iSeoul Museum of History
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.
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What's On
Permanent Collections
Seoul, Now and Future
Permanent gallery anchored by the City Model Image Hall, a large-scale model and multimedia space exploring Seoul's urban environment and future plans.
The Joseon Capital, 1392–1863
Permanent gallery on Hanyang's founding as Joseon's capital, from Gyeongbokgung and Jongmyo to its recovery after the Imjin War and rise as a commercial hub.
Seoul under Japanese Control, 1910–1945
Permanent gallery on colonial-era Gyeongseong: forced modernization, ethnic discrimination, the March 1st Movement, and everyday life under Japanese rule.
Seoul, the Capital of the Republic of Korea
Permanent gallery tracing Seoul from postwar reconstruction and the Korean War through Gangnam's rise, the 1988 Olympics, and the modern metropolis.
Plan Your Visit
Getting there
55 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03177, South Korea
Nearest station: Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Exits 7 & 8) and Seodaemun Station (Line 5, Exit 4)
Show on mapHours
| Mon | Closed |
| Tue | 09:00–18:00 |
| Wed | 09:00–18:00 |
| ThuToday | 09:00–18:00 |
| Fri | 09:00–22:00 |
| Sat | 09:00–18:00 |
| Sun | 09:00–18:00 |
Admission
Free
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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) and 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 Taehwagwan: A Space Weaving Together Time, Seoul, Now and Future and 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.
Image credits
10
- Seoul Museum of HistoryJjw / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Taehwagwan: A Space Weaving Together TimeCourtesy of Seoul Museum of History
- Seoul, Now and FutureCourtesy of Seoul Museum of History
- The Joseon Capital, 1392–1863Courtesy of Seoul Museum of History
- Seoul under Japanese Control, 1910–1945Courtesy of Seoul Museum of History
- Seoul, the Capital of the Republic of KoreaCourtesy of Seoul Museum of History
- MMCA DeoksugungKimhs5400 (블루시티), via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
- National Museum of Korean Contemporary HistoryTrace84 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Seoul Museum of Artgypsycrystal, CC BY 2.0
- National Palace Museum of KoreaJinho Jung, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0