National Museum of Korean Contemporary History

What's On

Now

Oct

Nov

Dec

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Feb

Ilgu Iryuk, Muhan Iryuk: 100 Years of Hangul Day

Marks 100 years of Hangul Day, from the first Gagyanal ceremony in 1926 to today, through the history of learning and celebrating the Korean alphabet.

Now showing2 Oct – 9 Feb 2027Free

Permanent Collections

Dreaming of Freedom, Equality and Independence (1894-1945)

The first section of the History Hall covers the push to build a modern state, resistance under Japanese colonial rule, and cultural change, with artifacts including the Provisional Government's Taegeukgi.

Permanent collectionFree

Toward Peace, Democracy and Prosperity (1945-1987)

This History Hall section covers the founding of the postwar government, the Korean War, and citizens' drive to rebuild, featuring Korea's first domestically made television and items from the April 19 Revolution.

Permanent collectionFree

Me, Korea, World (1987-Present)

The final History Hall section traces democratization, globalization and inter-Korean relations up to the present, displaying the world's first 64MB DRAM chip alongside K-pop era cultural artifacts.

Permanent collectionFree

Nearby

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National Palace Museum of Korea

ArchitectureFree5 min walk

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Seoul Museum of Craft Art

ChildrenFree6 min walk

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MMCA Seoul

Art8 min walk

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Art Sonje Center

Design8 min walk

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) and 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), Ilgu Iryuk, Muhan Iryuk: 100 Years of Hangul Day and Toward Peace, Democracy and Prosperity (1945-1987).

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.