Published & Edited by Seoul Tourism Organization
This newsletter, issued by Seoul Tourism Organization, is intended for Seoul Partner Travel Agencies and related organizations around the world.
Issued on the second Wednesday of every month, the newsletter introduces some of Seoul's best hidden charms and newest attractions.
We look forward to your continued interest and support as we bring you a variety of content in the future!
2026/06/10 |
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T O P I C β
π¨ Seoul, Soaked in Culture π |
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A daily life of reading a book, seeing an exhibition, and listening to music. π¨ππ»
These small moments are not special events, but everyday scenes throughout Seoul. π
Reading a book on the grass,
Appreciating classical music in a Hanok,
Running into a new media exhibition in an art museum next to a park,
And slowly walking through a space where light and architecture harmonise. β¨
In this issue, we introduce a variety of cultural and artistic spaces found throughout Seoul, including books and exhibitions, media art, music performances, and more.
Follow the spaces that have naturally woven into the daily lives of Seoul residents, and you will discover a side of Seoul with a different vibe from conventional tourist spots. π
Here is the most tasteful way to travel Seoul
β and how to enjoy Seoul, the city of culture and arts. π¨βπ¨
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Contentsπ
β Seoul Outdoor Library
β‘ Classic Gotaek DITTO
β’ Seo-Seoul Museum of Art
β£ DDP
β€ SONGEUN
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#OutdoorLibrary #UnwindingwithBooks #BookVacation #HealinginCity #SeoulAesthetic
Seoul is now reading! πβ¨
From Seoul Plaza to Gwanghwamun Square and Cheonggyecheon Stream β Seoul's most iconic landmarks have transformed into outdoor libraries where you can enjoy books, relaxation, and culture!
Especially this year, the library is gaining more attention with the launch of a new "Seoul Outdoor Library Tour" for foreign tourists. π
The program operates on a pre-booking system through an online travel agency.
Walking across three spots β Seoul Plaza, Gwanghwamun, and Cheonggyecheon Stream β you can experience Seoul's history and lifestyle along the way.
With Seoul-exclusive programs such as making a reading light, experiencing silent audiobooks, and a digital detox reading session, a welcome kit and Korean traditional snacks are provided β giving foreign tourists a uniquely memorable night in Seoul. β¨
Even if you don't join the tour, everyone is welcome to enjoy the Seoul Outdoor Library freely.
Β· Seoul Outdoor Library in Seoul Plaza: the living room of the city, where you can sit on a beanbag on the grass and enjoy books and performances together. πβΊ
Β· Seoul Outdoor Library in Gwanghwamun: a charming reading retreat where open-air cinema and outdoor performances unfold against the backdrop of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bugaksan Mountain. π¬π
Β· Seoul Outdoor Library in Cheonggyecheon: an immersive space where you can slow down, lose yourself in a book, and zone out to the sound of flowing water. π§π¦
All these spots are located near Seoul's key attractions such as Myeongdong, Euljiro, Gwanghwamun, and Gyeongbokgung β making them a perfect addition to any city stroll!
A special reading journey that slowly blends into Seoul's everyday life!
This summer, discover a new side of Seoul at the Seoul Outdoor Library. β¨
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π£ Key Information
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(Spring&Summer) 2026. 4. 23. - 6. 28. (Autumn&Winter) 2026. 9. 4.~11. 1. - β° (Daytime) 11:00~18:00 (Nighttime) 16:00~22:00 Every Fri, Sat, and Sunday β» Switching to night operations from 2026. 5. 15. Gwanghwamun Lounge (indoor) is open year-round. β» For details on each program β Seoul Outdoor Library in Seoul Plaza, Seoul Outdoor Library in Gwanghwamun, and Seoul Outdoor Library in Cheonggyecheon β please visit the official website.- π΅ Free of Charge- π Seoul Outdoor Library https://seouloutdoorlibrary.kr/user/main/mainIndex.do- π Seoul Outdoor Library Tour https://linktr.ee/SeoulOutdoorLibraryTour |
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#HanokConcert #SeoulVibesTravel #ClassicPerformance #KExperience #ClassicMusicConcert
A night in a Hanok with classical music in the air. π»β¨
Looking for the most Seoul-ful and atmospheric day in the city? π Let us introduce "Classic Gotaek DITTO", where you can enjoy classical music while staying in a Hanok! π»β¨
"Classic Gotaek" operates Hanok stays around Bukchon, Seochon, and Anguk, where you can experience the traditional atmosphere and vibes of Seoul. Tranquil Hanok alleys and thoughtfully designed interiors come together, allowing you to enjoy a special retreat in the heart of the city. π
In particular, Classic Gotaek DITTO is Korea's first permanent Hanok performance hall and cultural complex operated by Classic Gotaek, and "DITTO" means "a place where everyone can resonate." It is a special space where the natural acoustics of wood and the tranquil atmosphere of a Hanok come together, offering a calm retreat in the heart of Seoul.
