Seoul this season

This summer!

This summer! Dive into the sea of our music! The National Theater of Korea's representative summer festival.

Set against the backdrop of a northern English coal-mining village in the 1980s…

Set against the backdrop of a northern English coal-mining village in the 1980s, this is the moving story of "Billy," a boy who accidentally encounters ballet during a boxing class and discovers his talent, depicting his journey toward his dream against the walls of prejudice and reality.

Culture Tank hosts the digital exhibition <The magnificent Hermitage> from the State Hermitage Museum in Russia…

Culture Tank hosts the digital exhibition <The magnificent Hermitage> from the State Hermitage Museum in Russia, which is considered one of the world’s top three museums. This special exhibition utilizes official digital content from the Hermitage Museum to present world-class masterpieces and the architectural beauty of the museum through immersive media art, providing citizens with the opportunity to experience world-class cultural content within the city.

Major new works that unravel human existence, desire, and the structure of memory and time…

Major new works that unravel human existence, desire, and the structure of memory and time through a unique visual language, centered on 'The Chair' series, which has been explored over a long period.

Explore the world of Haruki Murakami through a unique exhibition blending literature, jazz, cinema…

Explore the world of Haruki Murakami through a unique exhibition blending literature, jazz, cinema, and contemporary art at Platform-L Contemporary Art Center.

The unfair stories of villains and misunderstood beings in Korean folktales.

The unfair stories of villains and misunderstood beings in Korean folktales. A new form of audience-participatory performance combining musicals and club culture.

A festival where you can enjoy a cool summer with water and sand play at Gwanghwamun Square in…

A festival where you can enjoy a cool summer with water and sand play at Gwanghwamun Square in the middle of downtown Seoul.

Space Tone hosts the solo exhibition 《Multiplicity》 by fiber installation artist Ko So-mi.

Space Tone hosts the solo exhibition 《Multiplicity》 by fiber installation artist Ko So-mi.

Five weeks of waterfront markets, swim pools, night performances.

City-run summer programming spread across Yeouido / Banpo / Ttukseom Han River parks. Outdoor pools, night markets, ice rinks (yes, in summer), Friday-night fireworks. Mostly free, ideal for low-stress family weekends.

We recall the moment of opening a wardrobe door.

We recall the moment of opening a wardrobe door. The time brushing past fabrics, the memories lingering on our fingertips, countless garments and stories, and small attempts accumulate to become a single legacy.

Discover 52 masterpieces from the Detroit Institute of Arts in Seoul.

Discover 52 masterpieces from the Detroit Institute of Arts in Seoul. Featuring Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, Matisse, and Picasso, this exhibition spans a century of art history.

Explore 112 works by Fernando Botero at Seoul Arts Center, including paintings, drawings…

Explore 112 works by Fernando Botero at Seoul Arts Center, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures that reveal his iconic world of volume and form.

The 20th-anniversary exhibition of the Seoul Museum of Art’s Nanji Residency, 《The Origin of Love (AMOR EX MACHINA)》…

The 20th-anniversary exhibition of the Seoul Museum of Art’s Nanji Residency, 《The Origin of Love (AMOR EX MACHINA)》, is structured as a journey to look back on the meaning of love by borrowing the archetypes of old stories in an era where technology rewrites relationships.

The story of the journey of COMPANY, who have traveled the world collaborating with artisans…

The story of the journey of COMPANY, who have traveled the world collaborating with artisans from various regions, coming to understand and love the world in their own way.

A special exhibition by six craft artists, <Summer Hands, One Six Table Table:>

A special exhibition by six craft artists, <Summer Hands, One Six Table Table:>

The Seoul Archives has prepared an interactive exhibition for children, “The Twisting Record Exploration”…

The Seoul Archives has prepared an interactive exhibition for children, “The Twisting Record Exploration”, designed to help them easily and enjoyably experience records. The exhibition is divided into three main sections.

An exhibition where you can diagnose your skin and scalp using AI-based beauty-tech devices and…

An exhibition where you can diagnose your skin and scalp using AI-based beauty-tech devices and experience various interactive programs such as virtual makeup and Life Four Cuts photo booths.

The exhibition "A Stroll Through Records: Seoul’s Parks" showcases over 90 related records…

The exhibition "A Stroll Through Records: Seoul’s Parks" showcases over 90 related records, highlighting Seoul’s green space policies, stories of its prominent parks, park records categorized by keywords, and photographs of Seoul’s parks taken by residents.

An exhibition dedicated solely to the life of the world-renowned master, Francisco Goya.

An exhibition dedicated solely to the life of the world-renowned master, Francisco Goya.

Experience OCEAN: The Greatest Record, a special exhibition combining National Geographic’s stunning ocean photography with…

Experience OCEAN: The Greatest Record, a special exhibition combining National Geographic’s stunning ocean photography with Disney’s emotional storytelling.

