National Folk Museum of Korea

National Folk Museum of Korea

The National Folk Museum of Korea is located in Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. Established in 1924 and opened to the public in 1945, it is the most representative museum of Korean life and culture. The museum recreates the traditional historical lives of Korean people through replicas of historical artifacts, giving visitors a deeper understanding of Korea’s history, culture, and way of life.

The National Folk Museum of Korea is a modern museum in Korea for the 21st century and is the best place to learn about the traditional life and culture of the Korean people, attracting around 2 million visitors annually. The museum presents a comprehensive overview of Korean ethnic cultural life through three permanent exhibitions with various themes: “History of Korean Life Culture,” “Daily Life of Koreans,” and “The Life Journey of Koreans.” Its collection includes approximately 98,000 items. The History of Korean Life Culture exhibition displays representative materials related to the life and culture of the Korean people from prehistoric times to the modern era; the Daily Life of Koreans exhibition showcases the distinct characteristics of Korea’s agricultural society; and the Life Journey of Koreans exhibition illustrates the general life course of the yangban (noble class) from birth to death during the Joseon Dynasty.

The National Folk Museum of Korea holds more than four special and curated exhibitions per year to broaden understanding of Korean life and culture. Additionally, there is a Children’s Museum designed to allow children to directly experience and interact with traditional life culture as they grow up.

Admission & Opening Hours

March – October

9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, last admission at 5:00 PM

November – February (next year)

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, last admission at 4:00 PM

Saturdays & Public Holidays in May – August

9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, last admission at 6:00 PM

Transportation

Located within Gyeongbokgung Palace at 1-1 Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul Special City. Accessible via Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on Subway Line 3, Exit 1 of Anguk Station, or Exit 2 of Gwanghwamun Station on Subway Line 5.

National Folk Museum of Korea

Must-visit reason: The most representative museum of Korean life and culture

Continent: Asia [Asia]

Country/Region: Korea [Korea]

Province/State: Seoul Special City [Seoul Special City]

City: Jongno-gu [Jongno-gu]