National Palace Museum of Korea

What's On

Permanent Collections

Scientific Achievement of the Joseon Dynasty

Astronomy, meteorology, medicine, and weaponry, centred on a restoration of the Jagyeokru, Korea's first self-striking water clock, built 1434.

Permanent collectionFree

Korean Empire

Artifacts from 1897-1910, when Emperor Gojong pursued modernization and new imperial institutions before Japan's occupation.

Permanent collectionFree

Royal Rituals of the Joseon Dynasty

Ceremonial objects, musical instruments, and royal regalia used in the Confucian state rites that ordered Joseon court life.

Permanent collectionFree

Kings of the Joseon Dynasty

Royal thrones, seals, and ceremonial regalia tracing how the 27 kings of Joseon (1392-1910) governed and projected authority.

Permanent collectionFree

Nearby

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National Museum of Korean Contemporary History

HistoryFree5 min walk

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MMCA Seoul

Art7 min walk

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Art Sonje Center

Design8 min walk

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National Folk Museum of Korea

ChildrenFree8 min walk

Visitor Information

Is National Palace Museum of Korea free to visit?

Yes, general admission to National Palace Museum of Korea 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 Palace Museum of Korea?

National Palace Museum of Korea is open Open daily 09:30-17:30 (Saturdays until 21:00; last Wednesday of the month/Culture Day until 21:00); last entry 30-60 min before close. Closed New Year's Day, Seollal, Chuseok, and the last Monday of every month.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.

Where is National Palace Museum of Korea?

National Palace Museum of Korea is located at 12 Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03045, South Korea, in the Jongno-gu area of Seoul. The nearest stations are Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) and Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5).

What can I see at National Palace Museum of Korea?

Royal seals, thrones, and Korea's first water clock: 40,000 Joseon-dynasty treasures inside Gyeongbokgung Palace. Current highlights include Scientific Achievement of the Joseon Dynasty, Korean Empire and Royal Rituals of the Joseon Dynasty.

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

National Palace Museum of Korea 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 Palace 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.