A Spring of Joseon Embroidery in the Ceramic Building on Dosan-daero

Why the Horim Art Center branch opened in Sinsa-dong in June 2009

The Horim Museum was established based on the cultural heritage and funds donated by collector Horim Yoon Jang-seop (1922–2016). The Seongbo Cultural Foundation was established in July 1981, and the museum first opened in Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, in October 1982.

The Sinsa Branch opened in June 2009 inside the Horim Art Center in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, where demand for culture and the arts is concentrated. Unlike the Sillim Main Branch, which focuses on collecting and research, the Dosan-daero Branch was planned as a hub for introducing traditional cultural heritage through exhibitions and education in the city center.

The Horim Museum’s entire collection numbers approximately 19,000 items, including ceramics, metalwork, woodcraft, calligraphy and painting, and classical books and documents. It includes 62 state-designated cultural heritage items, including 8 National Treasures and 54 Treasures, as well as 11 Tangible Cultural Heritage items designated by Seoul Metropolitan Government. This is why each exhibition repeatedly explores one material or theme in depth.

The curved exterior at 317 Dosan-daero and its comb-pattern pottery motif

The address is Horim Art Center, 317 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Located along Dosan-daero between Apgujeong Rodeo Station and Hakdong Intersection, the building is encountered first as an architectural feature of a modern commercial and cultural district rather than as a traditional artifact exhibition venue.

Gangnam tourism information describes the museum building’s gentle curves as resembling the shape of pottery and explains the rhythm of its exterior as an element reminiscent of comb-pattern pottery. Looking at the exterior before entering makes it easier to understand the relationship between the building and the collection when the exhibition theme extends to ceramics and craft.

Because the entrance is inside the Horim Art Center, it is best to look for “Horim Art Center” along with “Horim Museum” on a map. The branch’s main telephone number is 02-541-3523~5.

Tuesday–Saturday, 10:30–18:00; last admission at 17:00

The Sinsa Branch’s official visiting hours are 10:30–18:00 from Tuesday through Saturday, with admission available until 17:00, one hour before closing. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays, January 1, the Lunar New Year holiday, and the Chuseok holiday.

General admission is 10,000 won, admission for youths is 7,000 won, and admission for visitors with disabilities and senior visitors is 7,000 won. Groups of 20 or more receive a 10% discount, but must inquire and make a reservation through the website or by telephone.

Because it operates only from Tuesday to Saturday, it is not suitable for an itinerary planned for Sunday. In particular, since last admission is at 17:00 on Saturday afternoons, visitors who plan to read the exhibition materials carefully should aim to arrive before 16:00.

• Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:30–18:00
• Last admission: 17:00
• Closed: Sundays and Mondays, January 1, the Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays
• Inquiries: 02-541-3523~5

400 m from Exit 5 of Apgujeong Rodeo Station; by bus, get off at the Horim Art Center stop

The simplest rail access is Exit 5 of Apgujeong Rodeo Station on the Suin–Bundang Line. The official directions recommend walking straight for 400 m from the exit toward Hakdong Intersection, then continuing toward Sinsa Station to reach the Horim Art Center entrance.

From Exit 1 of Sinsa Station on Line 3, take bus 145, 440, or 4212 and get off at the Horim Art Center stop. From Exit 4 of Gangnam-gu Office Station on Line 7, take bus 342 or 3011 and get off at the same stop.

Visitors arriving by car can use the parking lot on basement levels 2–4 of the Horim Art Center. Since the official visitor information does not list parking fees separately, it is advisable to call 02-541-3523~5 before traveling by car to ask about the day’s rates and available spaces.

In August 2026, after “Adding Flowers to Brocade” has ended, check the next exhibition first

The Sinsa Branch’s special exhibition in the first half of 2026 was 《Adding Flowers to Brocade, Spring Flowers Added to Silk》, held from March 5 through July 31, 2026. The title means “adding flowers to silk,” and the exhibition featured works that incorporated spring flowers into writing, painting, and crafts.

As of August 7, 2026, this exhibition has ended. Therefore, visitors who choose their visit date based only on exhibition photographs remaining in articles or on social media may arrive to find that the exhibition is no longer on view. The opening date and closure days of the new exhibition should be checked again through the exhibitions section of the official website and by telephone.

The Sinsa Branch has changed its themes over the years, with exhibitions such as the 10th Anniversary Exhibition in 2019, the Inlay Special Exhibition in 2022, Joseon Yanghwa in 2023, the Scent Exhibition in 2024, and Horim Masterpieces and the Narrative of Black Light in 2025. Visitors should determine their purpose based on the title and dates of the special exhibition being held at the time rather than expecting a particular permanent exhibition.

Allow 60–90 minutes, with a route suited to visitors who read the artwork explanations

The official information does not specify a recommended visiting time. Considering that the branch is operated around a single special exhibition, a realistic schedule is to allow about 60 minutes for a quick viewing or approximately 90 minutes when also reading about the materials, techniques, and chronology.

Because the museum replaces its exhibitions, the areas where photography is permitted, docent services, and availability of English materials may vary by exhibition. The official visitor information does not provide detailed information about foreign-language guidance or wheelchair and stroller routes, so inquiries by telephone are necessary before visiting.

It is suitable for visitors who want to focus on one field, such as traditional ceramics, metalwork, or calligraphy and painting. Conversely, it is not a good fit for those who expect a permanent exhibition to always be open or who want to include a museum visit on Sunday.

• Recommended stay: approximately 60–90 minutes
• Group policy: 20 or more people; 10% discount with advance inquiry and reservation
• Official website: https://www.horimmuseum.org/ko
• Address: Horim Art Center, 317 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Combine it with Dosan Park and Apgujeong Rodeo, but visit the museum first

The museum is 400 m from Exit 5 of Apgujeong Rodeo Station according to the official directions, making it easy to combine with visits to the shops and restaurants around Dosan Park. However, the museum closes at 18:00 and stops admitting visitors at 17:00, so scheduling the museum before dining or shopping leaves more flexibility.

On Saturdays, a simple route is to arrive just after opening at 10:30, see the exhibition, and then walk back toward Apgujeong Rodeo Station. If approaching from Sinsa Station, take buses 145, 440, or 4212 and get off at the Horim Art Center stop; after the visit, walk toward Apgujeong Rodeo Station to use the Suin–Bundang Line.

Visitors who want to preview exhibition videos can find videos related to the “Horim Museum Sinsa Branch” and the 2026 “Adding Flowers to Brocade” exhibition. Since the exhibition information in the videos reflects the time of filming, the museum’s official information about operating hours and the current exhibition should take priority before an actual visit.