National Museum of Korea

For an unhurried trip, planning ahead pays off. The museum, located in the heart of Yongsan near the banks of the Han River, welcomes guests in all seasons, though autumn draws smaller crowds and offers gentle sunlight through the glass atriums. Public transit puts the museum just minutes from Seoul’s central neighborhoods. Most days, entry remains free—though special exhibitions sometimes require tickets, which can be booked online or on arrival. Weekends fill quickly, so early arrivals or weekday afternoons reveal quieter halls. The spacious grounds, complete with gardens and a children’s museum, cater to families as well as history buffs.

• Best time to visit: Weekdays in autumn (September–November) or spring, morning hours recommended
• How to get there: Take Subway Line 4 or Gyeongui-Jungang Line to Ichon Station, Exit 2; local buses also stop nearby; parking available but lot can fill up
• Accessibility: Stroller- and wheelchair-friendly; elevators and barrier-free routes throughout the museum
• Average visit duration: 2–4 hours for main galleries, longer if including gardens or café stops

Stepping through glass doors, every guest finds themselves facing three sweeping floors—each packed with treasures. The first floor brings Korea’s ancient kingdoms alive with golden crowns and bronze bells that evoke mysterious rituals. Upstairs, Buddhist masterpieces and Dynasty-era porcelain dazzle with their beauty. For a taste of discovery, wander the outdoor pagoda garden or peek inside the Celadon Room’s emerald glow. Don’t skip the prehistoric zone for relics from Korea’s earliest ancestors. Yet, unexpected delights also crop up, from live calligraphy demos to the hush of lotus ponds glimmering in the sculpture garden.

• Key sights or features: Silla gold crowns, Pensive Bodhisattva statue, 10-story Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda, Celadon and Buncheong ceramics
• Unique experiences: Guided tours (available in English and Korean), hands-on workshops, temporary international exhibitions
• Photo-worthy locations: Glass atrium overlooking Yongsan Park, Lotus Pond, monumental pagodas
• Cultural or historical facts: Over 220,000 objects are preserved here, including several National Treasures; the museum’s design echoes Korean architectural harmony with nature