Seoul Museum of Art
The Seosomun main building stands near Deoksugung's stone-wall road, combining an older facade with contemporary galleries.
Why choose this place
For art alongside a stone-wall walk: near Deoksugung, an older facade and modern galleries offer two layers of the visit.
Make the most of your visit
Look at the entrance arches and exterior before the artworks. Access depends on the exhibition schedule.
Stories from the record
From courtroom to gallery
A courthouse was built here in 1928 and later served as the Supreme Court. After the court moved, the museum opened in 2002. A place for legal judgments became a place for looking at art and exchanging interpretations.
A facade preserves a memory
The historic frontage was retained and combined with modern gallery spaces. Compare the entrance with the interior. Reuse does not always preserve a whole building unchanged; look at what was kept and what was transformed.
Walk through Jeong-dong's layers
Palaces and modern historic buildings surround the museum. Notice the shift from the stone-wall street to its entrance. A short walk outside before and after the exhibition connects art with the city's history.
Sources
Before you go
Opening hours and closing days can change, so check the official information before visiting.