Three art exhibitions to explore on Korea's Liberation Day anniversary
Exploring Korean History and Heritage in Jongno District
Jongno District, central Seoul, is a cultural haven for those interested in Korean history and heritage. A multitude of exhibitions are currently on display, offering a rich tapestry of traditional life, modern art, and contemporary interpretations.
At the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Deoksugung, the new exhibition "Landscapes of Homeland and Longing" is being held. This contemporary art exhibition, commemorating Korea’s 80th liberation anniversary, features over 210 works by modern and contemporary artists such as Oh Chi-ho and Lee Sang-beom. Yoon Joong-sik's painting "Spring" (1975) and Lee Sangbeom's ink landscape painting "Returning at Dawn" (1945) are among the highlights of this exhibition.
Just a stone's throw away, Deoksu Palace is home to the Korea Heritage Service's special exhibition titled "The Radiant Heritage of Independence." Visitors can view activist Ahn Jung-geun's calligraphy, the historic Taegeukgi, and pocket watches of activists Yun Bong-gil and Kim Gu. Korea's independence fighter Ahn Jung-geun comes to life through a video powered by artificial intelligence at the National Museum of Korea, also part of this exhibition.
The National Museum of Korea is another must-visit destination in Jongno District. Here, a surveillance card used by the Japanese authorities to spy on Korean independence fighters, including Activist Ahn Chang-ho, is on display.
Beyond these exhibitions, Jongno District is also home to the National Folk Museum of Korea, which offers extensive exhibits on Korean traditional life, culture, and history, reflecting Korea’s rich heritage within a historical setting in central Seoul.
The MMCA Seoul Branch, located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, features a major retrospective of painter Kim Tschang-yeul and the annual Korea Artist Prize 2025 show, with the permanent collection highlights. While more focused on modern and contemporary art, these exhibitions also contribute to understanding Korean cultural evolution.
The Ilmin Museum of Art in Jongno is featuring “Figuration Circuits” from August 22 to October 26, 2025. This exhibition focuses on contemporary art, but the museum often integrates Korean cultural themes due to its central location in Jongno.
Finally, the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) in Jongno is hosting the 13th Seoul Mediacity Biennale (Aug 26 - Nov 23, 2025), titled "Spell – The Art of the Soul," featuring global artists exploring mysticism, spirituality, and mediumistic experiences, echoing deep cultural traditions.
In summary, Jongno District hosts a vibrant mix of exhibitions at institutions like the National Folk Museum, MMCA branches in Seoul and Deoksugung, Ilmin Museum, and the Seoul Museum of Art, blending Korean history, heritage, and contemporary artistic interpretations. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about Korean culture, Jongno District is a must-visit destination in Seoul.
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