Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) (서울공예박물관)

The Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA), the first public museum of craft art in Korea, opened its doors in Anguk-dong, Jongno-gu, in July 2021 after renovating five buildings of the former Pungmoon Girls’ High School. SeMoCA studies and shares not only works, but also information, records, people, and environment related to craft art with the goal of becoming a dynamic platform for experiencing the technical, practical, artistic, and cultural values of craft.

SeMoCA holds a collection that comprises various crafts and craft materials covering multiple fields and eras from the traditional to the present. SeMoCA also holds exhibitions that feature the history of craft from traditional to contemporary art as well as local and children’s crafts, along with programs that utilize the museum’s craft installations, craft archives, craft library, and craft resource management system.

The site of the museum has deep historical roots as it is also the Andong Secondary Palace Site, where a detached palace was constructed as a royal residence for King Sejong’s son Prince Yeongeung, and served as a venue for royal celebrations, such as the wedding of King Sunjong. The site is also at the center of Jongno-gu, where Joseon-era master artisans (“gyeonggongjang”) of the royal palace produced and delivered craft works.

– Address : 4 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

※ Presentation Information
– Information and Guides
+82-2-6450-7000

– Day Off
Mondays, January 1

– Usage Fee
Free
(space rental available with payment)

– Operating Hours
10:00–18:00

◎ Nearby Tourism Infobox

⊙ Matthew Chang Anguk (메튜장 안국)

– Homepage
www.matthewchangperfumes.com

Matthew Chang Anguk flagship store uses the whole space to bring the brand’s philosophy to life through fragrance. Located in Anguk, the heart of Korea’s tradition and aesthetics, the store’s tranquil atmosphere sets the mood for visitors to try on and experiment with the brand’s carefully selected perfume collection. The staff provides assistance in recommending the perfect scent according to visitor’s preference, mood, and nostalgia. The store also has a section dedicated to body care products, such as hand wash and body lotion.

⊙ Insa-dong (인사동)

View detailed guide on Korea Trip Guide →

– Homepage
www.insainfo.or.kr

– Tel
+82-2-734-0222

Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.

The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area offering every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.

The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. They are hidden deep within the twisting alleyways, making it feel like a treasure hunt. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.

Every Saturday from 14:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, the main street is blocked to vehicular traffic and it becomes a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside and Korean candy merchants and fortune teller stalls can easily be found; there are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is especially popular among international tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture first-hand, and also purchase pieces of fine art.

⊙ High – Anguk Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (하이엔드코리아 안국)

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⊙ Line Friends – Insa Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (라인프렌즈 인사점)

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⊙ KongKongY Gallery [Tax Refund Shop] (콩콩이 그림가게)

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⊙ Bachi Ring (UMC Jewelry) [Tax Refund Shop] (바치링(UMC쥬얼리))

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⊙ Color pool Museum (컬러풀뮤지엄(COLORPOOL MUSEUM))

View detailed guide on Korea Trip Guide →

– Homepage
http://www.colorpoolmuseum.com
https://www.instagram.com/colorpoolmuseum

It is an experiential museum where you can feel the variety of colors with all your senses. If you want to have a picture with a pretty background like a fairy tale, there is no better place than this museum. The pool filled with adorable pink balls is the most popular section that brings happy smiles to everyone, adults and children alike. You can also find various souvenirs related to bathing, such as exfoliating towels and natural soap.

⊙ Asin [Tax Refund Shop] (아신)

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⊙ Nwijo (뉘조)

– Homepage
www.nwijo.com (Korean only)

– Tel
+82-2-730-9311

Nwijo is a Korean table d’hote restaurant located in Insa-dong where you can enjoy course meals made from hundreds of wild herbs. Starting with pumpkin porridge and water kimchi, basic dishes such as wild herb salads, pancakes, kimchi with boiled pork slices, and mixed roots are served along with set menu and wild herb enzymes as a standard part of the meal.

Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) (서울공예박물관)