From traditional Hanoks to urban landmarks! A special Seoul trip with Taekwondo.

From traditional Hanoks to urban landmarks! A special Seoul trip with Taekwondo.

2026 Namsangol Traditional Experience: Artist’s Time A time to feel traditional arts closely and learn them easily!

2026 Namsangol Traditional Experience: Artist’s Time A time to feel traditional arts closely and learn them easily! Experience diverse activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages in traditional houses.

《Yoo Youngkuk: A Mountain Within Me》 is the largest retrospective to date commemorating the 110th anniversary of the birth of Yoo…

《Yoo Youngkuk: A Mountain Within Me》 is the largest retrospective to date commemorating the 110th anniversary of the birth of Yoo Youngkuk (1916-2002), a pioneer of Korean abstract art, and the inaugural project of the newly presented ’Korean Modern Masters Exhibition’ series by the Seoul Museum of Art.

The ’2026 Seoul International Garden Show’ will be held under the theme ’Seoul…

The ’2026 Seoul International Garden Show’ will be held under the theme ’Seoul, Green Culture’ at Seoul Forest for six months from May 1 to October 27. The Seoul International Garden Show is the representative million-seller global festival of ’Garden City Seoul’.

Enjoy Yeonhui Panpan at the National Gugak Center, a lively traditional Korean performance filled with laughter, music…

Enjoy Yeonhui Panpan at the National Gugak Center, a lively traditional Korean performance filled with laughter, music, storytelling, and audience participation.

Seoul Outdoor Library is a new library innovation model that began with ’Read at Seoul Plaza’ in 2022 and expanded to ’Gwanghwamun…

Seoul Outdoor Library is a new library innovation model that began with ’Read at Seoul Plaza’ in 2022 and expanded to ’Gwanghwamun Book Yard’ (2023) and ’Read at the Clear Stream’ (2024). A space that is good to be together, ’Read at Seoul Plaza’.

A symbol stronger than identity, Banksy's unending message!

A symbol stronger than identity, Banksy's unending message!

The Seongbuk Museum of Art is holding the 2026 special exhibition ≪Lee…

The Seongbuk Museum of Art is holding the 2026 special exhibition ≪Lee, Jung yoon: Singing ornaments in the house≫ at the Kim Chung-up Architecture Culture House, a space embodying Kim Chung-up’s architectural philosophy. Inspired by Kim Chung-up’s thought and architecture, artist Lee Jung-yoon newly transforms the Kim Chung-up Architecture Culture House into a ’Singing House,’ centering on her work.

A two-hour curated journey to experience the one-table-per-person hospitality culture of Joseon…

A two-hour curated journey to experience the one-table-per-person hospitality culture of Joseon Yangban families while appreciating Pansori, traditional performing arts, and dance.

Premiered in 2008, ’THE PAINTERS ’ is a new-concept art performance that merges dynamic choreography, live drawing, and media art.

Premiered in 2008, ’THE PAINTERS ’ is a new-concept art performance that merges dynamic choreography, live drawing, and media art. The show dramatically portrays the creation of artwork through each scene, with unexpected twists, witty performances, and stylish urban dance.

The Seoul Museum of Art presents its 2025 Public Space Project featuring world-renowned artist Ernesto Neto…

The Seoul Museum of Art presents its 2025 Public Space Project featuring world-renowned artist Ernesto Neto, who has broadened the horizon of contemporary sculpture. His new work Ba Ka Ba, The Dance That Crosses Forever is a large-scale installation traversing the lobby and open areas of the Seosomun Main Building.

Experience the world beyond sight in

Experience the world beyond sight in

The Seoul Museum of History’s Children’s Museum, an interactive historical playground where children can embark on a time…

The Seoul Museum of History’s Children’s Museum, an interactive historical playground where children can embark on a time expedition to Hanyang, Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty, has officially opened its doors. <Hanyang Adventure Begins!> consists of three thematic courses (science, education, and professions) comprising a total of 13 sections.

Introducing the flow of Korean history, culture and arts, and unique regional cultural resources…

Introducing the flow of Korean history, culture and arts, and unique regional cultural resources leading to today's K-content through regional content exhibitions and media art.

A story about an imaginary being, 'Mr.

A story about an imaginary being, 'Mr. Cat A', where you can listen to the lives and sounds of beings quietly erased in the city and experience ecological listening that newly opens the sense of coexi

A solo exhibition by artist Kwon Byungjun, who has long explored the intersection of technology…

A solo exhibition by artist Kwon Byungjun, who has long explored the intersection of technology and art, featured as part of the annual Children+ exhibition at the Seoul Museum of Art, Buk-Seoul Museu

How does our body operate in an art museum?

