About National Museum of Korea
Among the world's largest museums by area, the NMK holds 220,000 items from prehistory to the early 20th century — its collection is free to all visitors.
Founded in 1945, National Museum of Korea has been welcoming visitors for over 81 years. Today it draws approximately 4,200,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited history & civilization museums in the world. Located in Seoul, South Korea, the museum holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 7,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why National Museum of Korea ranks #68
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #68 in our composite ranking, National Museum of Korea represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: AECOM Top 10, Free entry.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 3 hours, planning your route through National Museum of Korea is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Pensive Bodhisattva (National Treasure 78 & 83)
- ◆Goryeo celadon
- ◆Ten-storey Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda
- ◆Calligraphy galleries
- ◆Free entry
Recognition & awards
National Museum of Korea has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Tue, Thu–Fri, Sun 10:00–18:00, Wed & Sat 10:00–21:00. Closed Mon.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 3 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: National Museum of Korea is located in Seoul, South Korea at coordinates 37.5240°N, 126.9803°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of National Museum of Korea
National Museum of Korea was established in 1945, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Seoul. With 4,200,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in South Korea's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important history & civilization museums in the Asia region.
Other top history & civilization museums
If you enjoy history & civilization museums like National Museum of Korea, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #37Smithsonian National Museum of American HistoryWashington, United States
- #38Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and CultureWashington, United States
- #48Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque & MuseumIstanbul, Turkey
- #87Vasa MuseumStockholm, Sweden
- #88ABBA The MuseumStockholm, Sweden
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of National Museum of Korea?
Tue, Thu–Fri, Sun 10:00–18:00, Wed & Sat 10:00–21:00. Closed Mon. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at National Museum of Korea?
Most visitors recommend spending 3 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is National Museum of Korea located?
National Museum of Korea is located in Seoul, South Korea. The exact coordinates are 37.5240°, 126.9803°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is National Museum of Korea known for?
Korea's national history in Yongsan Park. Key highlights include Pensive Bodhisattva (National Treasure 78 & 83), Goryeo celadon, Ten-storey Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda. The museum holds a 4.7/5 rating from 7,000 reviews.
How many people visit National Museum of Korea each year?
National Museum of Korea receives approximately 4,200,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in South Korea.
When was National Museum of Korea founded?
National Museum of Korea was founded in 1945, making it 81 years old. It is categorised as a history & civilization museum in our directory.
