War Memorial of Korea. This museum is about the history of the wars in which Korea and South Korea took part.
The War Memorial Museum opened in Itaewon, Yongsan-Gu District in 1994. The museum has 6 floors of internal exhibitions and an external exhibition showcasing military equipment from China, South Korea and the United States. (to find out more you can visit their website)
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I highly recommend visiting this museum because, in addition to being very interesting, it is also educational to better understand the military history of South Korea, which is an important part of the country. I think it’s a museum that can appeal to people of all ages.
If You Go:
- Entry Fee: Free
- Visiting Hours: 9.30-18.00 (last entry at 17:00)
- Closed: Every Monday
- Address: 29 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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2. Seoul Museum of History (서울역사박물관)
The Seoul Museum of History is located in the Jongno district (central location). It opened in December 1993. This museum shows the evolution of Seoul from prehistoric times to the present day and often hosts special exhibitions.
As it is not very large, you can visit everything in an hour and a half or even less, depending on your interests. It also offers a very interesting miniature of the city of Seoul.
If You Go:
- Entry Fee: Free
- Visiting Hours: 9.00-18.00 (last entry at 17.30)
- Extended Hours on Friday: 17.00-22.00
- Closed: Every Monday
- Address: 55 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03177, South Korea
3. Seoul National University Museum of Art (서울대학교미술관)
Being part of my old university, I couldn’t help but recommend this museum to you (I’m not biased, I swear!). However, the Seoul National University Museum of Art is located on the campus of the Seoul National University, and as the name already says, it exhibits artwork. There is no fixed exhibition; there are different artists regularly, including university students and international and Korean artists.
I recommend this museum, not just because it holds a special place in my heart but also because it’s a haven for art enthusiasts like myself. If you’re passionate about discovering new art and artists, this museum offers a wonderful opportunity to expand your cultural horizons. So, if you have a moment, why not stop by?”
If You Go:
- Entry Fee: Free
- Visiting Hours: 10.00-18.00 (last entry at 17.30)
- Closed: Every Monday
- Address: 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
4. Busan Museum (부산광역시립박물관)
This time, we fly to Busan, the country’s most famous seaside city. The Busan Museum is the best place to learn a little about the city’s history.
Opened in 1978, the museum preserves a collection of relics and historical pieces of art, allowing visitors to reconstruct the city’s history from early to present. It is a must for anyone who is passionate about history.
If You Go:
- Entry Fee: Free
- Visiting Hours: 9.00-18.00 (last entry at 17.30)
- Closed: Every Monday
- Address: 948-1 Daeyeon-4dong Nam-gu, Busan 48529 South Korea
5. Korean National Maritime Museum MMK (국립해양박물관)
The Korea National Maritime Museum in Busan is a must-see. Its location directly faces the sea, offering an amazing view.
It has four floors: the first floor hosts the maritime library and the auditorium, while the second floor houses the children’s museum, where themed shows are organized for little ones. The third floor houses maritime relics and artifacts. The Marine Science Hall and a 4D theatre are on the top floor. I recommend this museum because it fully embraces the city of Busan.
If You Go:
- Entry Fee: The main exhibition is free but the 4D theater costs 5,000 won
- Visiting Hours:
- Tuesday – Friday: 9.00-18.00 (last entry at 17.30)
- Saturdays (May-Aug): 9:00-21:00
- Saturdays (Sep-Apr): 9:00-19:00
- Closed: Mondays & Sundays
- Address: 45 Haeyang-ro 301beon-gil, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, South Korea
6. Goeun Photography Museum(고은사진미술관)
The Goeun Photography Museum is located in Haeundae, Busan, and is the first photography museum established outside the capital, Seoul. This museum aims to offer visitors more cultural opportunities to see collections representing both Korean and international artists.
The Goeun Museum also supports new and emerging artists. The Goeun Photography Museum has an exhibition hall on the 2nd floor and a photography library on the 1st floor. I recommend this museum to all photography enthusiasts so they can discover new emerging artists.
If You Go:
- Entry Fee: Free
- Visiting Hours: 10:00-19:00 (November-February 10:00-18:00)
- Closed: Every Monday
- Address: 16 Haeun-daero 452beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, South Korea
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Author Bio: My name is Vanessa and I studied 3D decoration in Switzerland for four years. I decided to move to South Korea to learn the language and lived there for two years. During my stay in Korea, I developed a passion for writing articles about my travel experiences and combined them with my passion for photography. My website: https://abroadnessa.com/
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