🏛 Experience the Essence of History at the National Museum of Korea
The National Museum of Korea,
located at the heart of Seoul's cultural landscape, is a treasure trove of
history where you can explore Korea’s past in a single visit. From prehistoric
relics to modern artifacts, the museum showcases the depth and beauty of Korean
culture. If you're in Seoul, visit and experience history firsthand.
Yongsan Family Park and the National Hangeul Museum are within walking
distance of the National Museum of Korea. I highly recommend stopping by these
locations afterward if you plan to visit the museum.
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| National Museum of Korea Front, Seoul [Photo Credit] Flickr, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Korea |
🏛
National Museum of Korea Opening Hours & Admission
- Opening Hours
• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday: 10:00 AM –
6:00 PM
• Wednesday and Saturday: Extended hours until 9:00 PM
• Last admission: 30 minutes before closing
- Closed Days
• New Year's Day (Jan 1), Lunar New Year, Chuseok (Korean
Thanksgiving) Day
• The Permanent Exhibition Hall is closed on the first
Monday of April and November.
- Admission Fees
• The Permanent Exhibition Hall is free of charge.
• Special Exhibitions may require an entrance fee.
🔗 Visit the official site for detailed updates.
🏛 Guide
to the Permanent Exhibitions at the National Museum of Korea
(Source: National Museum of Korea)
Be sure not to miss the Calligraphy
and Painting Gallery and the Room of Quiet.
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| Permanent Exhibition Hall Guide Map, National Museum of Korea |
- Medieval & Early Modern History Gallery
Explore the history of Korea from the Goryeo
Dynasty (918–1392), the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897), and the Korean
Empire (1897–1910).
- Calligraphy & Painting Gallery
Admire masterpieces that reflect each era’s
distinct artistic style, including royal Uigwe (records of royal protocols
from the Oegyujanggak collection), Buddhist paintings, and lacquerware
with mother-of-pearl inlays.
- Sculpture & Craft Gallery
A space where visitors can appreciate the
three-dimensional beauty of sculptural art, divided into sections including the Buddhist
Sculpture Room, Metal Craft Room, and Ceramic Art Room (featuring celadon,
buncheong ware, and white porcelain), showcasing over 700 exquisite
artifacts.
- Prehistory & Ancient History Gallery
A chronological exhibition tracing Korea’s
history from the Paleolithic era to the Unified Silla and Balhae
periods, illustrating the evolution of Korean civilization.
- Room of Quiet Contemplation
This is a unique gallery where two of
Korea’s National Treasures, the Pensive Bodhisattva statues, are displayed side
by side.
- Donation Gallery
A tribute to cultural heritage donors,
displaying artifacts generously contributed by individuals to honor
their legacy and promote the spirit of cultural preservation.
- World Culture Gallery
Take a global tour through art and
artifacts from China, Japan, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, ancient Greece, and
Rome.
🏛 Special
Exhibitions at the National Museum of Korea
Vienna 1900: Dreaming Artists (Nov 30, 2024 – Mar 3, 2025)
Explore the vibrant world of Vienna’s Secessionist artists at the turn of the 19th century in this exhibit featuring works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and other iconic figures.
- An exploration of the cultural and historical
trends that highlight the activities of Vienna Secession artists in the late
19th century and the characteristics of Vienna that provided the backdrop for
various artistic movements.
- 191 objects of paintings, drawings,
craftworks, posters, photographs, etc. including Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele
- Location: Special Exhibition Hall,
National Museum of Korea
- Admission Fee: 18,500 KRW per person
(for adults aged 25–64).
※ You can purchase same-day admission tickets on-site.
- Online Reservation: 🔗 Go to Ticket Link
Sculpted Celadon of the Goryeo Dynasty (November 26, 2024 – March 3, 2025)
- The first exhibition exclusively
highlighting examples of sculptural celadon modeled after natural forms
(sanghyeong cheongja), the apex of Goryeo-era celadon, from the National Museum
of Korea collection.
- Location: Special Exhibition Gallery 2,
First Floor of the Permanent Exhibition
- Approx. 300 works, including critical
celadon shards
- Admission Fee: 5,000 KRW per person
(for adults aged 25–64).
※ You can purchase same-day admission tickets on-site.
