Seoul Museum of Craft Art

The city opened this museum in 2021 on the site of Pungmun Girls' High School, keeping five of the school buildings and converting them rather than clearing the block - which is why the galleries are spread across several low structures around an open yard in the middle of Anguk, one of the more valuable pieces of ground in Seoul. It is the first public museum in the country devoted specifically to craft, and the collection runs from Goryeo and Joseon metalwork, lacquer and ceramics through to contemporary studio pieces, with a substantial holding of embroidery and textiles donated by collectors. There is a children's building with hands-on programmes and a reference library. Entry is free, which is unusual for a museum of this quality in central Seoul. Exhibitions rotate, so what is on display changes; the permanent galleries cover the historical sweep.

What you actually see

• The converted school buildings - galleries across a shared yard.
• The historical collection - lacquer, metalwork and ceramics.
• The textile holdings - embroidery and donated collections.
• The children's building - hands-on craft programmes.

When to go

Any season. Closed Mondays. Weekday mornings are quiet; the children's programmes need booking and fill quickly.

Honest expectations

Free, but exhibitions rotate and some buildings can be closed between installations. Signage in English is present but thinner than at the national museums.

Nearby

MMCA Seoul, Bukchon, Insadong and Gyeongbokgung are all within a few minutes.