Seoul, Gyeongbokgung – National Folk Museum of Korea

October 13, 2023 660 Views

Within the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace, representing the Joseon Dynasty, you’ll find various museums, and among them is the National Folk Museum of Korea, located on the fringes of Gyeongbokgung.

Interestingly, you can visit the museum without entering Gyeongbokgung itself. If you choose to visit only the museum, head to the path east of Gyeongbokgung and follow it up towards Samcheongdong.

National Folk Museum of Korea

This museum serves as a space for researching, studying, collecting, preserving, and exhibiting traditional and everyday culture in Korea. Besides enjoying various exhibitions, there are permanent exhibits, including:

Korean Life
Livelihoods, Crafts, Rites
The Life of Koreans

“Modernization Street” Outside the National Folk Museum

Adjacent to the National Folk Museum, you’ll find a curated “Modernization Street” outdoors. While not an extensive area, it has a nostalgic feel, especially resembling the 70s-80s era, making it a delightful spot for photography.

Particularly interesting is a marked line for the popular game “Ojingeo Game,” adding an interactive element to the surroundings. Beyond indoor exhibitions, this area provides additional points of interest.

Museum’s Planned Relocation Before 2030

The National Folk Museum is scheduled for relocation and removal by 2030. This is due to the sequential restoration of the Gyeongbokgung structures deliberately damaged by the Japanese during the colonial era. The original site, where Gyeongbokgung’s Seonwonjeon stood, will be restored after 2030.

It’s a museum near Gyeongbokgung offering free exhibitions, making it an excellent addition to your Gyeongbokgung exploration. A pathway connects Gyeongbokgung to the National Folk Museum, facilitating an easy transition between the two.

Given its extensive scale and numerous exhibits, allocating at least an hour for the visit is advisable.

National Folk Museum of Korea