[472 Trip] The National Museum of Korea

   Seoul is filled with modern architecture and rapidly evolving urban culture, yet at its core, thousands of years of history and tradition continue to breathe life into the city. If you want to see the true face of Korea, you should visit a place that conveys Korea’s historical depth rather than a mere tourist attraction. In this regard, the National Museum of Korea is highly recommended for international students studying in the city. In fact, last year the museum ranked 8th in the world and 1st in Asia in visitor numbers, drawing considerable attention both domestically and internationally. The recent surge in popularity of KPop Demon Hunters has further fueled this interest, leading to instances of exhibition “open runs” where visitors flock early to see popular displays. The museum is more than just a space for exhibiting artifacts; it is a place to experience the identity of Korea. Through thousands of cultural relics and artworks, visitors can catch glimpses of the Korean way of life, belief systems, artistic sensibilities, and traces of international exchanges. The facility is equipped with foreign language audio guides and services, making it very accessible to those not fluent in Korean. For a weekend break from a busy academic schedule, or while preparing an assignment on Korean culture, spending half a day at the National Museum of Korea offers a meaningful experience.

A journey through history 

   The National Museum of Korea first opened its doors in 1945, shortly after Korea’s liberation, in a building near Gyeonghoeru Pavilion within Gyeongbokgung Palace. At the time, the urgent priority was to collect and preserve cultural relics scattered and damaged during the Japanese colonial period, so much effort went into restoration and management rather than exhibitions. Later, in 1986, the museum relocated to the former Japanese Government-General Building. However, this building was dismantled in 1996 as part of a policy to erase the legacies of Japanese colonial rule. The museum then temporarily operated from a nearby building until its final move to its current location in Yongsan in 2005. 

   As the number of artifacts and exhibition demands grew, constructing a new museum with state-of-the-art preservation facilities and spacious viewing areas became imperative. In 2005, the museum reopened at its current location in Yongsan-dong, Yongsan-gu. This site was formerly part of a U.S. military base and had been off-limits to the general public for many years. The museum building harmoniously combines the curves of traditional Korean architecture with modern straight lines; from a distance, its roofline evokes the eaves of a hanok. Outside, a large outdoor exhibition space displays Three Kingdoms-era stone pagodas, Buddha statues, and steles (upright stone slabs or columns typically bearing a commemorative inscription or relief design, often serving as a gravestone) on green lawns, allowing visitors to view artifacts closely and take photographs, offering a scale rarely found indoors. Behind the museum lies the Yongsan Family Park, providing a pleasant walking route after viewing the exhibitions. The museum is also conveniently accessible, directly connected to Yongsan Station, served by Seoul Subway Line 1 and the Gyeongui Jungang Line, and close to Seoul Station, making it easy to reach for both international tourists and local residents.

   The exhibitions at the National Museum of Korea are designed not only to display artifacts but also to present Korean history as a cohesive narrative. The Prehistoric and Ancient Korea Hall on the first floor starts with tools from the Paleolithic era, approximately 700,000 years ago, and progresses through the Bronze and Iron Ages to the Three Kingdoms period, illustrating the origins of the Korean people. Visitors can grasp the changes on the Korean Peninsula at a glance through large wall maps and chronological panels. Nearby, models and videos recreate the original usage of the artifacts, making it easier to understand the significance of even a single stone tool. 

   The second and third floors focus on artistic works from the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, including painting, calligraphy, and ceramics. The Goryeo celadon inlaid with cloud and crane patterns is renowned worldwide for its delicate technique and subtle color. In the Calligraphy and Painting Hall, visitors can see royal Uigwe (royal protocols), writings of practical scholars, and genre paintings by renowned artists such as Shin Yun-bok and Kim Hong-do, vividly depicting daily life in that era. Among the museum’s unique spaces, the Hall of Contemplation offers a special environment where visitors can immerse themselves in the artworks and history in a quiet, serene atmosphere. The soft lighting, calm background music, and the two contemplative Buddha statues in meditation create a spatial continuity that allows visitors to experience thoughtful reflection connecting past and present. 

   The Gallery of World Culture, another distinctive space, exhibits artifacts from other continents, providing fascinating experiences for both Korean and international visitors. Encounters with Egyptian mummies, Indian Buddhist statues, and ancient Central Asian textiles in a single museum are rare. This highlights the museum’s role as a hub of international cultural exchange. Exhibition explanations by docents are provided in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese, and QR codes offer multilingual audio guides free of charge, ensuring that even visitors unfamiliar with historical contexts can fully enjoy the exhibitions. Every exhibit invites visitors to connect personally with Korea’s history and culture, making the experience both educational and memorable.

A cultural space for all, bridging past and present

   The National Museum of Korea is more than just a place to view artifacts; it is a multifaceted cultural space where anyone can comfortably spend time. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the museum at their own pace, whether they are history enthusiasts, casual tourists, or families with children. Permanent exhibitions are free of charge, and for special exhibitions, a modest admission fee grants access to high-quality international exhibitions. The museum is open from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M., Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours until 9 P.M. on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It is closed on Mondays, so visitors should plan accordingly. Exhibition schedules and interpretive materials are available on the official website and mobile app, and some special exhibitions allow online advance reservations. For particularly popular exhibitions, pre-booking is recommended to avoid long queues at the ticket office. 

   The museum shop is an ideal place to visit after viewing the exhibitions. Items such as mugs featuring traditional patterns, stationery incorporating Hangeul letters, and figurines of famous artifacts are highly popular. Notably, these products that combine traditional craft with modern design are produced in collaboration with skilled small business owners and medium sized enterprises rather than large corporations, not only promoting the value of Korean culture but also contributing to local economic revitalization. Prices vary, making souvenirs accessible to all, and they are especially popular gifts for international students and tourists. 

   The museum cafe offers traditional Korean teas and light sandwiches, perfect for a brief rest after exploring the exhibitions. The outdoor garden is open throughout the year, offering cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, autumn foliage, and serene snow-covered landscapes in winter. Outdoor concerts, traditional performances, and children’s experience programs hosted by the museum provide international visitors with opportunities to engage more closely with Korean culture. 

   For a smoother visit, arriving just after 10 A.M. opening allows viewing artifacts before crowds arrive, while the evening openings after 6 P.M. create a more atmospheric experience with special lighting. Downloading the audio guide app in advance enables in-depth explanations for a richer visit. Above all, the greatest appeal of the National Museum of Korea is that there is always something new to discover.

   The National Museum of Korea is not simply a warehouse for ancient artifacts or a tourist attraction. It is a living chronicle condensing thousands of years of Korean history and culture, an open cultural space where people of all generations and nationalities can enjoy and learn together. For international students and travelers, the museum is an ideal place to gain a deeper understanding of the roots and sensibilities of Korea, and it symbolizes how Korean society honors its past while connecting to the future. Every artifact, painting, and architectural element encountered there embodies the life, thought, and spirit of the Korean people of its era. Walking through the galleries, visitors can naturally sense that a nation’s history is alive and continues to inspire new generations. The museum’s various cultural programs and facilities offer more than observation; they create an experience visitors want to linger in. Rather than trying to see everything in a single visit, it is recommended to return as exhibitions and seasons change, discovering something new each time. Ultimately, the National Museum of Korea serves as a bridge connecting Korea’s past and present while nurturing dialogue with the world. Time spent here is not only part of a travel itinerary but also an opportunity to gain deeper insight into Korea.