- Online Reservation: 🔗 Go to Ticket Link
Geumsa-ri, where moon jars were made (Jun 25, 2024 – Jun 22, 2025)
- Around 1467, the Joseon royal family
installed a government kiln in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, to create white porcelain
ware for royal use. From its establishment until 1883, the kiln was relocated
within the Gwangju area about every 10 years to transfer the kiln to an area
with abundant trees seeking better access to firewood. The kiln in Geumsa-ri
operated from 1734 to 1751. The kiln is renowned for producing white porcelains
and moon jars, whose whiteness resembles milk.
- Location: Buncheong Ware and White
Porcelain Gallery (3F)
- Free admission
🏛 Guidance System for International Visitors
- The National Museum of Korea provides
various language services tailored for international visitors. Since 2001, it
has operated exhibition interpretation programs in English, Japanese, and
Chinese, helping foreign guests better understand Korean culture.
- Museum Highlights Tour for International
Visitors
• Time: Weekday - 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM
Saturday - (English/Japanese) 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, (Chinese) every
other week, 1:00 PM
Sunday - (English/Japanese) 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, (Chinese) 1:00 PM
• Gathering place: in front of the Korean Empire of the Permanent
Exhibition Hall 1F
• Language: English, Chinese, Japanese
- Additionally, since 2020, the
"Museum Wonder Cart" program has offered exhibition guides, artifact
introductions, and self-guided activities for foreign visitors.
- Moreover, the museum has introduced the
AI-based guide robot "QI," which provides information about the
museum and explains exhibits in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese. It also
supports fundamental conversational interactions.
- Moreover, the museum has introduced the
AI-based guide robot "QI," which provides information about the
museum and explains exhibits in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese. It also
supports fundamental conversational interactions.
National Museum of Korea Exhibition Guide
App: This service applies augmented reality (AR)- based indoor navigation
technology to the National Museum of Korea.
These diverse services ensure international visitors enjoy a more convenient and enriching experience at the National Museum of Korea
🏛 Getting
to the National Museum of Korea
📍 Location: 137,Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
🚇 Subway
Take Line 4 to Ichon
Station and exit through Exit 2. Walk along the Museum Trail to
reach the museum.
🚌 Bus
Board Bus 400 or Bus
502, and get off at the National Museum of Korea bus stop.
🏛 Nearby
Dining Options
📍 Geoulmot Restaurant
Enjoy traditional Korean dishes right within the museum premises.
📍 SAYU Tea House
Treat yourself to traditional Korean tea and desserts in a cozy café.
There is a food court within the
National Museum of Korea. However, to dine at restaurants other than the two
mentioned above, you will need to use transportation.
🏛 Other
Attractions Nearby
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| Yongsan Family Park Fountain, Seoul [Photo Credit] Pixabay Seungwon Yon |
It is a serene park perfect for a relaxing
stroll after exploring the museum. Just a short walk away.
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| National Hangeul Museum, Seoul [Photo Credit] KTO, Choi Ran |
Dive into the history and culture of the
Korean writing system. It is located next to the National Museum of Korea and
is within walking distance.
🏛 Visitor
Guidelines for the National Museum of Korea
- Do not touch or damage exhibits.
- The museum is a non-smoking zone throughout
all spaces.
- No outside food or pets (except
guide dogs) are allowed inside.
- Please switch your mobile phones to
silent mode or turn them off before entering the exhibition halls.
- For safety and preservation, Backpacks
and large bags should be stored in the lockers on the first floor.
- Maintain a quiet atmosphere and refrain
from running inside the museum.
- Wheeled footwear is prohibited for
safety reasons.
- Photography with flash, tripods,
selfie sticks, or gimbals is strictly prohibited. Commercial photography
is not allowed.
- Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and
rollerblades are prohibited on outdoor trails.
- Dress appropriately; avoid attire like
slippers that may disrupt the tranquil atmosphere.
🏛 [Appendix]
Introduction to the Children’s Museum
The Children's Museum at the National
Museum of Korea is a specially designed space where children can learn about
history fun and engagingly. Through interactive exhibitions and hands-on
activities, young visitors can experience the lives and cultures of the past.
The museum inspires creativity and curiosity, helping children naturally
understand Korean history and culture.
- Target Audience: Primarily
elementary school children and families
- Main Programs: Interactive
exhibits, educational workshops, special events
- Operating Hours: Open daily from
10 AM to 6 PM (Last admission: 30 minutes before closing)
- Admission Fee: Free (Some programs
require a fee and prior reservation)
Whether visiting with family or organizing an educational trip, the Children’s Museum is a must-see destination for young learners!
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