The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) boasts a unique façade that combines the traditional architectural features of an ancient fortress and a beacon mound in perfect harmony with the surrounding environment, as well as a number of outdoor sculptures that enhance the superb atmosphere of the building. Of the museum’s four branches, the Gwacheon branch with its beautiful natural environment focuses on various visual arts genres including architecture, arts and craft, and design, while the Deoksugung and Seoul branches focus on the history of national and international modern and contemporary arts. The museum is also famous for its romantic walking path.

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art aims to contribute to the development of modern and contemporary art by collecting, preserving and exhibiting modern and contemporary art works from Korea, and by promoting international art exchanges, and to communicate with visitors through diverse arts activities. The museum organizes free permanent exhibitions to display its collection (around 7,000 works of art as of 2013), special paying exhibitions, and international exchange exhibitions through vivid art exchanges with organizations around the world. Furthermore, it issues Museum News and other publications, and operates or supports various activities including performances, educational programs for children, and a creative art studio.