Visit Seoul - National Museum of Korean Contemporary History

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National Museum of Korean Contemporary History

Published Date : Nov 13, 2015 / Edited Date : Apr 26, 2025

The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History houses exhibitions that span modern Korean history, from the first opening of Korea to outsiders in the late 19th century to today. The museum is the country's first national museum of contemporary history. The eight-story museum has many facilities: there are four permanent exhibition halls and two special exhibition halls, seminar rooms, lecture halls, a rooftop garden, a museum shop (that sells souvenirs), a cafe, and storage lockers. The four permanent exhibitions cover different periods of Korean history and there are over 1,500 artifacts and items here. Some of the displays are patriot Ahn Jung-Geun's last writings, the March 1st Declaration of Independence, belongings of fallen soldiers from the Korean War, and materials relating to democratic activism. The museum's first floor contains two special exhibition halls. Here, you will find a variety of limited-time exhibitions relating to Korean history, politics, society, and culture. Additionally, visitors can listen to, watch, and experience the modernization of Korea through state-of-the-art technology. There is also the Children's Museum, where children can learn and experience history for themselves with the museum’s “Our History’s Treasure Chest” area.

Phone: +82-2-3703-9200

Website: View Website

Website Language: KOR,ENG,JPN,CHN(zh-CN)

Hours of Operation: 10:00 - 18:00 (Wednesdays and Saturdays: 10:00 - 21:00)
*Last entry 30 minutes before closing

Holidays: Closed on New Year's Day & Chuseok

Facilities for the Disabled: Accessible Restrooms; Accessible Parking; Accessible Pathways; Elevators; Accessible Information Centers & Services(Wheelchair rentals, etc.)

Fee: Free admission

Address: 03141 198, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Transportation: 17m from Exit 2 of Gwanghwamun Station on Line 5 (3-minute walk)

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Tripadvisor Reviews

Traveler Rating Rating:4.2 (Based on 133 Traveler)

Latest 5 reviews of National Museum of Korean Contemporary History

Very large and involved museum

I found this museum to be a bit overwhelming. It is very large and each floor has a few different exhibits. One would truly need a few days of visiting to see everything they have here. There is a...

Nodoubt46 2024-09-10
Intriguing Museum

Due to the freezing cold temps in Seoul in December, my friend and I popped into this museum on a whim to rescue ourselves from the weather. Admission was free for the both of us, which was...

bornthatway_traveler 2024-04-06
Very Good Museum

The museum does a nice job of covering the history of Korea from 1894 to today. English signage is somewhat limited but covers the major topics. My wife and I learned a lot in the hour or so that...

JMK-Pittsburgh 2024-04-05
Very disappointing

Three different floors, three different experiences for me. Started with the first floor which is about the American and Korean friendship and partnerships down through the years. All very good but...

thisdrinkinglife 2023-10-23
Fascinating representations

Cross sections of modern day history of the Korean people. A great way to see how the people and culture developed. Many interesting exhibits, some interactive.

must_travel_soon_10 2023-10-08
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