Located in Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno-gu, SeMA Archive offers a different approach to experiencing contemporary art. Rather than focusing solely on finished works, the institution places its emphasis on collecting, preserving and exhibiting the records that exist behind the creative process itself.

Visitors can browse through artists’ notes, unfinished drawings, photographs and archival materials, gradually building a deeper understanding of both the works and the people behind them. The experience feels less like walking through a traditional museum and more like quietly tracing the thoughts and process of an artist over time.

The ground-floor reading room is particularly impressive. Designed more like a calm public library than a conventional gallery space, it offers a quiet environment suited for reading, studying or simply spending a slow afternoon. Soft natural light and restrained interiors give the space a sense of calm rarely found in the centre of Seoul.