November In Seoul: Must-See Cultural Events & Museum Exhibitions

Seoul Museum of Craft Art / Design by Kpopmap

Curious about the special exhibitions and must-visit events in Seoul this November? You’re in luck! We’re here to help you discover all the exciting happenings in the capital city that you can have right at your fingertips!

Seoul has numerous museums and galleries that offer a wide range of exhibitions from permanent to temporary that are only around for a limited time. So seize the opportunity now while they’re still here, or else you might never get the chance again. Whether you’re an avid art lover, a curious soul, or simply searching for free indoor activities, look no further.

Throughout the month, we’ll continue recommending cultural events in this article, so be sure to bookmark it for updates!

Here are the events we suggest checking out during November. With the fall foliage in full effect, it’s the perfect time to visit museums and enjoy a peaceful, reflective experience.

1. What a Brew-tiful Day!

Duration of the exhibition: August 20th, 2024 ~ November 10th, 2024
Location: National Folk Museum of Korea
Location tip: It is located by Gyeongbokgung palace
Price: Free
Learn more here

This exhibition explores the deep-rooted coffee culture in Korea, highlighting its integration into daily life over the past century. Coffee, now a staple in Korean diets alongside rice and kimchi, has become a social and cultural symbol. The exhibition traces the history of coffee in Korea, from its introduction by Westerners to its current widespread consumption. Visitors will see how coffee has evolved from a luxury to an everyday drink and how it connects people through shared experiences. With historical artifacts like ginseng coffee and U.S. military C-rations, the exhibit illustrates coffee’s impact on Korean society, offering a glimpse into the cultural significance of this beloved beverage.

2. Craft Intuition

Duration of the exhibition: October 29th, 2024 ~ November 10th, 2024
Location: Seoul Museum of Craft Art
Location tip: Located in Insadong
Price: Free
Learn more here

The exhibition, hosted by the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Seoul Museum of Craft Art, highlights the work of 36 artists from the 15th cohort of Sindang Creative Arcade. Running from October 29 to November 10, 2024, the exhibition invites visitors to explore diverse craft pieces, including ceramics, metal, textiles, and design, crafted with unique combinations of materials and styles. Located on the 1st floor of Exhibition Hall 1 at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art, the event encourages cultural engagement through tactile experiences and showcases 70 works reflecting artistic intuition.

3. Seoul Sculpture Festival

Duration of the exhibition: September 2nd, 2024 ~ November 11th, 2024.
Location: Yeollin Songhyeon Square (Anguk Station)
Location tip: Located close to Insadong
Price: Free
Learn more here

The plan aims to transform Seoul into a vast “open-air exhibition” by connecting citizens, artists, and spaces. Citizens can enjoy sculptures in daily life, while artists gain opportunities to exhibit in diverse spaces. Major parks will become sculpture landmarks, with five key sites and continuous outdoor sculpture exhibitions along the Han River, shaping a unique urban identity.

4. Bojagi, Embracing Daily Life

Duration of the exhibition: July 16th, 2021 ~ December 31th, 2025.
Location: Seoul Museum of Craft Art
Location tip: Located in Insadong
Price: Free
Learn more here

The “Bojagi, Embracing Daily Life“ exhibition at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) explores the traditional Korean art of bojagi, or wrapping cloths, used in various aspects of Korean life. This exhibit presents bojagi not only as utilitarian items but also as intricate works of art, reflecting the historical and cultural significance of Korean textile arts. Traditional bojagi are typically made from fabrics such as silk or cotton, often hand-dyed and embroidered, symbolizing values like care and respect in everyday exchanges. The exhibit illustrates how these cloths served multifunctional purposes, such as gift-wrapping, carrying items, and even decorating living spaces.

5. Project Hashtag 2024

Duration of the exhibition: November 15th, 2024 ~ April 6th, 2025.
Location: National Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art
Location tip: Located close to Gyeonbokgung palace
Price: TBD
Learn more here

This exhibition showcases a diverse range of contemporary art that delves into modern social, cultural, and environmental issues. It highlights works by Korean and international artists, offering perspectives on topics such as identity, technology, nature, and urbanization. The exhibit includes a variety of media—paintings, sculptures, installations, digital art, and interactive pieces—encouraging a multi-sensory experience. Through innovative and thought-provoking works, the exhibition aims to foster dialogue on global and local concerns, reflecting the evolving landscape of contemporary art.