If you are looking for a inspiring Seoul free exhibition to visit, the iconic Deoksugung Stone Wall Walkway area is the perfect place to start your journey. As an alumnus of a university located in Jongno, the nearby streets connecting Anguk, Gwanghwamun, and Jongno are deeply familiar to me. Having spent so much time walking around these historic areas during my college years, I have a deep love for this vibrant part of Seoul, where ancient Korean history and modern urban life seamlessly come together.
Among all the scenic spots in the area, the Deoksugung Stone Wall Walkway (Deoksugung Doldam-gil) holds a truly special place in my heart. This beautiful path surrounds Deoksugung Palace in Jung-gu and is famous for its calm, romantic mood. As you walk along the stone wall, you can enjoy a breathtaking view where Joseon Dynasty palace architecture meets the contemporary skyline. It is a wonderful place to visit all year round, but it becomes exceptionally gorgeous in spring and autumn when the leaves change color.
Another great reason to visit is how effortlessly this path connects directly to historic Jeongdong-gil and the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA). Everything is within short walking distance, making it the perfect route for a relaxing cultural day out. Today, I want to share a perfect half-day walking course that starts with a fantastic free Seoul exhibition and takes you through the lively, charming streets of this historic neighborhood.
Must-Visit Seoul Free Exhibition: Yoo Youngkuk at SeMA
The main reason for my walk today was to visit the exhibition “Yoo Youngkuk: A Mountain Within Me” at the SeMA Seosomun Main Building.
This is the largest exhibition ever held to celebrate the 110th anniversary of Yoo Youngkuk’s birth. He is known as the pioneer who opened the door to Korean abstract art. This exhibition is also the very first project of SeMA’s new “Korean Modern Masters” series, which aims to introduce the history and development of modern art in Korea.
Yoo Youngkuk lived through a very turbulent time in Korean history, including the Japanese colonial period, the Korean War, and the country’s rapid economic growth. Even during these difficult times, he expressed his life and passion through abstract art, which was considered highly experimental back then.
Today, digital tools and AI technology can easily create perfectly drawn pictures. However, looking at Yoo Youngkuk’s beautiful paintings of mountains gives us a deep, heavy feeling in our hearts that technology simply cannot copy.
Who Is Yoo Youngkuk?
Yoo Youngkuk (1916 – 2002) was a famous South Korean painter and a true leader of modernism and abstract art in Korea.
Born in Uljin, Gangwon-do (now part of Gyeongsangbuk-do) during the Japanese colonial period, he moved to Japan to study oil painting at Tokyo Bunka Gakuin, graduating in 1937. He quickly joined the abstract art movement in Tokyo.
After Korea’s liberation, he came back and became an active member of famous art groups like Sinsasilpa (New Realism Group) in 1948 and the Modern Art Association in 1956. He also shared his art with the world, showing his work at the 7th São Paulo Biennale in 1963 and an exhibition hosted by the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo. He even worked as a professor at Hongik University, inspiring many young artists.
His World of Art: The Power of Mountains
Yoo Youngkuk used the most basic elements of art—dots, lines, shapes, and strong colors—to express powerful energy. While his early works used cold, sharp geometric shapes, his style became simpler and more solid as time went on.
Most of all, he is famous for painting mountains. To him, the mountain was not just a piece of nature, but a ultimate theme to express the beauty of life and art. His most famous paintings are simply titled “Mountain.”
My Top 3 Favorite Masterpieces from the Exhibition
Among the many incredible paintings, these three works touched my heart the most:
1. Four Seasons (1981)
In this painting, the artist uses bold and striking colors like blue, purple, light purple, orange, and green. Even though these colors are very different, they come together beautifully, just like the changing four seasons of Korea. It felt like watching nature harmonizing perfectly on a single canvas.
2. Mountain – Red (1994)
Yoo Youngkuk once said that he would spend his life practicing the basics until he turned 60. In the later years of his life, he finally reached a level where his inner mind and the mountains he loved to paint became one. To him, mountains were a way to remember his hometown and express real nature through a perfect balance of lines and colors. Standing in front of this massive 260x200cm masterpiece, I felt completely overwhelmed and amazed by its powerful energy.
3. Work
Unlike his other paintings, this piece does not deeply focus on sharp dots, lines, or shapes. Instead, what caught my eye immediately was his signature color palette—heavy, deep, yet incredibly refreshing. It is a beautiful example of how color alone can create a powerful mood.
Visitor Information:
- Venue: 1st Floor Exhibition Hall, SeMA Seosomun Main Building
- Exhibition Period: May 19, 2026 – October 25, 2026
- Admission: Free
- Artworks on Display: Around 170 pieces (Paintings, reliefs, photographs, drawings, and archives)
- Official Website: https://sema.seoul.go.kr/en/index
- Exhibition Hours
| Days | Hours | Notes |
| Tuesday – Thursday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Regular Hours |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Late Night Opening |
| Weekends & Holidays | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Summer Season (March–October) |
| Closed | — | Every Monday & January 1st (Open if Monday is a holiday) |
After exhibition: “Doldam Kong” Crepe Shop
After taking in all the beautiful artwork at the museum, it was time to step outside and treat myself to something sweet. Just a short walk away, right at the entrance of Deoksugung Palace, you will find a famous dessert spot called Deoksugung Cafe Doldam Kong (돌담콩).
This cozy spot is famous for being one of Seoul’s Top 3 Crepe Shops! Their specialty is the Nutella crepe packed with fresh fruits like strawberries and bananas. Holding a warm, sweet crepe in your hand while walking along the historic stone wall path is a simple yet perfect local experience you shouldn’t miss.
- Location: Right near the entrance of Deoksugung Palace (Doldam-gil entrance)
- Tip: Grab a crepe and enjoy it as you begin your walk down the Stone Wall Walkway!
Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
As you reach the main gate of Deoksugung Palace, called Daehanmun, you might be lucky enough to catch a powerful historical event: the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony.
This is a free traditional cultural performance that recreates how guards exchanged duties during the Joseon Dynasty. With colorful traditional costumes, flags, and loud drums, it feels like stepping back in time for 15 minutes!
- Location: In front of Daehanmun Gate (Deoksugung Palace)
- Admission: Free
- Ceremony Schedule (2026):
- Daily Schedule: Twice a day at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM (Takes about 15 minutes)
- Notes: Cancelled on Mondays, or during severe weather (heavy rain, extreme heat, or extreme cold).
- Official Website: https://royal.khs.go.kr/ENG/main/index.do
After enjoying the inspiring art exhibition, grabbing a delicious crepe, and watching the traditional Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, I took my time walking back along the Deoksugung Stone Wall Walkway.
Just as I was strolling down the path, I bumped into a street musician performing live. Listening to the sweet, romantic music played by the talented artist while soaking in the warm summer sunshine was purely magical.
Walking under the green tree leaves, with good food, great art, and live music all around, I felt truly happy. If you want to feel the peaceful and romantic side of modern Seoul, I highly recommend following this simple half-day walking route. It will surely make your day extra special!
