Top Museums to Visit in Seoul – Discovering Korean Culture

One of the best places to learn more about the history of the country as well as its rich traditions and heritage, the National Museum of Korea is well worth visiting. Situated in the heart of the city and within easy reach for those staying at a centrally located hotel or serviced apartment Seoul has to offer, the museum features a stunning array of collections that feature exhibits covering ancient history, medieval times and even more modern history as well. Visitors have a chance to see paintings, sculptures, calligraphy and may other interesting aspects. It is not only items from Korea that you will find here, with the National Museum also showcasing artefacts from other Asian countries as well including China, India and Japan to name a few.

Featuring over 40,000 exhibits and artefacts, the National Palace Museum of Korea is the perfect place to gain insights into the Joseon Dynasty which spanned 500 years. At the permanent collection, visitors can look forward to learning about the lifestyle during this dynasty as well as the kind of music, art and science that was practised. Those staying in the capital at properties such as Somerset Palace Seoul can easily access this museum which also has temporary exhibitions and special programmes throughout the year.

Focusing on the Korean way of life from the prehistoric period to contemporary times, the National Folk Museum of Korea is another insightful museum where one can experience local culture. The Korean Annual Traditional Handicraft Art Exhibition is amongst the events that are hosted here which are interesting to visit as well. The museum also has an exhibition held outdoors where one can make observations about traditional culture in rural areas.

The country's first such museum, this attraction features vast collections showcasing all manner of specimens related to the natural world. Linked to one of the country's top universities, the Ewha Womans University Natural History Museum gives interested visitors a chance to see a vast range of species including those that are rare and endemic along with protected birds from other countries. Look to also make time to head to the close by University Museum where one can see more historical artefacts.

No trip to Seoul is complete without trying one of the most popular dishes eaten in Korea; Kimchi! Of course, what better place to discover the wonders of this traditional side dish than at the Pulmuone Kimchi Museum. Inaugurated in the mid 1980's, the museum which can be found in the Korea World Trade Centre is dedicated and devoted to the promotion of this humble dish which has become a staple of Korean cuisine.