How does our body operate in an art museum? While gazing at the artworks and walking through the exhibition hall, the viewer’s body moves amidst concentration and tension.

Another story of records at the Seoul Metropolitan Archives The Seoul Metropolitan Archives presents the exhibition A City’s…

Another story of records at the Seoul Metropolitan Archives The Seoul Metropolitan Archives presents the exhibition A City’s Boarding Log, introducing the journey of Seoul’s transportation. The exhibition traces the city’s growth from the aftermath of the Korean War to the 1980s, as it built the foundations of its transportation system through archival materials.

’Louis Vuitton Visionary Journeys Seoul’ is a cultural journey to experience Louis Vuitton’s travel, craftsmanship, and heritage…

’Louis Vuitton Visionary Journeys Seoul’ is a cultural journey to experience Louis Vuitton’s travel, craftsmanship, and heritage, serving as an immersive exhibition illuminating the brand’s legacy. It is a space that unravels the philosophy of travel and the creative heritage that the Maison has continued for over 170 years into a single narrative.

The largest illustration event in the Republic of Korea.

The largest illustration event in the Republic of Korea.

A summer vacation presented by DDP.

A summer vacation presented by DDP.

Twice-yearly K-fashion industry showcase.

Generation MZ and K-pop stylists show side by side. DDP becomes a runway grid for 6 days. Public can browse showrooms; runway shows are press + buyer + invite. Many adjacent pop-up parties around Dongdaemun + Hannam.

Korea's biggest fireworks night. 1M+ attendees over the Han.

One Saturday in early October. Three teams (Korea + two international guests) fire over the Han River from Yeouido. Crowds arrive 4pm for an 8pm show. Avoid Yeouinaru station after. the Banpo + Mapo bridges are walkable alternatives back.

Three weeks when Seoul's mountains and palaces turn red.

Not an organised festival. it's nature. Bukhansan trails (especially Baegundae and Daedongmun routes), Namsan park, and Changdeokgung's Secret Garden are at peak around late October to mid November. Pre-book Secret Garden tickets, it sells out.

2 weeks of fixed-price tasting menus at 80+ Seoul restaurants.

Mid-tier and upscale Seoul restaurants offer fixed-price tasting menus (₩30,000-₩80,000) for two weeks. Includes Michelin Bib + 1-star participants in many years. English booking via the official site; reserve early.

Themed paper lanterns floating on the downtown stream for 17 days.

Cheonggyecheon turns into a corridor of giant illuminated lanterns, themed annually (folk tales / K-pop / Korean dynasties). Most magical after sundown 6pm to 10pm. Free, family-friendly, all-weather.

Wooden chalets + mulled wine in front of the palace.

Annual European-style Christmas market in front of Gwanghwamun. ~40 wooden booths sell crafts, mulled wine, Korean street food. Kid-friendly, evening-magical, paired with a giant tree and Sejong-the-Great backdrop.

Six weeks of immersive light installations on the DDP exterior.

DDP's curving exterior becomes a programmed light canvas every winter. 7-11pm projection mapping, plus indoor immersive installations (ticketed). Pairs well with a winter walk through Dongdaemun fashion market.

The midnight bell that rings in the Korean new year. 33 strikes.

New Year's Eve crowd of ~100,000 packs Jongno for the 33-strike midnight bell at Bosingak. Free, very crowded, festive. Subway runs late; come 9pm for a spot. Better-photographed from the Hanaro Mart side.

New Year sunrise with 360° city view from a former landfill turned park.

Haneul Park sits on top of a former landfill mountain. the highest natural point in central-west Seoul. New Year sunrise from here covers the whole skyline. 5am start to climb in the dark; warm clothing, gloves, hand-warmers.

Seoul's most-photographed cherry blossom street, closed to cars.

A one-week stretch when Yunjung-ro behind the National Assembly turns into a 1.7km tunnel of cherry blossom. Closed to traffic, illuminated until 10pm, food trucks line the river side. Peak bloom usually April 5-9. check VisitSeoul a few days before.

UNESCO-listed Buddhist parade that lights up the entire downtown.

Centred on Buddha's Birthday. Friday night lotus lantern parade marches from Dongguk Univ to Jonggak with thousands of paper lanterns. Saturday street festival around Jogyesa Temple with traditional craft + tea + free vegetarian temple food.

Asia's biggest jazz festival, world-class international lineup.

Three days of jazz, soul, and adjacent genres across multiple Olympic Park stages. Past headliners include Jamiroquai, John Mayer, Norah Jones. Tickets sell out 1-2 months out. check May 1 onwards.

Focusing on the representative works of artist Ji Min Sun…

Focusing on the representative works of artist Ji Min Sun, who has combined the symbolism of traditional folk paintings (Minhwa) with modern sensibilities, this exhibition modernly reinterprets symbols in folk paintings under the theme of ’BEOM’ (Tiger).

