TOP 5 UNIQUE MUSEUMS TO VISIT IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
- Elena-Daniela Sandu
- Aug 8, 2025
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 25, 2025
Are you visiting South Korea and would like some ideas of interesting places that are worth visiting? Are you into peculiar experiences or just a fan of museums that are hard to forget? Prepare your bucket list and add these 5 museums to it to find out what makes them unique!
1. SOOL GALLERY (JONGO, SEOUL)
ADDRESS: 18 Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Korean Traditional Food Culture Centre, 1st floor)
OPERATING HOURS: 10 AM – 7 PM (closed on Mondays and public holidays)
TICKET PRICE: FREE
WEBSITE: https://thesool.com/
WHAT IS IT FAMOUS FOR?
Sool Gallery is a fascinating museum that features an immersive exhibition created to celebrate South Korea’s heritage of traditional alcoholic beverages. The museum offers a journey through history, flavour, and culture in interactive ways with informative displays, alcohol tastings, and expert-led sessions. Visitors can participate in alcohol tastings, educational programs, and exclusive guided tours with sommeliers.
WHY IS IT UNIQUE?
Sool Gallery is a cultural initiative promoting Korean liquor’s legacy, operated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation. The museum is centred around K-Sool, defined as the culture of alcoholic beverages passed down from the past, preserving the traditional method, which reflects the emotions of Korean people and their lifestyle, culture and history of the past.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN FEATURES?
Exhibition displays with award-winning liquors, certified products, and distillery showcases
E tasting bar that offers free samples to visitors
Expert guidance with tasting and context for foreigners in English, Japanese, and Chinese
Workshops with hands-on programs for making the most popular types of alcohol in South Korea, such as makgeolli or soju
Consultation for Korean traditional liquor or business
Support for making Korean traditional liquor promotion contests
Place to The Korean Sool Grand Festival (the biggest Korean traditional alcohol festival in South Korea)
WHO IS IT PERFECT FOR?
Food and drink enthusiasts
· Cultural explorers interested in Korean heritage
· Travellers looking for unique and authentic experiences
· Professionals (sommeliers, restaurateurs) seeking insight and networking opportunities in Korean drinking culture
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?
If you want to avoid peak hours and tourist rush, try visiting on weekdays and make sure you reserve alcohol tasting sessions in advance because they’re popular and fill up fast.
WHAT ARE SOME PIECES OF ADVICE FOR FOREIGN VISITORS?
Reserve your alcohol tasting in advance by using Naver Map or the gallery’s Instagram link because the popular free traditional liquor tasting sessions have limited spots.
Tasting times are typically at 1, 3 and 5 PM, so make sure you arrive early so you can browse the exhibitions before your booked tasting session.
· Look out for „Alcohol of the Month” themes as each month features a new themed tasting.
· Take advantage of multicultural guidance that ensures non-Korean speakers can fully engage with the experience.
· Pair your visit with neighbourhood walks, cafes and hanok village exploration as Sool Gallery is placed in the Korean Traditional Food Culture Centre near Bukcheon and Insadong.
2. GREVIN SEOUL WAX MUSEUM (JUN-GU, SEOUL)
ADDRESS: 23 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
OPERATING HOURS: 10 AM – 7 PM (Mon – Thu & Sun), 10 AM – 9 PM (Fri & Sat)
TICKET PRICE: ₩23.000 (adults), ₩15.000 (children between 3 and 12), ₩18.000 (children between 13 and 18), ₩15.000 (seniors over 65)
WEBSITE: http://www.grevin-seoul.com/en
WHAT IS IT FAMOUS FOR?
Grevin Seoul is a wax museum featuring lifelike wax figures of Korean and global celebrities, sports icons, historical and political figures and K-pop idols. The Grevin Museum opened its fourth branch in Seoul in 2015, and it has since been visited by thousands of locals and foreign visitors monthly.
WHY IS IT UNIQUE?
Grevin Seoul is the first Asian branch of the famous Parisian Grevin Wax Museum that opened in Paris in 1882. The museum offers interactive games, VR experiences, and themed sets, experiences which make it more than just a hall of wax statues.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN FEATURES?
