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National Museum of Korea 국립중앙박물관
▶Overview & World's Visitor Ranking
▶Prehistory & Ancient History Gallery
▶Medieval & Modern History Gallery
▶Other Exhibitions (Outdoor, Special, Children's Museum)
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri & Sun 9:30 - 17:30
Wed & Sat 9:30 - 21:00
Admission closes 30 mins before closing time
▶ Guided Tours for International Visitors: Mon-Fri 10:30 & 13:00 (EN, JP, CN) / Sat-Sun 10:30 & 13:00 (EN, JP), 13:00 (CN). Meet in front of Korean Empire of the Permanent Exhibition Hall 1F. No reservation required.
▶ Children's Museum: 5 sessions per day (9:30 - 17:20). Online reservation required.
▶ VR Experience (@Immersive Digital Gallery 2): Online reservation required.
Closed on New Year’s Day, Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day).
Permanent Gallery & Special Galleries are closed on 1st Monday of Mar, Jun, Sep & Dec.
Free (including Children's Museum & VR Experience) except for specific special exhibitions
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Ichon Station (line 4/Gyeongui-Jungang Line, exit 2). Subway station connects directly to museum via the underground pedestrian walkway. 5 mins walk.
National Museum of Korea (NMK) is the largest museum in Korea and one of the most-visited museums in the world.
The museum houses priceless Korean treasures from the well-known ancient Three Kingdoms (Goguryeo, Baekje & Silla), the Goryeo Dynasty, the Joseon Dynasty and large Buddha statues, among others. Besides its scenic surrounding and panoramic view of N Seoul Tower, its Museum Shop carries highly popular and well-designed souvenirs from its collaboration with favourite K-POP groups (e.g. BTS) and animated characters. As such, a trip to the National Museum of Korea is highly recommended, even for those who do not typically visit museums, especially since admission is free.
Overview & World's Visitor Ranking
National Museum of Korea was established in 1945 and underwent multiple relocations (including Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Namsan Branch and Deoksugung Palace) before finally settling at its current site in Yongsan on 28 October 2005. The newly constructed museum occupies a massive site area of 307,227m² with building area of 45,438m².
The museum is divided into Permanent Exhibitions (over 12,044 pieces of collection), Special Exhibitions (Gallery 1 & 2), Immersive Digital Gallery (Gallery 1-3 & other media content) and Children's Museum.
National Museum of Korea houses numerous rare and unique artifacts designated as 'National Treasures', the highest category of state-designated heritage in Korea.
In 2025, National Museum of Korea was the World's 3rd Most Visited Art Museum with over 6.5 million visitors after Musée du Louvre in France and Vatican Museums in Vatican City.
The Permanent Exhibitions are organised across 7 permanent galleries categorised by period and theme, spanning across 3 floors.
1F - Prehistory & Ancient History • Medieval & Early Modern History Gallery
2F - Donated Works • Room of Quiet Contemplation • Calligraphy & Painting
3F - World Art Gallery • Sculpture & Crafts
At the open space on 1F is the Path to History where the extraordinary 13.5m high Ten-story Stone Pagoda of Gyeongcheonsa Temple (National Treasure No. 86) is displayed. You can also see the gigantic map of Korea, Daedongyeojido, created by Kim Jeong-ho during the late Joseon Dynasty.
Floor Guide (for Permanent Exhibitions)
It is easy to get around the museum as English is included in all floors, galleries and rooms. Information on the exhibits are also available in English too.
💡The Celadon Jar with Inlaid Peony Design is a National Treasure No. 98 from Goryeo Dynasty.
National Museum of Korea can be accessed easily on either Line 4 or Gyeongui-Jungang Line of Seoul Subway. From the Ichon Subway Station, there are signs to National Museum of Korea and you can take the underground walking linkway effortlessly to the museum.
💡Popular subway stations along Line 4 includes Dongdaemun, Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, Myeongdong, Seoul Station and Seoul Grand Park.
Direct Connection to Seoul Subway
Prehistory & Ancient History Gallery (1F)
Goguryeo Kingdom ✦ Baekje Kingdom ✦ Silla Kingdom ✦ Unified Silla Period
Prehistory & Ancient History Gallery displays artifacts from earliest Korean civilization and culture, notably from the Three Kingdoms of Korea, namely Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla.