《Our Time Begins Here》 is an exhibition that illuminates the construction process of the Seo-Seoul Museum of Art and the narrative…

《Our Time Begins Here》 is an exhibition that illuminates the construction process of the Seo-Seoul Museum of Art and the narrative of time engraved in the southwestern region (and its people) as a ’record of memories’. Through the resonance of works that reflect the scenes of West Seoul remaining amidst the processes of creation and extinction, and the time differences that occur in between using the language of art, it constructs the memories of the construction of the Seo-Seoul Museum of Art, its surrounding time, places, and community into a multi-layered structure.

Space K Seoul, Kolon’s cultural art sharing space, hosts the solo exhibition "For Theresa" by Mandy El-Sayegh (b.1985)…

Space K Seoul, Kolon’s cultural art sharing space, hosts the solo exhibition "For Theresa" by Mandy El-Sayegh (b.1985), who is based in London. Born in Malaysia with Palestinian and Chinese heritage, the artist has developed unique archival installation works using data collection and editing methods based on the ’outsider’s perspective’ she experienced while growing up in Western society.

Where you can directly encounter original paintings by European masters such as Rembrandt, Goya, Jacques-Louis David, and Turner…

Where you can directly encounter original paintings by European masters such as Rembrandt, Goya, Jacques-Louis David, and Turner, will be held at the ALT.1 Museum in The Hyundai Seoul from March 21 to July 4, 2026. This exhibition is a large-scale classic painting exhibition that carefully selects and presents over 50 paintings by masters who led the flow of Western art history from the mid-16th century to the mid-19th century, among the representative collections of the Toledo Museum of Art located in Ohio, USA.

《Where Writing Breathes》 is an exhibition that explores ’Creation’, the institutional agenda of the Seoul Museum of Art for 2026.

《Where Writing Breathes》 is an exhibition that explores ’Creation’, the institutional agenda of the Seoul Museum of Art for 2026. The word ’author’ is widely used not only in the art world but also in various fields such as literature and music, strongly connotes the meaning of creation or expressing an artwork originally.

Artist Oh Jiyoon is drawing the attention of the international art world…

Artist Oh Jiyoon is drawing the attention of the international art world, having been invited to the Venice Biennale for two consecutive sessions, from the 60th to the 61st. This exhibition is held to coincide with the opening period of the Biennale, and visitors can encounter the same series of works exhibited there.

Hanseongbu was the institution that managed the affairs of the capital, much like today’s Seoul City Hall, and its head…

Hanseongbu was the institution that managed the affairs of the capital, much like today’s Seoul City Hall, and its head, the Panyun, oversaw the entire capital city and led its urban administration. Furthermore, it also possessed the characteristics of a central administrative agency, directly participating in state administration.

Conducted as part of the Pokemon 30th Anniversary Project, Pokemon Mega Festa 2026…

Conducted as part of the Pokemon 30th Anniversary Project, Pokemon Mega Festa 2026, the ’Pokemon Secret Forest’ is a special garden-type space where urban nature and Pokemon harmonize, presenting a unique exploration experience to visitors. The moment you step into the mysterious forest, you can feel an immersive feeling as if you have entered the Pokemon world, and you can experience the joy of discovering Pokemon hidden throughout.

Based on Yeongdeungpo’s complex landscape where industry, finance, and culture intersect…

Based on Yeongdeungpo’s complex landscape where industry, finance, and culture intersect, this exhibition reinterprets the city as a living, moving organism. Planned by the KAIST Experience Design Lab, this exhibition sheds new light on the relationship between the city and humans through data visualization and immersive media.

Are you familiar with ‘Samgakji’, a fiercely artistic space where countless unknown painters maintained their livelihoods and never…

Are you familiar with ‘Samgakji’, a fiercely artistic space where countless unknown painters maintained their livelihoods and never let go of their brushes until the very end? A visual arts exhibition by seven artists, which modernly reinterprets the historical context of the Samgakji gallery street formed after the Korean War, will be held at the Yongsan Cultural Foundation Pop-up Hall.

《 Untuned Time : Camille Norment, Min Oh 》 is a two-person exhibition featuring Camille Norment and Min Oh that sheds new light on…

《 Untuned Time : Camille Norment, Min Oh 》 is a two-person exhibition featuring Camille Norment and Min Oh that sheds new light on what is commonly referred to as "noise," including irregular sounds, unpredictable variables, and elements pushed outside the boundaries of established systems.

Walk, taste, and enjoy the night of Namsan Mountain together.

Walk, taste, and enjoy the night of Namsan Mountain together. A combination of wellness, global trends, and gastronomy...

The moment when ink, deep empty space, and time-embracing trees become a single garden.

The moment when ink, deep empty space, and time-embracing trees become a single garden.