Notably, DITTO aims to offer an immersive local tourism experience that blends culinary arts and performance together! π
Annual music concerts offer a wide range of genres, from classical music to traditional Korean music and film soundtracks. Staying at the Hanok, you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind Seoul experience that brings together culinary delights, live performances, and cultural arts. π»β¨
After exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and the alleyways of Seochon, why not wrap up your day at DITTO β calm and atmospheric Seoul? β¨
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#SeoulMuseumofArt #ContemporaryArt #SeoulExhibition #SeoulCultureTrip #LocalSeoul
A new cultural and arts space in southwest Seoul π¨πΏ
SeMA Seoseoul, which newly opened last March, is the 8th branch of Seoul Museum of Art and the very first official art museum in southwest Seoul. In particular, the museum is more special as it's the first "New media specialized art museum" in Seoul. π
Located in Geumnarae Central Park, Geumcheon-gu, it has a slightly different atmosphere from traditional museums. Designed around the idea of "An Art Museum in Everyday Life," the park's walking paths connect naturally with the museum, allowing visitors to encounter exhibitions as they stroll. π
Moreover, the stainless exterior which softly reflects sunlight and surroundings makes the building itself feel like a media art! β¨
The interior is designed as an open space connecting the ground floor and the basement level. On the first floor, visitors can enjoy an exhibition hall overlooking the park and a media lab. On the lower level, there are two exhibition halls and a multi-purpose hall that can host performances, lectures, and film screenings. As there are a rooftop garden and lawn, the museum is a great place to enjoy exhibitions and relaxation at the same time. π
There is a special exhibition currently on view at SeMA Seoseoul! The admission is complimentary, and through the exhibition docent app, you can listen to audio descriptions of the artworks!
π¨ γMneme Toposγ
The museum's construction process and southwest Seoul's stories are described with photography, new media, and installation art. It impressively utilizes the lobby, lawn, and many other parts of the museum. πΌοΈ
π γThe Transparent | Adolescent | Machine of Western Seoul γ
Through diverse new media artworks including video, sound, and interactive installations, the exhibition sheds light on technology and the sensibilities of the contemporary youth generation. π§
As the museum is relatively close to Gimpo Airport, it's great to visit when travelling around southwest Seoul! π
The museum is a great recommendation for enjoying a park walk, contemporary art, and new media exhibitions all at once as a new cultural space in Seoul! β¨
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π£ Key Information
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Tue - Fri 10:00-20:00, Weekends, National Holidays Mar - Oct 10:00-19:00, Nov - Feb 10:00-18:00 - β° Closed on every Mondays and 1 Jan. β» If a Monday is a national holiday, the museum opens- π Seo-Seoul Museum of Art, Siheung-daero 79-gil, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul- π +82 02β2124β5800- π΅ Free Admission, Advance reservation required for some exhibitions- π https://sema.seoul.go.kr/en/visit/seoseoul - π @seoulmuseumofart |
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#DDP #DongdaemunDesignPlaza #MediaArt #SeoulNightView #NightTour
A Seoul night where light and architecture meet,
DDP γDream in Lightγ
There is a place whose wing-like curved exterior lights up the night sky, right in the middle of Seoul! That's the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, DDP. β¨
Designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, DDP is a work of art in itself. Did you know this special space has been combined with media art, reborn as an even more immersive night experience? It's γDream in Lightγ, a seasonal media art exhibition. π
The exhibition unfolds on the exterior of DDP every 30 minutes after sunset, with light and video painting a dreamlike world across the entire building!
