The National Museum of Korea in the Yongsan area of Seoul is the country’s largest museum and one of the largest in Asia, with over 340,000 artifacts in its permanent collection spanning Korean history from the Paleolithic era to the Joseon dynasty.
Entry to the permanent galleries is free. Gardens surround the building, and the museum complex includes a children’s museum, a medieval art gallery, and a digital exhibition wing.
Quick Answer: National Museum of Korea: Korea’s largest museum in Yongsan, Seoul. Permanent collection free. Ancient artefacts, Buddhist sculpture, Silla gold crowns, Goryeo celadon, Joseon paintings, and the 11-metre Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda. Allow 2 to 3 hours minimum. Subway: Line 4 (blue) or Jungang Line to Ichon Station (exit 2), then walk approximately 10 minutes.
Getting There
Subway Line 4 (blue) to Ichon Station (exit 2), then walk 10 minutes following signs. Alternatively, the Jungang Line also stops at Ichon Station. From the Itaewon guide: approximately a 15-minute walk or 5 minutes by taxi. From Yongsan Station: approximately 20 minutes’ walk.
What to See
Archaeological Gallery (Ground Floor)
Korea’s prehistoric and ancient history from the Paleolithic through the Three Kingdoms period. Key pieces: Bronze Age dolmen burial goods, early Iron Age tools, and the extraordinary Silla gold crowns from the tumuli of Gyeongju. The gold crowns, dating from the 5th and 6th centuries AD, are considered the finest examples of ancient Korean goldwork. See the Gyeongju guide for the context of Silla Kingdom history.
Medieval Gallery (Ground Floor)
Buddhist art, Goryeo celadon, and metalwork from the Unified Silla through the Goryeo periods. The Goryeo celadon collection is excellent, covering the full range of inlaid and plain celadon production. The Buddhist paintings and gilt-bronze figures are among the finest in Korea.
Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda (Ground Floor Atrium)
The centrepiece of the museum’s main hall: an 11-metre, 10-storey marble pagoda from 1348 (Goryeo period), originally from a temple in North Korea and now preserved indoors to protect its intricately carved stone panels. The scale and detail of the pagoda are extraordinary. Walking around the base and reading the carved Buddhist scenes takes 15 to 20 minutes.
Joseon Gallery (Second Floor)
Joseon dynasty art (1392 to 1897): court paintings, scholar paintings, furniture, ceramics (white porcelain replacing the Goryeo celadon tradition), and the documentary culture of the Joseon bureaucracy. The portrait gallery of Joseon scholars and officials is one of the finest collections of historical portraiture in Asia.
Asian Art Gallery (Second Floor)
Art and artifacts from China, Japan, and Central Asia, allowing comparison with the Korean collection. Particularly strong on Chinese bronzes and Japanese decorative arts.
Practical Information
Admission: Permanent galleries: free. Temporary exhibitions: 2,000 to 15,000 won, depending on the exhibition.
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 10 am to 6 pm. Wednesday and Saturday,10 am0am9 pm 9 pm. Sunday and public holidays 10 am to 7 pm.
Audio guide: Available at the entrance in English, Japanese, and Chinese. Approximately 1,000 won.
Combining with Other Yongsan Attractions
The National Museum sits in a large park area adjacent to the War Memorial of Korea (see the War Memorial guide) and is a 15-minute walk from the Itaewon guide. Combining the National Museum in the morning with the War Memorial in the afternoon and an Itaewon guide for dinner makes for a strong, full-day cultural experience in the Yongsan area.
Nearby Guides
- War Memorial of Korea guide
- Itaewon guide
- Leeum Museum guide
- Seoul day trips
- Things to do in Korea
- Seoul travel guide
- Seoul in 3 days
FAQ
How long should I spend at the National Museum of Korea?
2 to 3 hours for a solid but selective visit covering the main highlights (Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda, Silla gold crowns, Goryeo celadon, Joseon paintings). A thorough visit covering all six floors takes a full day. The museum café is good for a mid-visit break.
Is the National Museum of Korea good for children?
Yes. The Children’s Museum wing (with a separate entrance and booking required) is specifically designed for young visitors. The main museum’s archaeological displays with gold crowns and swords are also popular with children. The outdoor gardens and the café areas make it comfortable for families.
When is the best time to visit the National Museum?
Weekday mornings are the least crowded. The museum is significantly busier during special temporary exhibitions. The Wednesday and Saturday evening hours (until 9 pm) offer a quieter experience than daytime.
