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National Museum of Korean Contemporary History

HistoryClosed · Opens 10amFreeGwanghwamun Station (Line 5)

Opened in 2012 beside Gwanghwamun Square, this museum traces South Korea's journey from the late 19th century to the present. Its permanent History Hall unfolds across three chronological sections covering colonial-era resistance, postwar reconstruction and democratization, and the country's rise as a global economic and cultural power. A hands-on Experience Hall lets visitors explore different decades through everyday objects, and a rotating program of special exhibitions examines specific moments and themes in modern Korean history.

What's On

Now
Aug
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Oct

Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

198 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03141, South Korea

Nearest station: Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), City Hall Station (Lines 1/2)

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Hours

Mon10:00–18:00
Tue10:00–18:00
Wed10:00–21:00
Thu10:00–18:00
FriToday10:00–18:00
Sat10:00–21:00
Sun10:00–18:00

Admission

Free

Nearby

Visitor Information

Is National Museum of Korean Contemporary History free to visit?
Yes, general admission to National Museum of Korean Contemporary History is free. 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 Korean Contemporary History?
National Museum of Korean Contemporary History is open Open daily 10:00-18:00, until 21:00 on Wednesdays and Saturdays (last admission 30 min before closing). Closed New Year's Day, Lunar New Year's Day and Chuseok Day.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is National Museum of Korean Contemporary History?
National Museum of Korean Contemporary History is located at 198 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03141, South Korea, in the Jongno-gu area of Seoul. The nearest stations are Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), City Hall Station (Lines 1/2).
What can I see at National Museum of Korean Contemporary History?
Seoul's story from empire to K-pop, told through the objects that lived it. Current highlights include Dreaming of Freedom, Equality and Independence (1894-1945), Toward Peace, Democracy and Prosperity (1945-1987), Revisiting Constitution Day.
Do I need to book National Museum of Korean Contemporary History in advance?
National Museum of Korean Contemporary History is free to enter and most days you can walk in. 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 Korean Contemporary History?
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.

Trace84 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)