The Three Kingdoms era lasted about 700 years, during which the Korean peninsula was divided into 3 rival states. It is also a period marked by the adoption of Buddhism, introduction of Confucianism and widespread use of Chinese characters.
Silla unified the Three Kingdoms in 668, continuing its rule as the Unified Silla Kingdom until 935.
💡The ancient Silla Kingdom is often called the 'Golden Kingdom', known for its gold artifacts that surpass those of Goguryeo and Baekje. Check out the riveting beauty and elaborate craftwork of the Gold Crown (National Treasure No. 191) and Gold Belt (National Treasure No. 190) excavated from Hwangnamdaechong Tomb in Gyeongju on display. Gold Crown souvenirs (keyring, magnet, postcard, tumbler, cup set, pencil, notebook) can be found at the Museum Shop.
💡The Pottery Vessel in the Shape of a Warrior on Horseback (National Treasure No. 91) from Silla Kingdom is excavated from Geumnyeongchong Tomb in Gyeongju. Interestingly, the earthenware vessel has holes on both ends for liquid to pour in and out.
💡Monument Marking of King Jinheung's Inspection on Mt. Bukhansan (National Treasure No. 3) from Silla Kingdom commemorates Silla’s conquest of the area, a strategic geographical point during the Three Kingdom period.
Medieval & Modern History Gallery (1F)
Goryeo Dynasty ✦ Joseon Dynasty ✦ Korean Empire
Medieval & Modern History Gallery displays historical and cultural items from the 3 most significant periods of Korea's national development from the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897) and Korean Empire (1897-1910).
💡The white porcelain Moon Jar from Joseon Dynasty is one of the must-see artifacts at the National Museum of Korea. Reminiscent of a full moon, the Moor Jar was put together by joining the upper and lower halves with variations in roundness. It was thus celebrated for its beauty of imperfection. Various forms of Moon Jar souvenirs (keyring, door bell, magnet, replica) can be found at Museum Shop.
Room of Quiet Contemplation (2F)
At Room of Quiet Contemplation, you can see 2 Pensive Bodhisattva statues from the Three Kingdoms period, designated as National Treasure of Korea (National Treasure No. 78 & National Treasure No. 83).
💡The miniature replica of the Pensive Bodhisattva is one of the best-selling merchandise at the Museum Shop.
Calligraphy & Painting (2F)
At Calligraphy & Painting section, you can find a good collection of traditional Korean paintings, Buddhist paintings and calligraphy.
Donated Works (2F)
The Donated Collection showcases cultural heritage items donated by individual collectors.
💡National Treasure in this collection includes the Bronze Brazier with Demon Face Decoration (National Treasure No. 145) from Goryeo Dynasty.
💡Daebojeokgyeong Buddhist Scriptures Volume 59 (National Treasure No. 246) from Goryeo Dynasty.
Sculpture & Crafts (3F)
Buddhist Sculpture ✦ Metal Crafts ✦ Celadon ✦ Buncheong Ware & White Porecelain
As one of the more fascinating galleries, 'Sculpture and Crafts' features magnificent large Buddha statues alongside an exquisite collection of rare beautiful ceramics. Many of the artifacts are classified as 'National Treasures', making the gallery worthy of a visit.
Display collections include:
Buddhist Sculpture
💡Stone Maitreyan Bodhisattva and Amitabha Buddha from Gamsansa Temple (National Treasure No. 82) from Unified Silla Period. The Buddhist statues feature realistic details and elaborate ornamentation, demonstrating the advanced skill of Silla stone carvers.
Metal Crafts
💡The Buddhist Bell from Cheonheungsa Temple (National Treasure No. 280) is one of the largest and most beautiful bells from the Goryeo Dynasty. The sound of the bell is considered auspicious and is believed to bring peace and comfort to all sentient beings.
Celadon
💡The Celadon Incense Burner with Openwork Design (National Treasure No. 95) is masterpiece of remarkable artistry from Goryeo Dynasty.
💡The Celadon Fish Dragon-Shaped Ewer (National Treasure No. 61) from Goryeo Dynasty is one of the most representative celadon wares of the 12th century for its aesthetic dynamism and extraordinary jade-coloured glaze.
Buncheong Ware & White Porecelain
💡Celadon Bottle with Willow Design in Iron-brown Underglaze (National Treasure No. 113) from Goryeo Dynasty. The unique form and design of this bottle make it a celebrated masterpiece of celadon ware with iron-brown underglaze.
