Top 5: Museums in Seoul

Gyeongbokgun, Palace, National Folk Museum of Korea © Eugenedev | Dreamstime

Seoul is home to more than 100 museums, so choosing which ones to visit during your trip can be daunting. Here a few worth checking out.

National Museum of Korea

One of the Top 10 most visited museums in the world, the National Museum of Korea is a must-see for anyone visiting the country. It contains more than 220,000 pieces of art, making it nearly impossible to take it all in in one day. It has been running since 1945 when Korea first won independence from Japan and is free to visit, with special shows every Saturday.

War Memorial of Korea

If military history is your cup of tea, you’ll want to check out the War Room in Seoul’s War Memorial of Korea. It contains weapons and artifacts dating back to the Paleolithic age. There is also an entire exhibit on the Korean War, which has had a lasting effect on the nation to this day.

National Folk Museum of Korea

Those looking to immerse themselves in Korean culture should visit the National Folk Museum in Gyeongbokgung Palace. Here, you’ll learn all about how Confucianism contributed to Korean culture and life in Korea dating as far back as prehistoric times.

Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art

The Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art combines traditional Korean artwork with works from across the world. It currently houses 36 items considered national treasures and, though one of newest museums in the city, is steadily becoming one of the most popular.

Korea Furniture Museum

One of the few museums in the city where a reservation is required, the Korea Furniture Museum is an incredibly beautiful work of art. It houses more than 2,000 pieces of furniture, but is also a historical museum dedicated to showcasing traditional architecture and history. They offer English tours, but you have to book in advance.