Situated in Yongsan, arguably the geographical center of Seoul, the National Museum of Korea was established in 1909. Although its origin dates back to the museum established by Emperor Sunjong, known as Jesil Museum, in 1909, the museum officially opened in its current location in 2005. It was relocated to a large building within the Yongsan Family Park, which was created by repurposing the Yongsan Garrison Golf Course returned by the U.S. military.
“Seoul Yongsan, National Museum of Korea”
The National Museum of Korea is a representative museum of the country. True to its name, it focuses on Korean fine arts and artifacts. With a collection of around 1.5 million items, including over 10,000 permanent exhibition pieces, it is not only the largest museum in South Korea but also globally significant. As an institution under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, it plays a role in guiding and supporting other museums in the country.
“Jesil Museum, Established by Emperor Sunjong, as the Origin of the National Museum of Korea”
The museum traces its origin to Jesil Museum established by Emperor Sunjong. The foundation of the current collection includes artifacts from the Joseon Governor-General’s Museum, Yi Wang-gi Museum, and items collected by Song Suk-ha, a pioneer in folklore studies, located in Namsan. Originally, the museum was formed by merging the Joseon Governor-General’s Museum and Yi Wang-gi Museum, both established during the Japanese colonial era. Initially, it was reorganized after acquiring the Joseon Governor-General’s Museum, and in 1946, it opened as the ‘National Museum’ in the Deoksugung Stonewall Building. However, under the leadership of Director Choi Kwan-sik, it was recognized that the origin dates back to the Jesil Museum initiated by Emperor Sunjong in 1909. In 2009, this historical perspective was declared in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Korean museums.
“Relocation to Yongsan Family Park in 2005”
The National Museum of Korea moved to its current location in 2005. A large building was constructed within the Yongsan Family Park, repurposing the Yongsan Garrison Golf Course returned by the U.S. military. The construction cost at that time was approximately 410 billion won.
Architecturally significant, it received international recognition in 1995 by being the first Korean institution to host the International Design Competition (IDEA) and select an architect through an international design competition. The competition attracted significant attention globally, with 340 submissions from 46 countries. After a two-stage evaluation, ‘Chunglim Architecture’ from South Korea was chosen as the winning design.
Initially, the museum offered free admission for a brief period to commemorate its opening, then implemented an entrance fee. However, starting with a temporary free period in honor of the 60th anniversary of Korean independence, the museum eventually abolished entrance fees entirely. The National Museum of Korea added the National Hangeul Museum to its grounds in 2014 and plans to create a massive museum park by relocating the National Folk Museum of Korea and connecting it to the War Memorial of Korea.
“Permanent and Special Exhibition Halls”
The National Museum of Korea is divided into permanent and special exhibition halls. The permanent exhibition hall is located in the eastern building of the National Museum of Korea, while the special exhibition hall is in the western building. While the permanent exhibition is free, special exhibitions may have a relatively high admission fee.
For first-time visitors, exploring the permanent exhibition alone can take a considerable amount of time. To fully appreciate each exhibit, plan to spend several hours. It is recommended to explore the permanent exhibition first on your initial visit and, if time allows, visit the special exhibition later.
“Free Guided Tours for Permanent Exhibitions”
The National Museum of Korea offers free guided tours, including explanations of representative artifacts and specific exhibition halls. While tours are conducted in Korean, regular tours for foreigners are also available. No reservation is required, and professional guides and volunteers provide approximately one-hour explanations of representative collections at scheduled times. The schedule and locations are as follows:
- Representative Artifact Explanation
- Meeting Place: In front of the Joseon Dynasty Hall on the 1st floor of the permanent exhibition hall.
- Tour Times: (Mon-Fri) 10:30 / 11:00 / 13:00 / 15:00, (Weekends, Holidays) 11:00 / 13:00 / 15:00
- Exhibition Hall-Specific Explanation
- Prehistoric and Ancient Hall (In front of the Paleolithic Hall):
- (Mon-Fri) 11:00 / 13:00 / 15:00, (Weekends, Holidays) 11:00 / 13:00 / 15:00
- Middle and Modern Hall (In front of the Goryeo I Hall):
- (Mon-Fri) 11:00 / 13:00 / 15:00, (Weekends, Holidays) 11:00 / 13:00 / 15:00
- Western Painting Hall (In front of the Western I Hall):
- (Mon-Fri) 11:00 / 13:00 / 15:00, (Weekends, Holidays) 11:00 / 13:00 / 15:00
- Donation Hall (In front of the Donation I Hall):
- (Wed, Fri) 11:00
- Sculpture, Crafts Hall (In front of the Buddhist Sculpture Hall):
- (Mon-Fri) 11:00 / 13:00 / 15:00, (Weekends, Holidays) 11:00 / 13:00 / 15:00
- World Culture Hall (In front of the Mesopotamia Hall):
- (Mon-Fri) 11:00 / 13:00 / 15:00, (Weekends, Holidays) 11:00 / 13:00 / 15:00
- Prehistoric and Ancient Hall (In front of the Paleolithic Hall):
- Regular Explanation for Foreigners
- Meeting Place: In front of the Joseon Dynasty Hall on the 1st floor of the permanent exhibition hall.
- Tour Times
- Monday to Friday: (English) 10:30 / 13:00, (Japanese) 10:30 / 13:00, (Chinese) 10:30 / 13:00
- Saturday: (English) 10:30 / 13:00, (Japanese) 10:30 / 13:00
- Sunday: (English) 10:30 / 13:00, (Japanese) 10:30 / 13:00, (Chinese) 13:00
For updated information on exhibition explanations, please refer to the official website : https://www.museum.go.kr/site/main/content/exhibition_guide_link
“Spectacular Views of Namsan Tower”
The National Museum of Korea is renowned as a picturesque spot for photography. It features a frame-like structure with a view of Namsan Tower through its center. This makes it an excellent location for taking photos with Namsan Tower in the background. Moreover, on the south side of the main building of the museum, there is a reflective pool, providing another opportunity for capturing the museum in the reflection.
“How to Get to the National Museum of Korea from Ichon Station”
If you’re traveling from Ichon Station to the National Museum of Korea, you can use the underground passage that connects the subway station to the museum. Moving underground in the direction of Exit 2 of Ichon Station, you’ll find a passage leading to the National Museum of Korea. Using this passage, you can use escalators and move comfortably underground, unaffected by the weather.
Following the underground path, you’ll emerge between the Twosome Place and the reflective pool. If you proceed straight, you’ll reach the National Museum of Korea. If you turn right and continue, you’ll head towards the National Hangeul Museum.
Undoubtedly, the National Museum of Korea stands as one of the most representative museums in South Korea, offering a chance to explore diverse artifacts.
“Seoul Yongsan, National Museum of Korea”
- Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Phone: 02-2077-9000
- Operating Hours: (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun) 10:00 – 18:00, (Wed, Sat) 10:00 – 21:00
- Closed: Lunar New Year’s Day, Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) Day, January 1
- Website: https://www.museum.go.kr/site/main/home