recommendations Archives - Page 2 of 2

1. War Memorial of Korea (전쟁기념관)

Let’s start from the most famous museum and in my opinion also the most important one, the War Memorial of Korea. This museum is about the history of the wars in which Korea and South Korea took part. Located in Itaewon, Yongsan-Gu District, the war memorial museum opened its doors in 1994. The museum has 6 floors of internal exhibitions and an external exhibition showcasing military equipment from China, South Korea and the United States. (to find out more you can visit their website)

I highly recommend visiting this museum because in addition to being very interesting I find it also educational to better understand the military history of South Korea, as it is a very important part of the country. Entry is free

*The tower represents a bronze sword and the tree of life. Next to it, the group statues are called ‘‘Defense of the Fatherland” and represent soldiers and refugees*

Address: 29 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

2. Seoul Museum of History (서울역사박물관)

The Seoul Museum of History is a museum located in the Jongno district (central location) Opened in December 1993. This museum show the evolution of Seoul, from prehistoric times to the present days. It also often host special exhibitions. Entry is free. I recommend a visit to this museum, as it is not very large you can visit everything in an hour and a half or even less, depending on your interests. It also offers a very interesting miniature of the city of Seoul.

Address: 55 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03177, South Korea

3. Seoul National University Museum of Arts (서울대학교미술관)

This museum, being part of my old university, I couldn’t help but recommend it to you (I’m not biased, I swear!) However: the Seoul National University Museum of Art is located on the campus of the Seoul National University, and as the name already says, it exhibits artwork. There is no fixed exhibition, there are different artists regularly, including university students, international and Korean artists. Also in this case entry is free.

Honestly, I want to recommend this museum not only because it has a special place in my heart, but being passionate about art, I believe that anyone who is passionate about art like me could find new art and artists to broaden their cultural background. So if you have some time, why not drop by?

*March 2023 exhibition (portrait photos)*

*Inside the museum (view from the top floor)*

Address: 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea

4. Busan Museum (부산광역시립박물관)

This time we fly to Busan, the most famous seaside city in the country. I think that the Busan Museum is the best place to learn a little about the history of the city, opened in 1978, it is in fact the place that preserves a collection of relicts and historical pieces of art, so from here you can start and reconstruct the history of the city from early times up to the present day. A must for anyone who is passionate about history. Entrance to the museum is free.

Address: 948-1 Daeyeon-4dong Nam-gu, Busan 48529 South Korea

5. Korea National Maritime Museum MMK (국립해양박물관)

A museum that you absolutely must not miss is the Korea National Maritime Museum in Busan, this museum face directly the sea, offering an amazing view. It is made up of 4 floors: the first floor host the maritime library and the auditorium, while on the second floor we have the children’s museum, where themed shows are organized for the little ones. On the third floor there are maritime relicts and artefacts. On the top floor there is the Marine Science Hall and a 4D theatre. I recommend this museum because it fully embraces what the city of Busan is. The entrance of the main exhibition is free but the visit to the 4D theater and it costs 5,000won

Address: 45 Haeyang-ro 301beon-gil, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, South Korea

6. Goeun Museum of Photography (고은사진미술관)

The Goeun Photography Museum is located in Haeundae, Busan and is the first photography museum established outside the capital Seoul. This museum aims to offer more cultural opportunities to visitors to see collections representing both Korean and international artists. The Goeun museum also offers support to new and emerging artists. The Goeun Photography Museum has an exhibition hall on the 2nd floor, as well as a photography library on the 1st floor. I recommend this museum to all photography enthusiasts, so you can discover new emerging artists. Entry is free.

*Ulrich Wüst’s exhibition ”Wandering About History”, August 2023*

*Small installation overlooking the stairs*

Address: 16 Haeun-daero 452beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, South Korea

*all the photos displayed were taken by me

1) Yeouido Park (여의도 공원)

Yeouido Park is one of the most famous in Seoul, this incredible place runs along the Han River (한강), and is perfect for a walk during good weather days, especially in autumn and spring, where the colors of the trees give a more magical mood in the park. In addition to being very close to the subway, in the main square there are many stalls where you can taste Korean street food and, since it is very popular in Korea to have a picnic you can also rent blankets to put on the lawn. Furthermore, you can sit and listen to street artists, especially on weekends. To top it off, Yeouido park offers a gorgeous view and sunset, which I highly recommend seeing at least once.

*Main square, where you can rent the blankets and taste the street food*

Address: 330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

2) Songpa Naru Park-Seokchon Lake (송파 나루 공원)

Songpa park is located in the Songpa district and runs along Seokchon lake and the magical island of Lotte World (which for those who don’t know is the largest amusement park in the country). It is also in the same area as the famous Lotte World Tower and the Lotte World mall, where you can go on a shopping spree or you can go to the top of the Lotte Tower and enjoy the beautiful view of Seoul. This area is honestly huge, so be prepared to walk a lot! Luckily the subway stop (Jamsil Station) is also the entrance to the shopping mall. So, go back to the park: you can walk along it all, or stop for a coffee in the various coffee shops nearby and enjoy the view. The super cute thing is that you will be able to spot the geese on the shore of the lake and that you will be able to photograph them (please remember to not get close or feed them).

– I recommend visiting the park all year round (during the Christmas season you will have the opportunity to see the Christmas decorations, which in my opinion are amazing)

*View of the Seokchon lake during autumn season*

*The bridge that connects the magical island of Lotte World*

Address: Seoul, Songpa-gu, 송파나루길 206, South Korea

3) N odeul Island (노들 섬)

Nodeul Island is a park/island, located right in the center of the Han River under the bridge that leads to Yongsan station. This island hosts a beautiful park with a view right on the river. It is also equipped with restaurants and coffee shops. Nodeul Island, in addition to being surrounded by nature, is often used for events, such as concerts or competitions. A quiet place to spend a beautiful summer or spring day with friends or your significant other. To get there, just take the bus or you can easily get to both ends of the bridge by foot (both above and below the bridge). I recommend taking a walk there even during the evening, as the view of the city is even more incredible!