January In Seoul: Must-See Cultural Events & Museum Exhibitions

Curious about the special exhibitions and must-visit events in Seoul this January? You’re in luck! We’re here to help you discover all the exciting happenings in the capital city that you can have right at your fingertips!

Seoul has numerous museums and galleries that offer a wide range of exhibitions from permanent to temporary that are only around for a limited time. So seize the opportunity now while they’re still here, or else you might never get the chance again. Whether you’re an avid art lover, a curious soul, or simply searching for free indoor activities, look no further. To see last month’s featured cultural events and museum exhibitions, check out the link below.

Here are the events we suggest checking out during January. Entering into the new year, you might be wondering what you can do to change up your routine and experience something new. Now, you can seize the opportunity and visit various museums and cultural events to kick off the new year.

 

1. Let’s Play!

Duration of the exhibition: November 1st, 2024 ~ January 31st, 2025
Location: Donuimun Museum Village
Location tip: Located close to Gyeonghuigung Palace
Price: Free
Learn more here

The solo exhibition “Let’s Play!” by artist Hyun JiWon (Z1) at Seoul’s Donuimun Museum Village aims to present the historical evolution, lifestyle, and culture of Donuimun in a friendly, engaging way. Targeting families, couples, and friends who frequently visit the museum, the exhibition is designed to make Donuimun’s history accessible and enjoyable, encouraging active participation. Through a series of short videos lasting between 2 minutes and 30 seconds to 5 minutes, the exhibition highlights Donuimun’s historical flow in the initial scenes and then showcases key moments in a leisurely style.

 

2. Rhythm: Being Two In Nature

Duration of the exhibition: April 30th, 2024 ~ March 9th, 2025
Location: Donuimun Museum Village
Location tip: Located near Mogaknaru Station
Price: Free
Learn more here

The Seoul Botanic Park’s featured exhibition introduces the diverse roles and benefits of plants in urban life. Through interactive displays and innovative exhibits, it explores topics such as sustainable ecosystems, the importance of biodiversity, and the relationship between humans and plants. The exhibition is designed to educate visitors on environmental conservation and inspire a deeper appreciation for nature.

 

3. Transport To Another World

Duration of the exhibition: October 18th, 2024 ~ February 16th, 2025
Location: National Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art
Location tip: Located close to Gyeonbokgung palace
Price: 5,000
Learn more here

The exhibition, co-organized by the MMCA and the National Film Board of Canada, explores immersive storytelling through virtual reality (VR) and other interactive media. Featuring works by artists from Korea and Canada, the exhibition allows viewers to step into different times and places, offering a deeper understanding of history, memory, and survival. With films and interactive experiences, visitors actively participate, engaging with characters and narratives in new ways that challenge conventional film experiences. The exhibition is part of the 2024–2025 Korea-Canada Year of Cultural Exchanges.

 

4. Writings Of Ahn JungGeun

Duration of the exhibition: October 24th, 2024 ~ March 31th, 2025
Location: National Museum of Korean Contemporary History
Location tip: it is located in Gwanghwamun and in front of Gyeongbokgung palace
Price: Free
Learn more here

Writings Of Ahn JungGeun at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History explore Ahn’s historic resistance against imperialism. It showcases his writings, personal items, and related artifacts, emphasizing his vision for peace and unity in East Asia. Visitors gain insight into his values, actions, and legacy as a symbol of Korea’s independence movement.

 

5. MMCA Performing Arts 2024: Space Elevator

Duration of the exhibition: May 25th, 2024 ~ February 2nd, 2025
Location: National Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art
Location tip: Located close to Gyeonbokgung palace
Price: 5,000
Learn more here

The MMCA Performing Arts 2024: Space Elevator is a year-long project exploring human aspirations toward space. It focuses on the concept of a “space elevator,” a more efficient alternative to rockets, proposed by Konstantin Tsiolkovsky in 1895. Through a series of performances, the project will examine how the pursuit of space challenges both human imagination and fear, drawing connections between past ideas and futuristic technologies. The project encourages reflection on innovation, history, and humanity’s complex relationship with space exploration.

 

6. Crafting The House

Duration of the exhibition: September 5th, 2024 ~ March 9th, 2025
Location: Seoul Museum of Craft Art
Location tip: Located in Insadong
Price: Free
Learn more here

Crafting the House features 20 artists, including craftsmen, architects, and designers, to explore the integration of craft into architecture. By rethinking architectural elements through sophisticated craft techniques, it broadens the understanding of how craft and architecture intersect, from foundational structures to rooftops.

 

7. Letter – Collection Of Records

Duration of the exhibition: January 4th, 2025 ~ March 30th, 2025
Location: Donuimun Museum Village
Location tip: Located near Mogaknaru Station
Price: Free
Learn more here

This exhibition showcases heartfelt letters, reflective diaries, and artistic records from 12 artists, including Han Kang, Lucid Fall, and Vincent van Gogh. The theme explores the power of genuine records in connecting past, present, and future. It aims to inspire visitors with a sense of shared memory and resilience across generations.

 

8. The Palettes: Exploring Colors For Crafting

Duration of the exhibition: October 31st, 2024 ~ May 2nd, 2025
Location: Seoul Museum of Craft Art
Location tip: Located in Insadong
Price: Free
Learn more here

The Seoul Museum of Craft Art’s (SeMoCA) exhibition, The Palettes: Exploring Colors for Crafting, highlights the deep relationship between artists and the colors they create. Featuring works by ceramicist Roe KyungJo, natural dye artist Lee ByungChan, and glass artist Kim HunChul, it showcases the meticulous research and experimentation involved in crafting colors from nature. Through archival materials and vibrant works, the exhibition celebrates the dedication behind these hues and their ability to enrich daily life and foster new connections.

 

9. Frames Of Architecture

Duration of the exhibition: November 11th, 2024 ~ June 6th, 2025
Location: Seoul Museum of Art
Location tip: Located by Sadang Station
Price: Free
Learn more here

Frames of Architecture explores the intersection of architecture and video as art forms, showcasing works by eight artists. It reimagines how architecture, typically seen as spatial, can be experienced dynamically through video, emphasizing movement, memory, and perception. The exhibition invites viewers to reflect on their relationship with architectural spaces and encourages them to become “directors” of their own spatial experiences, connecting physical environments with personal interpretations.

 

10. Moments Seen When Stopping

Duration of the exhibition: December 20th, 2024 ~ January 11th, 2025
Location: VIDI Gallery
Location tip: Located near Myeongdong Station exit 3
Price: Free
Learn more here

Moments Seen When Stopping features four artists: Kim HyoJin, Kim HeeYeon, Park JiHye, and Choi GoEun. It explores themes of time, place, nature, and self-reflection through diverse mediums. From Kim HyoJin’s hourglasses symbolizing fleeting beauty to Park JiHye’s resilient wild grass and Choi GoEun’s introspective landscapes, each artist captures moments of stillness, memory, and life’s fragility, inviting viewers to pause and connect with their surroundings and inner selves.