Enjoy Cultural Arts in Seoul!

For fans of performance and visual arts, here is an all-in-one guide to the representative cultural art centers in Seoul! If you have spare time in your schedule or just need a break from touring around the city, consider visiting a performance hall or an art museum. Diverse performances and arts will not only present you with memories, but will surely nourish your soul!

From Gugak to Opera! Enjoy Diverse Performing Arts!

Theater representing Korea, the National Theater of Korea

Established in 1950 as Asia’s first national theater, National Theater of Korea presents diverse performances spanning over Korea’s traditional arts, ballet and opera performances. World renowned performance groups and organizations from overseas often hold performances here as well. The theater is composed of Haeoreum Theater, the main hall; Daloreum Theater, a smaller theater; Byeoloreum Theater, with a customizable stage; and Haneul Theater, an outdoor stage.
National Theater of Korea is especially popular among tourists due to its location near Namsan Seoul Tower and Myeong-dong. The theater is also easily accessible via taxi or on foot since it is only 1.5km away from Namsan Seoul Tower and 3km away from Myeong-dong Station.
▶Address: 59, Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (more info)

Opera House at Seoul Arts Center

Seoul Arts Center offers world-class theater facilities. The center holds cultural art events in a multitude of genres throughout the year. The signature building of the center is the Opera House, with its unique architectural design. The Opera House stages all kinds of performances, holding on to the true essence of performance arts. In addition to the Opera House, Seoul Arts Center is home to a concert hall, Hangaram Art Museum, Hangaram Design Museum, and Seoul Calligraphy Art Museum.
▶Address: 2406, Nambusunhwan-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul (more info)

Seoul’s Multi-complex Culture Center, Sejong Center

Korea’s unique traditional architecture is merged with modern design to create the grand yet elegant appearance of Sejong Center. Sejong Center holds a variety of performances of diverse genres including traditional Korean, classics, and even crossovers. The main theater, Grand Theater, has a wide stage equipped with the largest pipe organ in Asia. Sejong Center is a popular attraction among tourists as it is located across from Gwanghwamun Square and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
▶Address: 175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul (more info)

Enjoy Modern and Contemporary Arts!

A stranger to the arts? Stop by National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art!
With the slogan “Art museum in everyday life,” the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) in Seoul is loved by locals for its display of artwork in addition to being an aesthetic resting spot. The biggest characteristic of this attraction is its consistent admission fee. In contrast to other art museums where prices differ depending on special exhibitions, MMCA offers a combination ticket with access to all exhibitions and video displays. MMCA is recommended to be added into your itinerary since it is located at the entrance to Samcheongdong-gil Road, near Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace.
▶Address: 30, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (more info)

One-stop destination to beautiful architecture and art! Seoul Museum of Art

The building of Seoul Museum of Art, which was once used for the Supreme Court, is highly recognized for its splendid modern image after undergoing renovation. Featured exhibitions are not limited to traditional arts, but include a wide range of media including architecture, films, music, fashion, handicraft, and even works that do not belong to any specific genre. The museum also features non-Western artwork, such as those from Africa and Latin America. If you are visiting Deoksugung Palace, consider adding Seoul Museum of Art to your schedule as they are located right next to each other.
▶Address: 61, Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (more info)

Pleasant sight of contemporary artwork at Hangaram Art Museum in Seoul Arts Center

Located inside Seoul Arts Center, Hangaram Art Museum features various plastic arts. It consists of six exhibition halls and an art shop. Most featured exhibitions are based on modern art, making it easier for youths to approach the world of art. Often visited by people watching performances at Seoul Arts Center, Hangaram Art Museum makes it comfortable to explore with pleasant, open-style exhibition halls.
▶Address: 2406, Nambusunhwan-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul (more info)

More Info

▶ Seoul Tourism Website: english.visitseoul.net (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian)
▶ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization, National Theater of Korea, Seoul Arts Center, Sejong Center

* This column was last updated in January 2018, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check details from the official websites before visiting.

The above article is courtesy of VisitKorea, the official website of the Korea Tourism Organization (www.visitkorea.or.kr)

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