National Museum Of Korea
National Museum Of Korea
5 minutes read•Published on 11-11-2024
As South Korea's biggest museum, the National Museum of Korea in Seoul is a place where you can see many historical objects and artworks. It is found in the Yongsan-gu area and it provides a clear look at the rich history and culture of the country. If you're curious about Korean heritage, it's a great place to explore with over 220,000 items in its collection. So, if you have an interest in Korean history or art, this museum is key to your visit.
Tickets & tours
A selection of the best tours to experience the National Museum Of Korea with our partner GetYourGuide. These tours offer the best experience for visitors from all around the world.
A short history
The National Museum of Korea in Seoul came into existence in 1945, right after Korea became independent from Japan. In the beginning, the museum had its location inside the Gyeongbokgung Palace. But later, it was moved to a building located within the Deoksugung Palace grounds. It was in 2005 that the museum was renovated extensively and shifted to the Yongsan Family Park, where it currently resides. This place brings together various artifacts related to Korean history and has an important place in the country's history.
The museum is arranged on three floors, each dedicated to a different phase of Korean history. The ground floor consists of exhibits from the prehistoric times and the ancient era. The second floor takes you through the medieval times and the early modern period. The top floor is designated for calligraphy and paintings. The museum conducts different exhibitions, both permanent and special, throughout the year.
The museum has an enormous collection exceeding 220,000 pieces, including millions of recognised national treasures. It offers a cultural space that promotes education, research, culture, and leisure activities. Not only local people visit the museum, but it also attracts a large number of tourists every year, all thanks to its comprehensive collection and interactive displays.
In conclusion, the National Museum of Korea, based in Seoul, is among the most impressive and important museums of the country. Ever since it was founded in 1945, it has taken up the crucial role of preserving, displaying, and teaching people about Korea's history and culture. With its current home in the Yongsan Family Park and a magnificent collection of over 220,000 pieces, the museum upholds its eminent reputation as a significant hub of culture and history in Korea.
One reason to visit
The Ten-Story Stone Pagoda from Gyeongcheonsa Temple
If youre planning a visit to the National Museum of Korea in Seoul, you should know that the Ten-Story Stone Pagoda from Gyeongcheonsa Temple is one of the highlights you cant miss. The Pagoda is very significant as it is the largest from the Later Silla Kingdom period. It has a rich history, with its establishment dating back to the year 1348. The pagoda is remarkable for its detailed sculptures on every level. These sculptures show excellent craftsmanship from that time and let us appreciate the skills of the stone workers then. By seeing this artifact, visitors will get a good sense of Koreas traditional architecture, its history, and its culture.
Getting there
Start your journey at the Gwanghwamun Square. Begin to walk south on the Sejong-daero road towards the Jongno-gu district. This initial walk will take you roughly around 15 minutes. Then, take a right turn onto the road named Samil-daero. Walk for approximately 5 minutes till you reach the Jongno 3-ga Station. Take bus number 101 from the station and get off at the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station. This bus journey will take about 14 minutes. Once there, switch to bus number 502 and then get off at the Ichon Station. The museum is just a 10-minute walk from this station. You need to head south towards the Yongsan Family Park and then take a right where you will shortly see the National Museum of Korea.
Starting from Gyeongbokgung Station, cycle towards the southeast direction on Sejong-daero 6-gil. Make a left turn to enter the bike-only lane in Hyonjeo-ro, cycling north until you reach Jongno 3(sam)-ga Junction. At the junction, make a right turn heading east onto Uljiro 2(i)-ga. Continue till you reach the bike-only lane on Dongdaemun-ro, then make a right turn on Usadan-ro 10-gil. From there, cycle south until you reach Hannam-daero 14-gil, where you’ll make a left turn. Continue cycling until reaching Itaewon-ro, then take the right turn towards the Hangangjin Station. Cycle southeast from the station until you reach Yongsan Family Park. There, you will find the National Museum of Korea situated right next to it.
From anywhere in Seoul, you can get to the National Museum of Korea using public transportation. Start by taking the subway: get on Line 4 (the Blue Line), then off at Ichon Station (station number 434). Use Exit 2. After exiting the station, look for the bus stop nearby and take either bus number 502 or 0017 straight to the museum. The journey should not take more than 10 minutes. Please note that operating hours for the museum are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends and public holidays.
From downtown Seoul, head to Gwanghwamun, and then take the Sejong-daero highway to your southwest. Get onto the Seobinggo-ro heading south, then turn right onto the Ichon-ro. Drive along this road and you will sight the National Museum of Korea on your right. Make a right turn into the museum's entrance located on Yongsandong 5(o)-ga. Please remember that the museum has a free car park, but you need to validate your ticket at one of the information desks inside the museum prior to departure. The parking lot is open from 06:00 to 23:00 and can accommodate a maximum of 385 cars. Take note also of the museum's visiting hours which are Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00, Saturday from 9:00 to 21:00, and Sunday from 9:00 to 19:00. Please ensure you arrive within these times to make the most of your visit.