The night program featuring media art installations offers a completely different side of DDP from the daytime, going beyond a simple viewing to an immersive experience where you feel absorbed into the light. π¨
DDP also runs a regular architecture tour program! You can walk through the space while learning about how DDP was planned and built, and why it is considered a world-class architectural landmark. ποΈ
DDP offers convenient parking, including dedicated parking for tour buses. Nearby, you'll find Dongdaemun Fashion Town, Gwangjang Market, and Cheonggyecheon Stream, making it easy to plan a full day of sightseeing.
After enjoying Seoul by day nearby, why not wrap up your evening with the dazzling light show at DDP?
If you want to experience a truly special night in Seoul, don't miss the colorful summer nights exclusively at DDP γDream in Lightγ! π
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π£ Key Information
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Media art screening: 2026. 1. 9 ~ 12. 31.- β° Every 30 mins after sunset (It is recommended to check the schedule on-site)- π 281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu (Dongdaemun Design Plaza, DDP)- π +82 2-2153-0000 (Advance booking available for groups of more than 20 people)- π΅ Free admission- π¬π§ English Docent Tour: Once a day (running alongside the architecture tour)- π https://ddp.or.kr/?menuno=340 - π @ddp_seoul |
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#ArtGallery #GangnamExhibition #FreeExhibition #SeoulContemporaryArt #CultureandArtTour
Free contemporary art in the heart of Gangnam
In the middle of the elegant Dosan-daero, there is an eye-catching triangular concrete building. It's SONGEUN! π
Designed by world-class architectural duo Herzog & de Meuron as their first project in Korea, the building itself feels like a work of art. ποΈ
SONGEUN is a cultural complex where exhibition spaces and cultural programs come together, gaining attention as a leading art platform in Seoul introducing contemporary art from Korea and beyond.
From June 19 to August 1, γEndoskopeiaγ, a solo exhibition by Hyejoo Jun, winner of the 22nd SONGEUN Art Award Grand Prize, will be held. In this exhibition, the entire hall is structured like a single pipe, making visitors feel as if they are passing directly through the space. β¨
Best of all, both the exhibition and docent programs are complimentary! You can make a reservation via Naver Booking, and tours run twice a day at 1pm and 4pm. π
What's more, SONGEUN is surrounded by some of Gangnam's hottest spots! COEX, Starfield Library, Bongeunsa Temple, and the Hallyu K-Star Road are all nearby β perfect for pairing with a visit before or after the exhibition!
If you want to pack shopping, dining, healing, and art all into one day, this course comes highly recommended! π
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π£ Key Information
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Hyejoo Jun: γEndoskopeiaγ | 2026. 6. 19. ~ 8. 1.- β° Mon - Sat 11:00-18:30 / Closed on Sundays and national holidays- π 441 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul / a 5-minute walk from Cheongdam Station (Line 7)- π΅ Free Admission (Advance booking via Naver)- π§ Docent Tour: Mon - Sat 13:00, 16:00 (Advance reservation via Naver Booking / Free of charge) * For details, please visit SONGEUN website and social media- π +82 2-3448-0100- π https://songeun.or.kr/en- π @songeun_official |
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How was a romantic summer in Seoul, where books, music, exhibitions, and lights all come together? π
In this issue, under the theme of "Enjoying the Summer of Seoul with Vibes", we introduced cultural and artistic experiences unfolding across Seoul, including books, exhibitions, media art, and music performances.
A book vacation at an outdoor library, a classical performance in a Hanok,
a new media art museum connected to a park, and media art and contemporary art exhibitions in the city! β¨
Seoul is now evolving beyond a city for sightseeing into a destination where you can experience the mood and lifestyle of the city itself.
In particular, the places introduced throughout this issue are all the more attractive for their ability to naturally connect day and night, art and relaxation, and local vibes with cultural experiences. π
Feel free to incorporate these as Seoul's own cultural and art contents, adding a fresh new vibe to your existing sightseeing course.
This summer, experience the vibrant soul of Seoul β soaking through every corner of the city. πΏ
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π π π Want to know more about Seoul tourismβ π π π |
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