The National Museum of Korea offers an essential luxury cultural tour guide.
The National Museum of Korea in Yongsan, Seoul, offers an unforgettable journey through Korea’s rich history and vibrant culture. Housing nearly 10,000 artifacts from prehistoric tools to royal treasures, this premier art and history destination immerses you in the stories of ancient civilizations and modern heritage.
Introduction: Significance of Korean History and Museums
Korean history spans from the Paleolithic era through the Three Kingdoms, Goryeo, and Joseon dynasties to today’s modern society. The National Museum of Korea serves as a world-class cultural hub, allowing both locals and global visitors to deeply understand and experience Korea’s heritage through scholarly exhibits, interactive displays, and engaging storytelling.
Permanent Exhibition Halls Overview
The museum’s permanent galleries span three floors, seven main halls, and 39 rooms, showcasing 9,884 artifacts free of charge. Carefully curated chronologically, each space guides visitors through Korea’s development with intuitive layouts ideal for first-time explorers.
- Medieval & Early Modern Art Gallery: Paintings, ceramics, and Buddhist art from Goryeo to Joseon
- Calligraphy & Painting Gallery: Masterpieces of Korean brushwork and ink art
- Sculpture & Craft Gallery: Traditional sculptures and handcrafted masterpieces
- Prehistory & Ancient History Gallery: Stone tools, Bronze Age artifacts, and early ironworks
- Donation Gallery: Special exhibits featuring donated treasures
- World Culture Gallery: Artifacts from China, India, Southeast Asia, and Africa
- Reflection Room: National treasures such as the Boddhisattva statue in a contemplative setting
Immersive Digital Experience Gallery
Experience history in a new dimension at the Immersive Digital Experience Gallery. Featuring 360° projection mapping, VR headsets, and interactive touchscreens, this cutting-edge space brings ancient sites and historical events to life with high-resolution videos and 3D animations.
- Immersive Hall 1: 360° projection mapping of ancient relics
- Immersive Hall 2: VR reconstruction of traditional Korean homes
- Immersive Hall 3: Virtual tomb mural and artifact exhibition
- Gwanggaeto Stele Experience: Interactive interpretation of royal inscriptions
- Stone Pagoda VR Tour: Digital restoration of the Gyeongcheonsa Ten-Story Pagoda
- Metaverse Museum “Hwanbang Dongsan”: Explore virtual heritage spaces
- Online Streaming: Access immersive content from anywhere
Architecture & Gardens: Harmony of Tradition and Nature
The museum’s architecture reinterprets the traditional Korean concept of “baesanimsu” (back to the mountain, facing water), nestled between Namsan and the Mirror Pond. Fortification-like exterior walls symbolize protection, while skylights flood the interior with natural light. The open central courtyard, modeled on the ancient madang, seamlessly connects exhibition halls and performance venues.
- Bae-san-Im-su Layout: Mountain backdrop and water-facing orientation
- Fortress-Inspired Façade: Symbolizing security and serenity
- Open Courtyard (Madang): Versatile space for exhibits and events
- Outdoor Sculpture Garden & Traditional Dye Plant Garden
- Future Seoul Cultural Axis: Connected to Yongsan Park development
Operating Hours, Access & Location
The National Museum of Korea is open daily, with extended evening hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 to 21:00. On other days (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday), the museum operates from 10:00 to 18:00. The outdoor exhibition garden opens early at 07:00. The museum’s location at 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, is easily accessible via public transportation. Visitors can reach it with a five-minute walk from Ichon Station (using Lines 4 & Gyeongui-Jungang, Exit 2) or a three-minute walk from the “Yongsan Family Park” bus stop. The museum is situated in Ichon-dong, an area known for its gourmet dining and cozy cafés, making it a great destination for a full cultural and culinary experience in Seoul.
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun: 10:00–18:00
- Wed & Sat: 10:00–21:00 (evening hours)
- Outdoor Exhibition Garden: Open from 07:00
- Subway: 5-min walk from Ichon Station (Lines 4 & Gyeongui-Jungang, Exit 2)
- Bus: 3-min walk from “Yongsan Family Park” stop
- Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Google Map
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