National Museum of Korea

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Evergreen Bamboo Through the Four Seasons Embodied in Ceramics

A thematic display of ceramics decorated with bamboo motifs across the seasons, in the Buncheong Ware and White Porcelain Gallery, permanent exhibition hall 3F.

Now showing23 Jun – 31 Jan 2027Free

Hearts That Share Beauty: Newly Donated Artifacts 2

Second display of newly donated artifacts, on calligraphy shared between calligrapher and donor: works by Hwang Gi-ro, Kim Gu and Yi Gi-u, and a poem album. Donation Room 4.

Now showing27 Jul – 15 NovFree

Kim Jeonghui and His Companions

A thematic show on 19th-century Joseon scholar-calligrapher Kim Jeonghui, exploring his intellectual circle through letters, calligraphy and paintings. Calligraphy and Painting Gallery, 2F.

Now showing11 Aug – 22 NovFree

Breaking the Seal of a Thousand Years: Buddhist Manuscripts from Dunhuang in the National Museum of Korea

Four Buddhist manuscripts from Dunhuang's Library Cave, bought by the Yi Royal Family Museum, shown with the results of the museum's 2025 research report. Central Asia Gallery.

Now showing23 Oct – 24 Jan 2027Free

Modern Art in Times of Change: Masterpieces from Kunsthaus Zürich

85 paintings and sculptures from Kunsthaus Zürich tracing European modern art from the 18th to the 20th century, with works by Monet, Picasso, Hodler, Klee and Giacometti.

Upcoming27 Nov – 18 Apr 2027Free

Marie Antoinette Style

A collaboration with London's V&A tracing how Marie Antoinette shaped 18th-century fashion, interiors and taste, and how her image has been reinterpreted since. Special Exhibition Gallery 2.

Upcoming18 Dec – 31 Mar 2027Free

Permanent Collections

Room of Quiet Contemplation: The Pensive Bodhisattvas

A dedicated dark, quiet gallery holding two gilt-bronze Pensive Bodhisattva statues (National Treasures), masterpieces of Three Kingdoms-period Buddhist sculpture from the late 6th-early 7th century.

Permanent collectionFree

Gold Crown from Hwangnamdaechong Tomb

A Silla-kingdom gold and jade crown (National Treasure No. 191) excavated from the north mound of Hwangnamdaechong Tomb in Gyeongju, among the finest of Korea's royal gold crowns.

Permanent collectionFree

Ten-Story Pagoda from Gyeongcheonsa Temple Site

A monumental 1348 marble pagoda, the first of its kind, displayed on the museum's "Path to History." Looted to Japan in 1907, recovered, and fully restored by 2005.

Permanent collectionFree

Nearby

National Hangeul Museum

National Hangeul Museum

ChildrenFree4 min walk

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War Memorial of Korea

MilitaryFree17 min walk

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Amorepacific Museum of Art (APMA)

Art18 min walk

Visitor Information

Is National Museum of Korea free to visit?

Yes, general admission to National Museum of Korea is free. Permanent galleries and Children's Museum are free; some special exhibitions charge separate admission (roughly 5,000-15,000 KRW).. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.

What are the opening hours of National Museum of Korea?

National Museum of Korea is open Open daily, 9:30am-5:30pm (last admission 5:00pm), with late opening to 9pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays (last admission 8:30pm). Closed 1 January, Lunar New Year's Day, Chuseok, and the first Monday of March, June, September and December (permanent and special galleries only).. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.

Where is National Museum of Korea?

National Museum of Korea is located at 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea, in the Yongsan-gu area of Seoul. The nearest station is Ichon Station (Line 4 / Gyeongui–Jungang Line).

What can I see at National Museum of Korea?

Korea's flagship museum of history and art: 310,000+ artifacts spanning prehistory to modern times, free permanent galleries. Current highlights include Modern Art in Times of Change: Masterpieces from Kunsthaus Zürich, Breaking the Seal of a Thousand Years: Buddhist Manuscripts from Dunhuang in the National Museum of Korea and Room of Quiet Contemplation: The Pensive Bodhisattvas.

Do I need to book National Museum of Korea in advance?

National Museum of Korea is free to enter and most days you can walk in. Permanent galleries and Children's Museum are free; some special exhibitions charge separate admission (roughly 5,000-15,000 KRW).. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.

When is the best time to visit National Museum of Korea?

Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.