National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA)
30 Samcheong-ro, Seoul, South Korea
Across from Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Seoul branch of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) focuses on contemporary and modern art from Korea and around the world. It's housed in a 21st-century structure that uses traditional Korean architectural concepts, filled with galleries showcasing ever-evolving displays of art.
The basics
The Seoul branch of the MMCA is one of four branches of the museum (the others are in Gwacheon, Deoksugung, and Cheongju). It's spread across four stories, with six of its galleries plus a film room and a media lab in the basement, and a small garden on the ground floor. Art tours of Seoul typically stop at the museum, and its location makes it a good spot to visit before or after Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Things to know before you go
The museum is a must-see for fans of art and those interested in Korean culture.
On-site facilities include a gift shop and an art bookshop, plus a restaurant, coffee shop, and teahouse.
Admission is free for visitors under 24 or over 65, and free for everyone on the last day of the month.
How to get there
Just north of the Insadong area of Seoul, the museum is across the road from Gyeongbokgung Palace and a short walk from the Bukchon Hanok Village. The closest metro stations are Anguk and Gyeongbokgung (on line 3/the orange line) and Gwanghwamun Station (on line 5/the purple line).
When to get there
The museum is open every day of the week, with extended hours on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. It’s closed on January 1, Lunar New Year's Day, and over the Chuseok holiday (which typically falls in September). Check the museum website for up-to-date info on special events and exhibitions.
Visiting the Bukchon Hanok Village
A trip to the museum takes you to the edge of the Bukchon Hanok Village, one of the more interesting neighborhoods in Seoul. Here you can wander around medieval streets filled with traditional homes and cute boutiques, sip tea and snack on desserts at a teahouse, or rent a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) and do your own mini photo shoot.
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