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National Palace Museum of Korea

, Hyoja-ro, Seoul

Description

The National Palace Museum of Korea exhibits artefacts from the palaces of the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire. These include, inter alia, paintings and calligraphy, records, information about state rites (Uigwe) and royal life, clothing, vehicles and other items such as the royal seal of King Gojong of Joseon.

Access & Transport

The museum is located in the southwest corner of the Gyeongbok Palace, in Seoul's Jongno district. Gyeongbokgung station (line 3) is right by the museum and several bus services stop nearby.

Instructions & Recommendations

Pre-Covid pandemic, free guided tours were run daily in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese; we expect those to resume at some stage. This activity is best combined with a visit of Gyeongbokgung and Cheonggyecheon, an urban promenade along a water stream.

Meta review

The museums get good reviews though nothing exceptional. It is described as being not too large but with valuable and interesting content, in fact just the right size to be comprehensive without risking information overload. The costumes and the Korean Empire and Joseon royal rites are well displayed and seem to be favourites.

Environmental & Social

Repurposing of an existing building and reasonable carbon footprint (electricity). Educational and preserves the country's artistic and historical heritages

Conclusion

The museum makes for a good complement to a visit of Gyeongbokgung and is conveniently located within the Palace grounds. Of course, it does also deserve a visit on its own, but probably not a priority for a first trip to Seoul.

Key positive

Plenty of valuable and unique exhibits

Convenient location and free admission

Key negative

Curation is a bit old-school

Suitability

Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on 01 Jan, Seollal and Chuseok. Last admission is 1h before closing

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Regulated hours

Monday10:00 - 18:00

Tuesday10:00 - 18:00

Wednesday10:00 - 18:00

Thursday10:00 - 18:00

Friday10:00 - 18:00

Saturday10:00 - 18:00

Sunday10:00 - 18:00

Pricing
Free

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