South Korea’s Top 5 Art Museums That Make You Feel Like You’re Abroad

There are places where architecture has become an art form and is celebrated for its exceptional designs. Let’s take a tour of some of the country’s art museums.

The Supeongseok Museum in Jeju was designed by architect Itami Jun. Situated on a site of 220,000 pyeong within a residential complex, this museum is themed around water, wind, and stone. It operates not as an exhibition space but as a meditation area, allowing visitors to appreciate Jeju’s nature directly.

Reservations are required through the museum’s website for visits to the Supeongseok Museum. Groups of up to 25 who have made reservations must listen to explanations together and move as a group, using shuttle buses for transportation. Late arrivals may not be admitted.

• Address: 79 Sanroknam-ro 762beon-gil, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju
• Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM from June 1st to September 15th, with sessions from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Closed on holidays.
• Admission Fee: Adults 30,000 won ($25), and elementary students 15,000 won ($12.50).

The Mimesis Art Museum is located in Paju. Designed by the Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza, renowned as the ‘last master of modernist architecture,’ this museum is situated on a plot measuring 1,400 pyeong. It comprises multiple exhibition spaces designed as a single entity. Visitors can enjoy a spectacle of light subtly spreading across spaces formed by various curves. It’s a place where one can feel the inspiration of art that stimulates the imagination.

A café is located on the first floor, providing the perfect spot to enjoy coffee while admiring the outdoor scenery. It’s an ideal place to spend some leisurely time.

• Address: 253 Munbal-ro, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
• Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
• Admission Fee: Adults 9,000 won ($7.50), Teenagers 7,000 won ($6), Free for preschoolers

The Museum SAN in Wonju, Gangwon Province, is the work of Japanese architect Tadao Ando. It opened its doors in 2013 with the last work of the artist of light and space, James Turrell. Tadao Ando is a master of exposed concrete, employing designs that draw in light from within. Situated at the top of Oak Valley Resort, Museum San is where the ever-changing natural scenery becomes a work of art. Visitors can observe various perspectives of the landscape.

At the Cafeteras in front of the main building, visitors can enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains, spreading 360 degrees. In addition to permanent and curated exhibitions, Museum SAN also hosts various experiential events.

• Address: 260 Oak Valley 2-gil, Jijeong-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do
• Operating Hours: Museum 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on Mondays
• Admission Fee: Adults 22,000 won ($18.50), Children 14,000 won ($11.80)

The ITAMI JUN Museum was designed and built by Yu Eui Hwa, the daughter of the world-renowned architect Jun Itami. It is known as the “Jun Itami Masterpiece” and reflects his love for Jeju Island, where he left behind his notable works, such as the Podo Hotel, Supeungseok Art Museum, Duson Art Museum, and Noah’s Ark Church.

Visitors to this museum can enjoy one-dimensional exhibitions and have a special time experiencing art. They can immerse themselves in exhibitions using their eyes and ears while enjoying a moment of relaxation with a cup of tea amidst the sounds of the wind. Currently, visitors can view architectural works, paintings, calligraphy, sculptures, and other artworks created by Jun Itami from 1970 to 2011. Reservations are required before visiting.

• Address: 906-10 Yonggeum-ro, Hanlim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, YuDongRyong Art Museum (Itami Jun Museum)
• Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on Mondays
• Admission Fee: Museum Admission Pass 18,000 won ($15.15) to 30,000 won ($25.25)

The Amorepacific Museum of Art is located in Yongsan, Seoul, in the Amorepacific headquarters, designed by the prominent British architect David Chipperfield. Inspired by white porcelain moon jars, the building immediately catches the eye of the street.

Its exterior comprises glass and metal louvers, with the building’s three sides pierced to create a garden. With construction costs exceeding 500 billion won (approximately $425 million), it has garnered significant attention.

The Amorepacific Museum of Art is based on art collections amassed by the company’s founder, Suh Sung Whan. It hosts curated exhibitions encompassing classical, contemporary, and Korean art. Currently, it features an exhibition by Steven Harrington. The museum operates on a reservation basis, and visitors need to book in advance through its website.

• Address: 100 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on Mondays