Enjoy Cultural Tourism This Winter in Seoul
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When winter feels too cold to enjoy outdoor activities, Seoul offers a surprising number of free exhibitions that make staying indoors feel rewarding.
This seasonal guide introduces seven free exhibitions across the city, spanning fashion, contemporary art, history, media art, and photography, all open during winter.
Without traveling far or spending money, you can quietly immerse yourself in culture and experience Seoul’s diverse creative spaces this winter.
Free Winter Exhibitions to Enjoy Indoors in Seoul
Winter can be a drag when it feels too cold to go outside, but Seoul’s cultural spaces offer a warm alternative.
Across museums, memorial halls, and public buildings, a wide range of free exhibitions are open throughout the winter season.
Special Exhibition of Kim Gi-sook's Donation
This exhibition traces the 40-year creative journey of Kim Gi-sook, a pioneer of Korean fashion art.
Organized into five sections, it presents her work as both design and cultural history, offering a calm and reflective viewing experience.
Location: Seoul Craft Museum. Hours are 10 AM to 6 PM, closed on Mondays. The exhibition runs from December 23, 2025 to March 15, 2026.
Free educational programs related to the exhibition are also held from January 6 to March 12.
Nearby Worlds
This large-scale exhibition introduces contemporary art from the United Arab Emirates to Korean audiences.
Co-planned by the Seoul Museum of Art and the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, it features over 110 works including painting, video, and installation art.
Location: Seoul Museum of Art, Seosomun Main Building. Opening hours vary by day, with late-night viewing on Fridays. Dates run from December 16, 2025 to March 29, 2026.
Choi Jae-eun: Promise
This exhibition marks Choi Jae-eun’s first solo show at a national public art museum in Korea.
Alongside her artworks, visitors can join participatory workshops that encourage reflection and interaction.
It is held at the Seoul Museum of Art, Seosomun Main Building, from December 23, 2025 to April 5, 2026, with the same operating hours as other exhibitions in the venue.
Three Tears – Lee Si-young
This historical exhibition commemorates the 120th anniversary of the Eulsa Treaty and the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation.
Through documents and narratives, it focuses on the life and spirit of Lee Si-young, Korea’s first vice president.
The exhibition takes place at Lee Hoi-young Memorial Hall from November 23, 2025 to March 1, 2026, open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM except Mondays.
Haera: Memories of the Abyss
Displayed on a massive media wall inside Seoul City Hall, this exhibition presents works by media artist Kim Bo-seul.
The immersive visuals are enhanced with AR experiences, making it a memorable stop even for short visits.
It runs from January 1 to March 31, 2026 at the Seoul City Hall first-floor lobby media wall.
Us, Space, and Life
This exhibition captures warm, everyday moments of laughter through traditional ink wash painting.
Visitors can also participate in a hands-on experience by creating Hanji lamps together with the artist.
The exhibition is held at the Seoul City Hall Sky Plaza Gallery from December 24, 2025 to March 17, 2026.
Burtynsky: Extraction / Abstraction
This exhibition is the first of its kind in Asia, showcasing over 40 years of work by photographer Edward Burtynsky.
His powerful images explore landscapes shaped by industry and human activity, accompanied by audio guides.
It runs from December 13, 2025 to March 2, 2026 at the Seoul Museum of History.
A Quiet Way to Enjoy Winter in Seoul
You don’t have to travel far or spend much to enjoy winter in Seoul.
These free exhibitions offer a chance to slow down, stay warm indoors, and connect with art and history during the cold season.
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