· more than 80 life-size waxwork figures, which includes the largest collection of Korean waxwork figures
· wax figures of famous Hallyu stars (BTS, PSY, Rain, G-Dragon, Lee Minho, Hyunbin), international stars (Al Pacino, Marilyn Monroe, Brad Pitt, Bruce Lee, George Clooney, Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone), impressive political and historical figures (King Sejong, Shin Saimdang, Admiral Yi Sun-sin, Mahatma Ghandi, Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, Einstein), world champions (Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Yuna Kim, Ji Sung Park), famous artists (Vincent van Gogh, Sumi Jo, Pavaroti)
· historical and cultural sections with Korean and international figures
· interactive zones with games and quizzes (airplane simulator, casino roulette, photo booth, a game of creating your own virtual waxwork figure)
· behind-the-scenes display showing how waxwork models are made by using your own figure through 3D scanning
WHO IS IT PERFECT FOR?
· fans of Korean celebrities and Hallyu culture
· pop culture lovers
· families, couples and groups of friends
· visitors who enjoy multimedia exhibits
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?
If you want to get the best picture and enjoy your experience without interacting with large crowds, then try visiting on weekdays or at early hours.
WHAT ARE SOME PIECES OF ADVICE FOR FOREIGN VISITORS?
· Buy tickets in advance using the official website of the museum for online discounts, or purchase Seoul City Passes that include Grevin.
· Bring a fully charged camera or phone to capture every moment of your visit.
· Avoid touching the waxwork figures where signage clearly states ” no touching”, and respect other visitors enjoying the displays.
· Go with friends or family, as being in groups maximises the fun when posing or playing along with illusions.
· Pair the experience with nearby attractions such as Insa-dong Culture Street, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Tapgol Park, and syllabus-friendly museums such as Yun Dong-ju Literature Museum.
3. KIMCHIKAN MUSEUM (INSADONG, SEOUL)
ADDRESS: 35‑4 Insadong‑gil, Jongno‑gu, Seoul
OPERATING HOURS: 10 AM – 6 PM (Tue – Sun), closed on Mondays and important holidays
TICKET PRICE: ₩5.000 (adults over 19), ₩3.000 (children and teens aged 8 to 18), ₩2.000 (children aged 36 months to 7 years), free admission for infants under 36 months, elders over 65 and disabled people based on the ID card, and special discounted ticket for groups of over 20 people
WEBSITE: www.kimchikan.com/en
WHAT IS IT FAMOUS FOR?
Kimchikan Museum is the first kimchi museum opened in South Korea (in Pil-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul) in 1986. The museum showcases the history, science, and culture of kimchi, South Korea’s world-famous traditional dish. In 2013, the practice of Kimjang (making and sharing kimchi) was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, so visiting this unique museum is a tribute to the importance of the kimchi culture in South Korea.
WHY IS IT UNIQUE?
The unique character of this museum lies in the fact that it blends food history with interactive science. During your visit, you can learn about the fermentation process that kimchi goes through, the regional varieties of kimchi made across South Korea, and the UNESCO-recognised kimchijang culture through hands-on classes.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN FEATURES?
· multi-floor exhibits (history of kimchi, fermentation science, kimjang traditions)
· Kimchi tasting and kimchi making areas (6th floor)
· eye-level microscope displays, digital microscopes, fermentation simulators and diverse educational tools (5th floor)
· interactive maps and spice-scent zones (4th floor)
· cook-your-own-kimchi individual or group workshops (₩35.000 for Kimchi Basic Class, ₩45.000 for Kimchi Master Class, free for the program Kimchi School for Foreigner Groups over 12 people, ₩19.000 for the program ”It’s Kimchi” groups over 15 people
· free audio guide in English and Korean on the mobile app Qpicker
WHO IS IT PERFECT FOR?
· food lovers
· cultural travellers
· curious educators
· amateur or professional chefs
· groups on educational field trips
· families and couples
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?
Try visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds and experience the museum without feeling rushed or pressured to move faster.
WHAT ARE SOME PIECES OF ADVICE FOR FOREIGN VISITORS?
· English explanations are available using the mobile app Qpicker or booking guided tours when possible.
· Be open to tasting kimchi varieties during sampling or workshops.
· Photography is allowed in most areas and especially encouraged in the fermentation jars display areas.
· Look for combo tickets or cultural passes if you plan to visit more museums in Insadong.
· Make sure you reserve your spot at the kimchi-making classes, which are usually held from Wednesday to Sunday.
