The National Museum of Korea, located in Seoul, is the flagship museum of Korean history and art. Established in 1945, it houses over 420,000 artifacts, making it one of the largest museums in Asia. The museum offers a rich cultural experience with its six permanent exhibition halls and various special exhibitions.
Website Ratings:
Google: 4.7/5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
10 Must-Do Activities:
1. Explore the Prehistory and Ancient History Gallery
Why it’s a must: This gallery takes you on a journey through Korea’s ancient history, from the Paleolithic period to the Three Kingdoms (Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla). The collection includes stone tools, bronze artifacts, and stunning gold crowns from the Silla Kingdom.
Tip: Don't miss the Gold Crown of Silla, one of Korea’s most famous treasures, and the Baekje Gilt-bronze Incense Burner, an exquisite example of Baekje craftsmanship.
2. Admire the Buddhist Sculpture Gallery
Why it’s a must: The Buddhist Sculpture Gallery features some of Korea’s most impressive Buddhist art, including statues and relics from the Goryeo and Joseon periods. The serene Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and the large Gilt-bronze Maitreya statues are breathtaking examples of Korean Buddhist artistry.
Tip: Spend time reflecting in front of the Pensive Bodhisattva, a national treasure that represents the deep spiritual heritage of Korea.
3. Marvel at the Celadon Ceramics Collection
Why it’s a must: Korean celadon ceramics, especially from the Goryeo Dynasty, are world-renowned for their elegant shapes and jade-green glaze. The museum’s Celadon Gallery showcases some of the finest examples, including incense burners, vases, and tea bowls.
Tip: Look for the Goryeo Celadon Ewer in the Shape of a Lotus Flower, a masterpiece of celadon craftsmanship with delicate carved decorations.
4. Visit the Calligraphy and Painting Gallery
Why it’s a must: This gallery contains beautiful examples of Korean calligraphy and painting, reflecting the country’s rich artistic traditions. You’ll find works from both the Joseon Dynasty and modern Korean artists within the gallery.
Tip: Pay attention to the Four Gracious Plants paintings (plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum), which are symbolic in Korean art and represent virtues such as resilience and integrity.
5. Explore the Joseon Dynasty Artifacts
Why it’s a must: The Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) was a golden age of Korean culture, and the museum’s collection includes royal artifacts, porcelain, scientific instruments, and court paintings from this period. These items offer a glimpse into the sophisticated culture and governance of the Joseon court.
Tip: The Sungnyemun Gate Tablet, a wooden plaque from Seoul’s historic city gate, and the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, a UNESCO World Heritage item, are must-see artifacts.
6. Walk Through the Outdoor Garden and Pagoda Area
Why it’s a must: The museum’s outdoor garden is home to several large Buddhist pagodas and statues, some of which are hundreds of years old. It’s a peaceful space where you can enjoy a quiet moment while appreciating the grandeur of ancient Korean architecture.
Tip: Take a walk to see the Ten Story Pagoda from Gyeongcheonsa, a massive stone pagoda from the Goryeo Dynasty, which stands as the centerpiece of the outdoor area.
7. Discover the Asian Art Gallery
Why it’s a must: The Asian Art Gallery features artifacts from across China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, showcasing Korea’s cultural exchanges with its neighboring countries. The collection includes bronze sculptures, pottery, and textiles from these regions.
Tip: Compare the Korean celadons with similar ceramics from China and Japan to appreciate the distinct styles and influences across East Asia.
8. Experience the Special and Temporary Exhibitions
Why it’s a must: The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions that focus on specific themes, artists, or periods in Korean and global history. These exhibitions often feature rare artifacts loaned from other museums or private collections.
Tip: Check the museum's website or inquire at the information desk to learn about current or upcoming exhibitions. These exhibits often highlight lesser-known aspects of Korean or international culture.
9. Take a Break at the Museum Café and Shop for Souvenirs
Why it’s a must: After exploring the museum, relax at the museum café, which offers snacks, drinks, and a view of the museum’s outdoor garden. Before you leave, stop by the museum gift shop, which sells unique souvenirs, including Korean art replicas, books, and traditional crafts.
Tip: Pick up a calligraphy set or a miniature celadon vase as a souvenir of your visit. The shop also has a great selection of books on Korean history and art.
10. Attend a Cultural Program or Workshop
Why it’s a must: The museum offers a variety of cultural programs, including traditional music performances, hands-on workshops, and lectures on Korean history and art. These programs provide a deeper understanding of Korean culture and allow visitors to engage directly with the museum’s exhibits.
Tip: If you’re interested in learning more about Korean art techniques, sign up for a traditional painting or calligraphy workshop. These programs are often available in English and are a great way to make your visit more interactive.
Official Website: https://www.museum.go.kr/site/main/home
Main Positive Reviews:
A must-visit museum in Seoul. Rich in history and beautifully curated. Free entry is a bonus!
Amazing collection of artifacts. The layout is great, and there's a lot to see. Highly recommend!
Fantastic museum with a wide variety of exhibits. Very educational and well-maintained.
Beautiful museum with extensive collections. Perfect for history lovers.
Great place to learn about Korean history. The museum is huge and well-organized.
Very grand and modern museum. Great place for family outings with educational value.
The museum focuses on archaeological finds with authentic artifacts. No multimedia distractions.
Well-curated exhibits that give a deep insight into Korean history and culture.
Beautifully designed and very informative. A cultural treasure.
Excellent for those interested in history. The museum is very spacious and pleasant.
Main Negative Reviews:
Too crowded, which made it hard to enjoy the exhibits.
The museum is too large to see everything in one day. Plan accordingly.
Not enough interactive exhibits for children.
Limited English explanations for some artifacts.
Parking fees are crazy, 2000 KRW
Too few facilities. Having kids line up at convenience stores to eat reheated instant food because there's no place to eat doesn't seem appropriate. The site is very large, wouldn't it be nice to have a place to rest?
The museum was sudden closed without notice! Even couldn't get the information from Google!
Overall Analysis
Cost:The entrance to the museum is free, which is a significant advantage for visitors.
With an overall high rating and numerous positive reviews, the National Museum of Korea is definitely worth visiting. Its rich collections and free entry make it an attractive destination for history and culture enthusiasts. Despite some minor drawbacks, the museum offers a comprehensive and enjoyable experience. Therefore, it is highly recommended to add this museum to your itinerary when visiting Seoul.
Is it Worth Visiting:
Based on the reviews from Google and TripAdvisor, the National Museum of Korea is highly recommended, with average ratings of 4.6 out of 5, respectively. The museum is praised for its extensive and well-curated collections, educational value, and beautiful layout. However, some visitors noted issues such as occasional closures of sections, crowding, limited interactive exhibits for children, and high parking fees.
Comments