💡Buncheong Jar with Inlaid Cloud and Dragon Design (National Treasure No. 259) from Joseon Dynasty.
💡White Porcelain Jar with Grapevine and Monkey Pattern (National Treasure No. 93) from Joseon Dynasty.
World Art Gallery (3F)
You can explore the world's history and cultures, particularly those of Asia, all within the welcoming exhibition rooms at the National Museum of Korea.
World Art Gallery has a good collection of artwork and cultural objects from:
China
Japan
Ancient Greece & Rome
India & Southeast Asia
Central Asia
Immersive Digital Gallery (1F & 2F)
There are digital content related to Korean cultural heritage available at various locations in National Museum of Korea. Of which, the biggest, most readily available and recommended is Immersive Digital Gallery 1 located inside Medieval and Early Modern History Gallery (1F of the Permanent Exhibition Hall).
Other digital content are on a much smaller scale (e.g. Immersive Digital Gallery 3, Digital Stele of King Gwanggaeto the Great), available on specific days & time only (e.g. media façade on the Ten-story Stone Pagoda) or prior reservation required (e.g. VR experience at Immersive Digital Gallery 2).
Other Exhibitions
Outdoor Exhibitions ✦ Special Exhibition Gallery ✦ Children's Museum
There are also Special Exhibition Gallery, Children's Museum and Outdoor Exhibitions (pagodas, stone lanterns, Buddhist shrines and statues).
Museum Shop (MU:DS)
The National Museum of Korea is famous for its merchandise (under the official brand MU:DS, National Museum Goods) and there are visitors who go specifically to buy the merchandise.
You can discover a wide range of products from everyday household items to souvenirs inspired by Korea's cultural heritage, historical artifacts and popular collaborations (e.g. BTS, BLACKPINK, KAKAO FRIENDS, Taylor Scents, Starbucks).
Items like the Joseon-era royal seal keyrings with a limit of 1 set per customer are sold out within an hour of first release and second restock online. Earlier release of a magpie and tiger badge based on the folk painting motif crashed the foundation's website and sold about 90,000 units. Separately, a colour-changing soju cup set modelled on the tipsy scholars in Kim Hong-do's late 18th-century painting 'Welcoming Banquet of the Governor of Pyeongan' sold over 60,000 units. Another biggest hit is the miniature replicas of Pensive Bodhisattva statue which gained unexpected popularity after appearing on BTS member RM’s social media.
💡There are 2 Museum Shops (1F) and 1 MU:DS Brand showroom (3F) at National Museum of Korea.
Sights & Scenes of National Museums of Korea
When at the National Museum of Korea, it is recommended to spare some time to walk on its exterior ground. It is a favourite hot spots for many photographers and visitors alike.
National Museum of Korea sits facing the well-known Han River (Hangang) in Seoul, backed by the expansive Namsan Mountain.
It is here you can enjoy panoramic view of many Seoul's landmark such as the iconic N Seoul Tower, Namsan Mountain, Bukhansan Mountain and Seoul Education Research & Information Institute.
View of N Seoul Tower & Namsan Mountain
You can take a leisurely stroll around the Mirror Pond and rest at the Cheongjajeong Pavilion for an enchanting view of the National Museum of Korea across the waters
Mirro Pond & Cheongjajeong Pavilion
Tucked away to the side of the National Museum of Korea grounds is a short nature path lined with tall Metasequoia trees, offering a serene escape into the greenery.
Metasequoia Tree-lined Path
As you exit Ichon Station, you will walk past a low building featuring A Twosome Place cafe, Ediya Coffee and a small CU convenience store where you can take a break.
Cafes & Snacks
On nightfall when it lights up at the National Museum of Korea, the scene changes to one of majestic and grandeur with the N Seoul Tower as the beautiful backdrop.
Night Scene
Location Map of National Museum of Korea & Nearest Subway Station
Map of National Museum of Korea
Floor Plan of 1F - Medieval & Early Modern History | Prehistory & Acncient History
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Floor Plan of 2F - Calligrapy & Painting | Room of Quiet Contemplation | Donated Works | Immersive Digital Gallery
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Floor Plan of 3F - Sculpture & Crafts | World Art Gallery
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