4. OWL ART & CRAFT MUSEUM (JONGNO-JU, SEOUL)
ADDRESS: 143‑10 Bukchon‑ro, Jongno‑gu, Seoul
OPERATING HOURS: 10 AM – 6 PM (Oct – Mar), 10 AM – 7 PM (Apr – Sept), closed on Mondays (except on public holidays)
TICKET PRICE: ₩5.000 (adults), ₩4.000 (teenagers), ₩3.000 (children)
WEBSITE: www.owlmuseum.co.kr
WHAT IS IT FAMOUS FOR?
Owl Art & Craft Museum is famous for its collection of over 2000 owl-themed artworks, crafts, household items, and accessories from around the globe. This museum was initially a private residence, which was eventually remade into a charming and unique-looking museum.
WHY IS IT UNIQUE?
This museum is entirely dedicated to owl motifs across cultures, from pottery, paintings, sculptures and stamps to household objects and accessories. All the items are actually a private collection poured into a single-room museum.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN FEATURES?
· owl crafts from over 70 countries around the globe (including China, the USA, the Czech Republic and Poland)
· over 2000 owl-themed items (dishes, vases, sculptures, paintings, stamps)
· antique house vibe that charms any vintage style lovers
· a possible guided tour facilitated by the owner of the museum
· free and tasty cups of warm tea for all visitors
WHO IS IT PERFECT FOR?
· art lovers
· vintage style lovers
· collectors
· solo travellers
· curious couples
· visitors seeking quirky experiences
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?
Try visiting mid-week to avoid crowds and make sure you check the operating hours, which are different according to the time of the year.
WHAT ARE SOME PIECES OF ADVICE FOR FOREIGN VISITORS?
· This museum is small and cozy, so it’s perfect for visitors who want a short cultural stop in Bukchon Hanok Village.
· When you are inside the museum, speak quietly and respect the peaceful gallery-like atmosphere.
· If you are interested in the origins of certain items, ask the staff, as they are usually very friendly and happy to help.
· Pay attention to the signage because in some areas photography isn’t allowed.
· Enjoy the delicious traditional tea house that is offered to all visitors to complete your relaxing cultural afternoon.
5. KOREAN NATIONAL POLICE HERITAGE MUSEUM (JONGNO, SEOUL)
ADDRESS: 162, Songwol‑gil, Jongno‑gu, Seoul
OPERATING HOURS: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry at 5 PM), closed on Mondays and major Korean holidays
TICKET PRICE: FREE
WEBSITE: www.policemuseum.go.kr
WHAT IS IT FAMOUS FOR?
The Korean National Police Heritage Museum first opened in 2005 and is famous for preserving the history of the Korean National Police, from the Joseon Dynasty through Japanese colonisation and modern police developments. The museum exhibits artefacts such as police cars, old uniforms, and badges spanning over a century.
WHY IS IT UNIQUE?
The museum is highly interactive and offers both historical depth and hands-on experience for visitors of all ages who can try on AR uniforms, engage in the fingerprinting process, ride in patrol cars, and use a drone simulator.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN FEATURES?
· 4F – Police History Hall (artefacts, history timelines, storytelling about officers, memorial wall to fallen police)
· 3F – Understanding Korean Police Today (participation in activities such as shooting simulators, cybercrime prevention, traffic quizzes, drone piloting, and fingerprint matching)
· various artefacts from police agencies (including the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, the Korean National Police University, and the Police Human Resources Development Institute
· a collection of 12.000 pieces related to domestic and overseas police history and duties
· regular shooting simulator sessions
WHO IS IT PERFECT FOR?
· families and children who are interested in learning through play-based exhibits
· anyone curious about crime prevention, modern technology in policing, and public safety education
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?
If you want to avoid school groups, visit on weekdays. Shooting simulator sessions run at regular times and require visitors to be 11 or up.
WHAT ARE SOME PIECES OF ADVICE FOR FOREIGN VISITORS?
· Plan for interactive activities as they run at specific times, so it’s best to check the schedule and plan accordingly.
· Admission is free, so you can enjoy the visit without paying for anything.
· For a smoother visit, you can use the provided amenities such as lockers, strollers, and wheelchairs.
· Be respectful and follow the museum’s etiquette (no food, pets, scooters, or loud noises; keep your phone on silent and avoid touching exhibits).
· Try using public transport (the subway) because it’s the easiest option to get there.
Whether you're fascinated by quirky culture, modern history, or interactive experiences, Seoul's most unique museums offer something for every curious traveller. From wax figures to crime-solving simulators, these offbeat spots go beyond traditional exhibits to spark imagination and discovery, so make sure you don’t miss them!
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