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Seoul Museum of History

Local HistoryHistoryClosed · Opens 9amFreeGwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Exits 7 & 8)

The Seoul Museum of History traces the city's transformation from the Joseon-dynasty capital of Hanyang through the Korean Empire, Japanese colonial rule, and the modern Republic of Korea. Its permanent galleries hold roughly 250,000 objects, about half donated by citizens, alongside a large-scale city model and multimedia displays imagining Seoul's future. The museum sits beside Gyeonghuigung Palace in central Jongno-gu and regularly hosts free special exhibitions on photography, urban history, and Seoul's material culture.

What's On

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Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

55 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03177, South Korea

Nearest station: Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Exits 7 & 8), Seodaemun Station (Line 5, Exit 4)

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Hours

MonClosed
Tue09:00–18:00
Wed09:00–18:00
Thu09:00–18:00
FriToday09:00–22:00
Sat09:00–18:00
Sun09:00–18:00

Admission

Free

Nearby

MMCA Deoksugung

Art7 min walk

National Museum of Korean Contemporary History

HistoryFree9 min walk

Seoul Museum of Art

ArchitectureFree9 min walk

National Palace Museum of Korea

ArchitectureFree10 min walk

Visitor Information

Is Seoul Museum of History free to visit?
Yes, general admission to Seoul Museum of 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 Seoul Museum of History?
Seoul Museum of History is open Tue-Sun 9:00-18:00 (last admission 17:30), Fridays open until 22:00. Closed Mondays and 1 January (open if a Monday is a public holiday). Admission free.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is Seoul Museum of History?
Seoul Museum of History is located at 55 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03177, South Korea, in the Jongno-gu area of Seoul. The nearest stations are Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Exits 7 & 8), Seodaemun Station (Line 5, Exit 4).
What can I see at Seoul Museum of History?
Seoul's story from prehistory to today, told through 250,000 artifacts near Gyeonghuigung Palace. Current highlights include Seoul, Now and Future, Seoul under Japanese Control, 1910–1945, The Joseon Capital, 1392–1863.
Do I need to book Seoul Museum of History in advance?
Seoul Museum of 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 Seoul Museum of 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.

Jjw / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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