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

Curious about the special exhibitions and must-visit events in Seoul this May? 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 amount of time. So seize the opportunity 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 heading into May. The weather is slowly starting to heat up, so heading inside into AC always sounds like a good choice. While escaping from the climbing temperatures, you can embrace all the art forms and exhibitions that Korea has to offer.

1. Arts In My Space

Duration of the exhibition: April 16th, 2025 ~ May 4th, 2025
Location: Insa 1010 Gallery
Location tip: Located near Anguk Station
Price: Free
Learn more here

This exhibition explores how personal spaces reflect individual stories, memories, and dreams. Objects, furniture, and artworks within a room shape its atmosphere, sharing emotions and narratives with their owners. The exhibition encourages viewers to appreciate and incorporate art into their own spaces, allowing it to transform their surroundings and enrich their daily lives. Ultimately, personalized spaces filled with art and personal taste enhance the beauty of one’s life story.

2. The Corner

Duration of the exhibition: December 16th, 2024 ~ May 25th, 2025
Location: Sejong Cultural Center
Location tip: Near Gwanghwamun Station
Price: Free
Learn more here

This project reimagines spaces within the Sejong Center as new artistic venues. It showcases works by various artists who explore themes of nature, communication, and coexistence, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience.

3. Hands And Stains

Duration of the exhibition: November 11th, 2024 ~ June 6th, 2025
Location: Gallery Chosun
Location tip: Located by Gyeongbokgung Palace
Price: Free
Learn more here

Hands And Stains marks Ahn SangHoon’s ongoing exploration of time, existence, and uncertainty as he reaches fifty. The exhibition reflects the philosophical question of what can be hoped for or known in the face of aging, highlighting the limitations and changes of middle age. Filled with around 80 works, the exhibition showcases paintings created through repeated decisions, oscillating between part and whole, symbolizing the artist’s journey of discovering new order in uncertainty. The works invite reflection on life’s boundaries and the acceptance of imperfection.

4. Frames Of Architecture

Duration of the exhibition: November 22nd, 2024 ~ June 1st, 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.

5. Moment Of Creation – The Artist’s Studio

Duration of the exhibition: February 14th, 2025 ~ May 24th, 2025
Location: National Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art
Location tip: Located close to Gyeonbokgung palace
Price: Free
Learn more here

Moment of Creation – The Artist’s Studio is a film program that explores the creative processes of artists across disciplines such as visual arts, architecture, dance, and literature. Through eight films, it provides insight into how artists translate their thoughts into art, offering a glimpse into their unique worldviews.

6. Record, Memory Of You

National Museum of Korean Contemporary History

Duration of the exhibition: May 1st, 2025 ~ July 6th, 2025
Location: National Museum of Korean Contemporary History
Location tip: Located in Gwanghwamun and in front of Gyeongbokgung palace
Price: Free
Learn more here

In 2025, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History and the National Archives are collaborating to expand the exhibition into “Record, Memory of You,” adding key records from modern history and liberation. Visitors are invited to reflect on how daily records build history.

7. Performing Arts In Korea, Reflect The Times

National Museum of Korean Contemporary History

Duration of the exhibition: April 2nd, 2025 ~ June 15th, 2025
Location: National Museum of Korean Contemporary History
Location tip: Located in Gwanghwamun and in front of Gyeongbokgung palace
Price: Free
Learn more here

The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History and the National Theater of Korea, under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, are hosting their first joint exhibition. It highlights the history of Korea’s modern and contemporary performing arts. This collaboration aims to broaden access to cultural experiences and hopes to offer the public an even richer variety of cultural and artistic opportunities in the future.

8. Five Transformative Conversations

National Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art

Duration of the exhibition: April 4th, 2025 ~ July 13th, 2025
Location: National Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art
Location tip: Located close to Gyeonbokgung palace
Price: Free
Learn more here

Through this exhibition, visitors are invited to explore diverse forms of language and expression through ongoing workshops, talks, and screenings, fostering connection across linguistic differences. Participants are encouraged to describe artworks based on their personal perceptions, contributing to an audio description script that will later be published as a book. The project highlights how individual experiences and expressions deepen our understanding of art.

9. Imprinting The Cosmos

Gallery Rho

Duration of the exhibition: April 24th, 2025 ~ May 14th, 2025
Location: Gallery Rho
Location tip: Located near Anguk Station
Price: Free
Learn more here

Master artisan Kim KiHo, the fifth-generation successor of a tradition that began in 1856 during the reign of King CheolJong of the Joseon Dynasty, continues his family’s craft at Geumbakyeon, a workshop located in Bukchon. The exhibition features a variety of pieces incorporating gold leaf, including a myeonsapo (bridal veil) reflecting Eastern views of the universe, as well as a nokwonsam (ceremonial robe).

10. Clothes of Royal Ladies

National Palace Museum of Korea

Duration of the exhibition: March 12th, 2025 ~ May 11th, 2025
Location: National Palace Museum of Korea
Location tip: Located close to Gyeonbokgung palace
Price: Free
Learn more here

The exhibition is a joint effort between The Cultural Heritage Administration and Kyunggi Girls’ High School’s Kyungun Museum. The collection, donated by Prince Uichin’s daughter, Lee HaeGyeong, includes royal garments such as the wonsam, dangui, seuran chima, hwagwan, noraegae, and daedae. The exhibition highlights the historical and artistic significance of these pieces and aims to deepen public understanding of royal court attire and culture.