Travel
This summer, it’s ‘Art Vacation’ in Seoul: A citywide cultural escape for families and kids
Haps Magazine Korea
July 23, 2025
(Image: Seoul Metropolitan Museum)
As the long-awaited summer break begins, Seoul transforms into a massive outdoor library, concert stage, and cultural playground.
The city has announced a vibrant lineup of arts and culture events designed to offer “urban cultural retreats” for families, children, and youth.
From July through August, Seoul’s summer vacation programs invite citizens to enjoy rich emotional experiences without leaving the city.
Most events are held in cool indoor spaces, providing a refreshing escape from the heat while immersing participants in music, books, exhibitions, and interactive activities.
Nighttime Arts and City Adventures
A highlight of the season is “Culture After Dark (야금야금)”, with eight city-run cultural facilities extending hours every Friday night until 9 p.m.
On August 1, special programs like a Liberation Day postcard craft workshop at the Seoul Museum of History and a creative traditional music performance at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art will take place.
Seoul’s popular outdoor reading spaces will temporarily reopen as “Summer Night Libraries” from August 22 to 24 across Seoul Plaza, Gwanghwamun, and Cheonggyecheon. Visitors can enjoy night reading by book lanterns and soothing live music. The Cheonggyecheon Reading Stream will also run from August 28 to 31.
Indoor Museum Escapes and Inspiring Exhibits
With their stable climate and tranquil ambiance, museums are perfect summer hideaways. Must-see exhibits include “Radiance: The Beginning Moments” at the Seoul Museum of Photography and “Where the Sky Is a Theater” at the Buk-Seoul Museum of Art. The Seoul Museum of Craft Art also hosts two Buddhist art-themed exhibits nearing their end, offering a glimpse into spiritual Korean artistry.
Summer Concert Specials for All Ages
From “Museum Concerts” in exhibition lobbies to “Neighborhood Concerts”, the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra brings music closer to the public from July 29 to August 18. Families can enjoy “Kids Concert: A Journey Through Classical Music” on August 9 at Gangdong Arts Center.
The Sejong Center’s “Sync Next 25” series opens July 25 with genre-blending performances of traditional arts, electronic music, and dance. Kids will love musicals like “Bremen Town Musicians” and “Heungbu and the Turtle” at Dream Forest Art Center.
Hands-On Arts and Education
Creative and educational programs abound. Children can go on a pretend expedition at the Buk-Seoul Museum of Art starting July 22 or make bronze mirrors at the Hanseong Baekje Museum from July 29. At the Seoul Museum of Craft Art, teens can become museum “creators” by producing short-form promo videos.
At Namsangol Hanok Village, traditional tea experiences from August 22 to 31 explore how ancestors stayed cool in summer.
Books, Talks, and Musical Conversations
Seoul Art Book Bogo presents book-themed cultural events. Highlights include a book talk with novelist Kim Ae-ran on July 31, and musical book concerts by singer-songwriters Yozoh (Aug 8) and Gang A-sol (Aug 9). A group reading event with writer Seong Hae-na will take place on August 20.
Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Liberation
In celebration of Korea’s 80th Liberation Day, a wide range of events honor the country’s history and independence. On August 15, Seoul will host a bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak and a commemorative concert by the Seoul Philharmonic at the Seoul Arts Center.
The Seoul Museum of History will present “Our Liberation Day”—a citizen-driven exhibition showcasing personal artifacts related to independence. Seodaemun Prison History Hall will offer guided tours retelling the stories of resistance fighters.
Additional educational programs include “My Taegeukgi” (DIY Korean flags), art classes about the Japanese colonial period, and live-action history field trips with expert narration.
All event details, including participation info, can be found on the Seoul Culture Portal.