Exploring Korea

National Museum of Korea

National Museum of Korea

The National Museum of Korea was founded on December 3rd, 1945 after the liberation from the Japanese Occupation Government. The museum was relocated numerous times over the years due to war and the increase of relics. In the mid-nineties the government decided to build a permanent and dedicated building and choose Yongsan Family Park.

On October 28th, 2005 the National Museum of Korea opened it’s doors to the public. The new building with total floor space of 137,542.56 ㎡ makes it one of the top 10 biggest museums in the world. To view all the items and learn about the history of Korea you would need to visit the museum a couple of times. The museum holds many of the National Treasures of Korea and other artifacts. Outside the museum there are a number of open green areas, big ponds, open air theatres and a waterfall.

The museum has 3 floors. Each floor is split up into different sections. Floor 1 consists of the Prehistory, Ancient History Gallery, Medieval and Early Modern History Gallery. Floor 2 houses a gallery made up of donations by individuals and the Calligraphy and Painting Gallery. Floor 3 holds the Sculpture and Crafts Gallery, the Asia Gallery and a small exhibition about the G20 Summit in Seoul 2010. It was here that the G20 members attended their first meeting in Korea, had a banquet and a took a tour of the museum.

Opening Hours / Admission:
Tues, Thurs & Fri: 09:00 ~ 18:00
Wed & Sat: 09:00 ~ 21:00
Sun & holidays: 09:00 ~ 19:00
Closed on Mondays and January 1st. If Monday is a national holiday the museum will stay open and close the following day.

Admission is free to the museum.

How to get to the National Museum of Korea:

Take line 4 to Ichon station, leave exit 2 and head straight.


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