Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) Walking Guide Deoksugung Palace – Jeong-dong – City Art Walk




If you are looking for an easy cultural walk in central Seoul, the area around Deoksugung Palace and Jeong-dong is one of the best choices.

At the heart of this route is the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA), a public museum that introduces contemporary Korean art in the most accessible way possible.

This guide is designed for foreign travelers who want a clear walking route, cultural highlights, and food information without complicated planning.

📍 Location & Access

Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA)
Address: 61 Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Subway Access:
• City Hall Station (Line 1 or 2) – Exit 1 or 12 (3–5 minutes walk)
• Seodaemun Station (Line 5) – Walkable distance

This area is flat, walkable, and very foreigner-friendly.

🏛️ About SeMA (Why Visit?)

• One of Seoul’s most open and approachable art museums
• Focus on contemporary and modern art
• Many exhibitions are free or low-cost
• Located inside a historic former Supreme Court building

The contrast between the classical exterior and modern exhibition spaces reflects Seoul itself—where tradition and modern life coexist.

🖼️ Exhibition Highlights

• Contemporary Korean artists
• International artists and special exhibitions
• Installation art, media art, video, and painting
• Social and cultural themes explained in an easy-to-understand way

Even visitors who are new to art museums can enjoy the exhibitions comfortably.

🚶 Recommended Walking Route (Map-Style Flow)

Route Order (Total 2.5–4 hours):

  1. City Hall Station
    Start your walk at the main transportation hub.

  2. Deoksugung Palace
    • Short visit (40–60 minutes)
    • Famous stone wall path and royal architecture
    • One of the most beautiful palace walks in Seoul

  3. Deoksugung Stone Wall Road
    • Romantic and quiet walking path
    • Especially beautiful in spring and autumn

  4. Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA)
    • Main cultural stop
    • Spend 60–90 minutes inside

  5. Jeong-dong Street
    • Historic buildings, embassies, and cafés
    • Calm European-style atmosphere

  6. Jeong-dong Observatory or Seoul City Hall Plaza
    • City views or open public space to finish the walk

This route requires no taxi and is ideal for first-time visitors.

🍽️ Food Guide (Foreigner-Friendly Korean Cuisine)

Recommended After the Museum

• Jeong-dong Guksu
Light Korean noodle dishes, easy flavors for first-time visitors

• Hadongkwan (Myeongdong area, walkable)
Classic Korean beef soup (Gomtang), very clean taste

• Tosokchon Samgyetang (short taxi ride)
Traditional ginseng chicken soup, popular with foreigners

• Cafe Jeong-dong
Coffee and desserts with palace-area views

All restaurants are casual, English-friendly, and suitable for international travelers.

👥 Who Is This Route For?

• First-time visitors to Seoul
• Travelers who prefer walking instead of rushing
• Art and culture lovers
• Solo travelers or couples
• Visitors who want a calm, non-touristy experience

✨ Final Tip

Seoul Museum of Art is not just a place to see exhibitions.
It is a perfect cultural pause between a royal palace and a historic street.
By combining Deoksugung Palace, SeMA, and Jeong-dong, travelers can experience Seoul’s past, present, and daily life in one simple walk.

If you want to understand Seoul beyond shopping and nightlife, this route should be on the top of your list.

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