National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Free for 10 Days! 4 Exhibitions You Must Not Miss at the ‘Korea Art Festival’

1. MMCA Seoul: The Heart of Contemporary Korean Art

Next to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the modern architectural beauty of the Seoul venue offers a chance to encounter the hottest contemporary Korean art.
Recommended Exhibition: 《Kim Chang-yeol》 Retrospective (08.22~12.21)
This is the first large-scale retrospective since the passing of the late artist Kim Chang-yeol, known as the ‘water droplet painter.’ You can explore the meaning of the brilliant water droplets that emerged from the scars of war and gain a comprehensive view of the master’s artistic world. Additionally, we recommend checking out 《Artist of the Year 2025》 to gauge the current state of contemporary Korean art.

2. MMCA Deoksugung: Encountering Our History in a Royal Palace

Within the serene stone wall paths of Deoksugung, the Deoksugung venue, situated in a modern building, offers a unique experience where history and art intertwine.
Recommended Exhibition: 《Nostalgia: Longing for Home》 (08.14~11.09)
This special exhibition is organized to commemorate the 80th anniversary of liberation. It examines how artists who lived through tumultuous times, such as the Japanese colonial period and division, expressed the theme of ‘home’ in their works. It will be a meaningful time to reflect on our painful history through the works of modern Korean art masters like Lee Jung-seob and Park Soo-keun.

3. MMCA Gwacheon: An Art History Textbook Enjoyed in Nature

The spacious sculpture park and beautiful natural lighting of the Gwacheon venue provide a place to see the flow of Korean modern and contemporary art at a glance.
Recommended Exhibition: 《Young Exploration 2025: Here and Now》 (04.24~10.12)
This is the oldest emerging artist discovery program of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which has been ongoing since 1981. Through the experimental and challenging new works of this year’s selected artists, you can catch a glimpse of the newest trends and possibilities in contemporary Korean art.

4. MMCA Cheongju: Art Awakened from the Storage

At the Cheongju venue, the first open storage facility in the country, you can encounter collections that are usually hard to see.
Recommended Exhibition: 《Bunker: From Darkness to Light》 (08.20~11.16)
This special exhibition utilizes a massive bunker from an old tobacco factory. Through artworks that move towards the light in the darkness, you can experience a unique spatial experience and artistic emotion simultaneously.

This free opening marks the beginning of the ‘2025 Korea Art Festival’ taking place nationwide throughout September[305][310]. In addition to visiting the museum, various discount benefits and art travel programs are prepared, so enjoy a rich time with art this autumn.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What are the free opening dates and closure days?

A. From September 1st (Monday) to September 10th (Wednesday), a total of 10 days. The Seoul venue has no closure days during this period, while the Gwacheon, Deoksugung, and Cheongju venues will be closed on their regular closure days, September 1st (Monday) and September 8th (Monday).

Q. Can I visit without a separate reservation?

A. Yes, during the free opening period, you can enter and view the exhibitions on-site without a separate reservation. However, as there may be a large crowd, it is recommended to visit during relatively less busy times.

Q. What kind of event 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 connects various biennales and art fairs across the country, including Kiaf and Frieze Seoul, and is designed to revitalize the art market and expand opportunities for cultural enjoyment for the public through various exhibition discounts and programs.