with a crisp breeze in the air, September is the perfect time to welcome fall with art. As part of the Korea Art Festival 2025, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) is opening all four of its museums in Seoul, Gwacheon, Deoksugung Palace, and Cheongju for ten days, September 1-10, for free. this is a great opportunity to experience the diverse currents of Korean art without breaking the bank, but if you’re wondering where to start, take note: we’ve put together a list of our top picks for each museum.

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1. MMCA Seoul: The Heart of Contemporary Korean Art

next to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the modern, architecturally stunning Seoul branch is home to some of the hottest contemporary Korean art right now.
featured exhibition: “Kim Chang-Yeol” Retrospective (Aug. 22-Dec. 21)
this is the first major retrospective of the late artist Kim Chang-yeol, known as the “drip painter,” since his death. it offers a holistic view of the master’s art, tracing the meaning of the glittering droplets that bloomed from the scars of war. we also recommend checking out the Artist of the Year 2025, which recognizes the current state of Korean contemporary art.

2. MMCA Deoksugung Palace: Our history in an ancient palace

nestled within the tranquil stone walls of Deoksugung Palace, the Deoksugung Palace Museum offers a unique blend of history and art.
featured exhibit: “Nostalgia, Painting the Homeland” (Aug. 14-Nov. 9)
this special exhibition was organized to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation. it explores how artists who lived through turbulent times, such as the Japanese occupation and the division of Korea, have captured the theme of ‘hometown’ in their works. it will be a meaningful time to reflect on our painful history through the works of masters of Korean modern art, such as Lee Dae-sub and Park Soo-geun.

3. MMCA Gwacheon: An art history textbook in nature

with its spacious sculpture park and natural light, Gwacheon Museum offers a bird’s-eye view of Korean modern and contemporary art.
recommended exhibitions: “Young Seekers 2025: Now, Here” (Apr 24-Oct 12 )
held since 1981, this is the longest-running program of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. the experimental and challenging new works of this year’s selected artists offer a glimpse into the most emerging trends and possibilities in contemporary Korean art.

4. MMCA Cheongju: Art Awakened in the Storage Room

as Korea’s first open storage room, Cheongju Museum offers rarely seen collections.
featured exhibit: “Bunker: From Darkness to Light” (Aug. 20-Nov. 16)
this unique exhibition utilizes the massive bunker of a former tobacco factory. the works of art move from darkness to light, providing a unique spatial experience and artistic inspiration at the same time.

this free opening marks the start of the ‘2025 Korea Art Festival’, which will be held throughout the country throughout the month of September[305][310]. in addition to visiting museums, there are also a variety of discounts and art travel programs, so make sure to spend time with art this fall.

frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q. what are the free days and closures?

A. It will be from September 1, 2025 (Monday) to September 10, 2025 (Wednesday) for a total of 10 days. seoul Museum will not be closed during this period, while Gwacheon, Deoksugung, and Cheongju Museums will be closed on September 1 (Monday) and 8 (Monday), which are regular closing days.

Q. can I visit without a reservation?

A. Yes, during the free opening period, you can walk in and view the exhibits without a reservation. however, we recommend visiting during off-peak hours, as there may be large crowds.

Q. what is the Korea Art Festival?

A. It is the largest art event in the country, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. it is designed to connect biennials and art fairs around the country, including Kiaf-Frieze Seoul, and to revitalize the art market and expand opportunities for people to enjoy culture through various exhibition discounts and programs.