If you're planning a trip to Seoul and have even the slightest interest in history, art, or culture, the National Museum of Korea (๊ตญ๋ฆฝ์ค์๋ฐ๋ฌผ๊ด) is an absolute must-visit. Located near the scenic Yongsan Family Park, this museum is not just a building filled with artifacts — it's a portal into the soul of Korea.
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๐ Getting There
I took the subway to Ichon Station (์ด์ด์ญ, Line 4) — Exit 2 leads you straight to the museum. Super convenient!
As I walked in, I was immediately struck by the grandeur of the architecture. The museum is massive, modern, and surrounded by peaceful gardens and ponds. It feels like a calm oasis in the middle of the bustling city.
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๐ฐ What’s Inside?
The museum is FREE (yes, free!), and houses over 220,000 artifacts, although only a fraction are on display at any given time. I started my journey in the Prehistory and Ancient History Hall, where I saw beautiful pieces from the Paleolithic age, Bronze age, and the Three Kingdoms period (Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla).
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The Gilt-bronze Maitreya in Meditation — a serene and stunning statue from the 7th century. I literally stared at it for 10 minutes.
The Celadon ceramics from the Goryeo Dynasty (๊ณ ๋ ค์ฒญ์) were another favorite. They're so delicately crafted, it's hard to believe they were made centuries ago.
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๐ผ A Blend of Past and Present
What I loved most was how the museum beautifully blends traditional Korean culture with modern design. There are digital screens with multilingual explanations, interactive exhibits, and even a children’s museum for young visitors.
There are also special exhibitions (some require a fee), which rotate regularly. When I visited, there was an exhibit on ancient Buddhist art from Central Asia — absolutely fascinating!
๐ฟ Relaxing Spaces
After exploring, I took a walk through the museum garden. There's a lovely pond with lotus flowers, a traditional pagoda, and benches where you can rest. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop and cafรฉ — perfect for grabbing a Korean souvenir or a cup of traditional tea.
๐ก Tips for Visiting
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๐ Closed every Monday, so plan accordingly!
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๐ Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (extended on weekends)
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๐ท Photography is allowed, but flash is not
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๐ง You can rent an audio guide (available in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean)
Final Thoughts ๐
Visiting the National Museum of Korea gave me a deeper appreciation for Korean history and artistry. It’s peaceful, beautifully curated, and incredibly informative — and the best part? It’s accessible to everyone.
If you're in Seoul, don’t miss this cultural gem. Even if you're not a “museum person,” I guarantee you’ll find something here that surprises or moves you.
Have you been to the National Museum of Korea? Let me know what your favorite exhibit was in the comments below!
