Museums

Sungkok Art Museum

4.3 · 353 reviews
A serene and contemplative urban retreat.
Sungkok Art Museum, 42 Gyeonghuigung-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Interesting facts
1

The museum grounds contain a traditional Korean-style house, or hanok, which stands in contrast to the modern exhibition buildings.

2

The institution was named after the founder of the Ssangyong conglomerate, Kim Sung-kon.

3

The garden contains over 100 different species of plants, making it a recognized green space in the urban center.

4

The museum frequently hosts the 'Sungkok Artists of Tomorrow' program, which supports emerging local talent.

Overview

Sungkok Art Museum is a private institution established in 1995 by the Ssangyong Group, situated within the former residence of Ssangyong founder Kim Sung-kon. The museum grounds feature a landscaped sculpture garden integrated into the hillside of Inwangsan mountain. It focuses primarily on contemporary Korean art, hosting rotating exhibitions that often feature mid-career artists. The main exhibition space is housed in a renovated Western-style brick building from the 1960s. The site maintains a notable collection of trees and perennial plants that create a distinct seasonal backdrop for outdoor installations. It operates as a non-profit foundation dedicated to artistic support and cultural exchange.

Photo spot

The path through the sculpture garden looking back toward the brick facade of the museum building.

Insider tips

Visit the sculpture garden first, as it offers a quieter experience before entering the main indoor galleries.

Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the museum is built on a slope with tiered levels.

Check the official website before your visit to verify if the museum is currently between exhibition changeovers.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to walk directly up the steep incline from the main road if you have mobility issues; utilize the paved paths provided.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet volume within the galleries; do not touch the exhibits or outdoor sculptures unless explicitly permitted.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Mid-spring or mid-autumn, when the garden's foliage is at its peak and the outdoor sculpture trail is most comfortable to walk.
Address
Sungkok Art Museum, 42 Gyeonghuigung-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
37.573, 126.970
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsRotating contemporary Korean art and outdoor sculpture collections.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Mid-spring or mid-autumn, when the garden's foliage is at its peak and the outdoor sculpture trail is most comfortable to walk..

The path through the sculpture garden looking back toward the brick facade of the museum building.

Close by you'll find Gyeongbokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Gwanghwamun Square.

South Korea

About Jung District