One of the six largest museums in the world by floor area, it houses about 400,000 artifacts from prehistoric pottery to Joseon painting. Highlights include the Gold Crown of Silla and the 10-story Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda. The building sits in a landscaped park with a pond. Phone +82-2-2077-9000.
The National Museum of Korea stands at 137 Seobinggo-ro in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea, set within a landscaped park in the Ichon-dong area beside the Han River district. Holding roughly 400,000 artifacts, it ranks among the largest museums in the world by floor area and is the country's principal repository of art and archaeology, spanning prehistoric pottery, Three Kingdoms gold work, Goryeo celadon, Buddhist sculpture and Joseon painting. Admission to the permanent galleries is free, while special exhibitions are ticketed separately.
The long, modernist main building is arranged chronologically. The first-floor Archaeology and History galleries lead from Paleolithic tools through the Silla kingdom, where the gold crowns and jewelry are among the most photographed objects. The second floor covers Donation, Calligraphy and Painting. The third-floor Sculpture and Crafts hall houses Buddhist statuary, including the two pensive bodhisattva figures displayed in a dimly lit, dedicated room. Outdoors, the ten-story Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda from the Goryeo period stands on the grounds, and paths circle a pond and small gardens that suit a slow walk between galleries.
A full visit takes three to four hours, and many visitors split it across two half-days. Ichon Station on Subway Line 4 and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line connects to the museum by a direct underground passage, so arrival is easy in any weather. The museum opens at 10:00 and closes at 18:00 on most days, with late opening to 21:00 on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Weekday mornings are calmest, while weekend afternoons and school holidays bring large family and school groups, especially to the Silla gold rooms and the children's museum. Evening visits on the late-opening days offer a quiet atmosphere and the lit pagoda and pond for photographs. Photography without flash is generally permitted in the permanent galleries, though some special exhibitions restrict it. Cafes and a restaurant on site allow a break, and the museum shop stocks reproductions and books in English.
| Admission | Free (special exhibitions ticketed separately) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun 10:00-18:00; Wed and Sat 10:00-21:00; open on public holidays, closed Jan 1 and Seollal/Chuseok days (confirm on website) |
| Typical visit | 3-4 hours |
| Best time | Wednesday or Saturday evening after 18:00 for a quiet visit with late opening |
| Getting there | Subway Line 4 or Gyeongui-Jungang Line, Ichon Station, Exit 2 (direct underground passage to the museum) |
| Address | 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 용산구 서빙고로 137) |
Location
137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 용산구 서빙고로 137)
37.5239, 126.9803 View on map
Highlights
- Silla gold crowns and jewelry in the Archaeology gallery
- Pair of pensive bodhisattva statues in the third-floor Sculpture and Crafts hall
- Ten-story Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda on the museum grounds
- Free permanent galleries covering prehistory to Joseon painting
Tips for visiting
- Pick up the free English map at the information desk before entering the galleries.
- English audio guides are available for a small fee and suit the Silla and Buddhist sculpture rooms.
- Use the direct underground passage from Ichon Station Exit 2, which avoids rain and summer heat.
- Visit on Wednesday or Saturday evenings for late opening until 21:00 and thinner crowds.
- Check the website for closure on Jan 1 and Seollal/Chuseok days before travelling.
When to visit
Weekday mornings and Wednesday or Saturday evenings after 18:00 are quietest. Weekend afternoons and school holidays are the busiest.
Accessibility
The museum is a large modern building with elevators and step-free routes between floors, and wheelchairs are available to borrow at the information desk. Ichon Station connects by an underground passage with elevator access.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the National Museum of Korea take?
Most visitors spend three to four hours on the main galleries. A focused highlights route covering the Silla gold and the pensive bodhisattvas can be done in about two hours.
Is entry free?
Admission to the permanent exhibitions is free. Special exhibitions are ticketed separately, so check the official website for current prices.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the museum has a dedicated children's museum and the grounds, pond and pagoda give space to move around. Younger children usually manage best with a shorter, selective route.
Is photography allowed?
Photography without flash is generally allowed in the permanent galleries. Some special exhibitions and individual objects have restrictions, indicated by signs.