Art museums in Korea that offer inspiration and tranquility
- zone tp
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
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Art museums are not only places to appreciate beautiful works of art, but also spaces filled with deeper meaning.
For some, it's a moment of quiet rest; for others, it's a source of inspiration.
As they deal with art, many museums are unique and valuable in their own right.
Today, let me introduce some museums in Korea, each with its own charm and character!
Let's begin😎
Soda Museum is an art space created through regeneration, by remodeling a building that was originally meant to become a jjimjilbang(Korean Sauna) but was left abandoned after construction was halted. The bathhouse area has been transformed into an indoor exhibition hall, while the jjimjilbang remains only as a structure and now serves as an outdoor exhibition space. Based on the philosophy of redesign—rediscovering, reinterpreting, and reproducing what has been discarded in everyday life—the museum offers unique, experiential exhibitions that invite visitors to see the world from new perspectives. Though the space is not large, it provides immersive experiences that leave a lasting impression. Until July 20, 2025, two exhibitions are being held: Hello, world!_Enter Your Voice, a text-based art project that collects diverse voices of our time through an online platform, and Question and Art: Walking Humans, Questioning Art, an outdoor exhibition along a 1km walking trail curated by six artists, which invites reflection on the essence of life.
Address: 30 Hyohaeng-ro 707beon-gil, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do
Work: 11AM–6PM(Mon/Tue, Closed)
Haslla Art World offers a refreshing experience of enjoying art while overlooking the blue sea and lush nature of Gangneung. This space, facing the sea directly and surrounded by dense trees, offers a variety of facilities as vast as its size. Visitors can explore a contemporary art museum spread across three exhibition halls, a vast outdoor sculpture park covering over 110,000㎡, and the whimsical Pinocchio & Marionette Museum. With numerous photo spots throughout, it's also a great place to take unique pictures. Especially, this place welcomes children and offers special benefits and experience rooms specifically for them. It's also pet-friendly, making it a truly inclusive healing space for all. They also operate the Haslla Museum Hotel, where every room is uniquely designed as both a gallery and a guestroom. Be sure to check the designs in advance and choose a space that speaks to your style for a truly artistic stay.
Address: 1441 Yulgok-ro Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Work: 9AM–6PM
Hoam Museum of Art was founded on the basis of over 1,200 pieces of Korean artwork collected by the founder of the Samsung Group over more than 30 years, making it a place where the traditional beauty of Korea is deeply felt. The space is designed to seamlessly connect past and present, indoors and outdoors, architecture and people, as well as nature—enhancing the immersive experience of the exhibitions. While the traditional art collection is a joy to explore, the museum’s expansive traditional garden is equally captivating throughout all four seasons and is especially famous for its cherry blossoms. The garden, Hee Won, faithfully preserves the elegance of classical Korean gardens that are now rarely seen. Built with a focus on restoring even the original terrain based on the principles that shaped traditional garden aesthetics, it offers a soft, flowing beauty reminiscent of a painted landscape. Here, you can enjoy quiet moments of rest and experience the timeless beauty and values of Korean tradition.
Address: 38 Everland-ro 562beon-gil Pogok-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do
Work: 10AM–6PM (Mon, Closed)
Museum SAN is a space that offers relaxation through life’s simple pleasures, nature, and art under the slogan "Disconnection for Communication." Designed by Tadao Ando, a master of minimalist exposed concrete architecture, this simple building nestled in the mountains of Wonju leaves a strong impression. Stroll leisurely along the forest path, starting from the Welcome Center to the Flower Garden, Sculpture Garden, Light Space, Water Garden, Main Building, Meditation Hall, Stone Garden, and James Turrell Pavilion. The museum’s collection is highly regarded for showcasing the flow of modern and contemporary Korean art. True to its architectural philosophy as “a place to regain the strength to live,” it offers unique programs such as the Meditation Hall. Meditation sessions run from 10:25 AM at 40-minute intervals, featuring various regular and special meditation programs. Experience the diverse relaxation options Museum SAN provides!
Address: 260 Oak valley 2-gil Jijeong-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do
Work: 10AM–6PM (Mon, Closed)
Mimesis Art Museum offers a unique exhibition space operated almost entirely with natural light, minimizing artificial lighting. Thanks to this feature, visitors can experience changing atmospheres inside the exhibition depending on the weather and time of day. There are no spotlights shining on the artworks, showing respect for pieces created under natural light. The building was designed by Álvaro Siza, a world-renowned architect known as the last master of modernist architecture. Reflecting his style of harmonizing with the natural landscape without environmental damage, the building impressively stretches its arms toward the vast wetlands to the west. Beyond the exhibition space, the architecture itself provides great enjoyment, attracting many visitors. Guided tours on the exhibitions and architecture are also available and recommended if interested (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).
Address: 253 Munbal-ro, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Work: 10AM–7PM
Kim Tschang-Yeul Art Museum honors the achievements and spirit of artist Kim Tschang-Yeul, known as the "Water Drop Artist," embodying the values of both East and West. It serves not only as a space to exhibit but also to research and collect artworks that contribute to the development of contemporary art. Throughout his life, Kim devoted himself to expressing deep, radiant water drops as art. The special exhibition of the museum’s collection, The Cabinet of Water Drops, running until July 20, showcases his vivid and varied depictions of water drops that seem ready to fall at any moment. The space itself is designed around the motif of water drops, with a courtyard expressing light where shadows coexist, and multiple rooms. Visitors can explore not only the exhibition halls but also educational rooms and an outdoor plaza. Since the museum focuses on water drops, visiting on a rainy day makes it even easier to feel the unique atmosphere of the space.
Address: 883-5 Yonggeum-ro Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Work: 9AM–6PM (Mon, Closed)
