Seoul Museum of History
55 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Exhibits at the Seoul Museum of History, which documents the history and culture of Seoul and its people, include a large-scale model of the city and numerous relics from the Joseon dynasty. The museum also hosts themed temporary exhibitions and stages workshops and musical and cultural events.
The Basics
The permanent collection at the Seoul Museum of History is divided into five themed galleries: the Joseon Capital, Capital of the Daehan Empire, Seoul Under Japanese Control, the Period of Rapid Growth, and Seoul Now in the Making. Many walking tours of the city include a visit to the free museum, including museum tours with stops at the National Museum of Korea and Leeum Samsung Museum of Art as well. For a more comprehensive look at the history and culture of the South Korean capital, take a walking tour that combines a museum visit with stops at some of the nearby Joseon dynasty palaces.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Seoul Museum of History offers an excellent introduction to the city’s heritage for first-time visitors.
Informational placards are in both English and Korean, and you can pick up an audio guide in English, Japanese, or Chinese.
Admission to the museum is free.
The museum is wheelchair-accessible, and wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent.
How to Get There
To get to the museum, take the Seoul Subway line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station. From there it’s about a 7-minute walk to the entrance. Several public buses also stop nearby, and parking is available for drivers.
When to Get There
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday throughout the year, with reduced weekend hours between November and February.
Programs for Foreign Visitors
The Seoul Museum of History offers a variety of programming geared toward foreign visitors to the city. A lecture series covers topics spanning Korean art, culture, and history (past topics have included Korean Buddhism in the World, A Journey Through Korean Art, and the Roots of Korean Literature), while hands-on workshops cover everything from Korean temple cuisine to drinking traditions.
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