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National Palace Museum of Korea

ArchitectureArtHistoryClosed · Opens 9:30amFreeGyeongbokgung Station (Line 3)

Set within the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace in central Seoul, the National Palace Museum of Korea holds more than 40,000 artifacts from the Joseon dynasty and the Korean Empire, including 14 National Treasures. Permanent galleries cover royal governance, court rituals, royal court painting, and science and technology, centred on a reconstruction of the 1434 Jagyeokru self-striking water clock built for King Sejong. Admission is free.

What's On

Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

12 Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03045, South Korea

Nearest station: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5)

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Hours

Mon09:30–17:30
Tue09:30–17:30
Wed09:30–17:30
Thu09:30–17:30
FriToday09:30–17:30
Sat09:30–21:00
Sun09:30–17:30

Admission

Free

Nearby

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), 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 Royal Rituals of the Joseon Dynasty, Kings of the Joseon Dynasty, Korean Empire.
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.

Jinho Jung, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)