Finding Culture At The National Folk Museum of Korea
Korea is home to a number of fantastic museums. The Korean national museums not only house fantastic collections but are an amazing free thing to do in Korea too. Whether you’re on a budget or want to deep dive into Korean culture and history, you should put the museums on your list of places to go and things to see.
Recently, we visited the National Folk Museum of Korea (국립민속박물관), a museum I hadn’t visited in over 15 years and I was reminded just how interesting the rich heritage of the country is. Nestled within the historic grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, this museum is full of interesting information inside and outside. Get ready to learn about Korean folktales and culture
Don’t skip the National Folk Museum of Korea when you’re in downtown Seoul. Here’s what to know:
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How To Get There
Address: 37 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 삼청로 37)
Directions: The National Folk Museum of Korea is located in the northeast corner of the Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds, but you do NOT have to go to the palace to see the museum. Honestly, after walking all of the beautiful palace grounds, I’ve always been too tired to see the museum. Instead, head to the museum when you have time to spend there.
You can go to Gyeongbokgung Station, Anguk Station, and Gwanghwamun Station which are the closest to the museum. Walk along the palace walls on the east side to find an entrance in the back which takes you directly to the museum.
Basic Info
Admission: FREE
Hours: March – October: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm; November – February: 9:00am ~ 5:00pm
- June – August: Sundays and public holidays: 9:00am ~ 7:00pm
- March – November: Wednesdays and Saturdays: 9:00am ~ 8:00pm
Performances: Fridays: 2:00pm from April – June and September – October; Saturdays: 3:00pm
Docent Tours: English: 10:30am & 2:30pm; Japanese: 11:00am; 3:00pm; Chinese: 9:30am & 1:30pm; Korean: 10:00am; 11:00am; 2:00pm; 3:00pm
Did you know: There is also a National Folk Museum of Korea Paju branch and it houses a substantial number of relics. It’s basically a “library of relics” and it is very cool.
What To Know
Established on April 25, 1946, the National Folk Museum of Korea is one of the best museums in Seoul. Its diverse collection boasts over 98,000 artifacts, offering a glimpse into Korea’s cultural evolution. Whether you know a lot or a little about Korean culture, you’ll find plenty of interesting information here. The museum’s design, inspired by historical buildings across South Korea, adds to its allure. Its stunning pagoda crowning the structure, makes it a photographic gem. You can spot the pagoda from various locations in downtown Seoul. It’s beautiful.
The National Folk Museum of Korea has three permanent exhibitions dedicated to culture and folklore and is a hub for cultural exchange, offering seminars, performance art, concerts, and hands-on activities.
Engaging Exhibitions
There are three permanent exhibitions in the museum which each shed light on different facets of Korean life. Aside from that, there are two special exhibitions as well as an open-air museum in the park surrounding the museum.
Korean Traditional Daily Life
Focused on daily life and the clothing, food, work, and other aspects of just “one day” in the life of Korean people throughout various times in Korean history.
A Year in Korea
One of my favorite exhibitions as I had just visited the Hansik Space E:eum (한식문화공간) and had a brief overview of the numerous traditional holidays in Korea and the special traditions, food to eat, and ceremonies that take place on them. At the folk museum, it’s a greater deep dive into these special days.
This exhibition looks at the daily life in Korea that happens throughout each season of the year and includes the seasonal customs, work, food, clothing, and shelter information. It’s a wonderfully informational area of the museum.
Korean Life Passages
If you’ve just visited Gyeongbokgung Palace, this will add another layer to the visit as it showcases important life events in the Joseon Dynasty and the modern era.
Special Exhibitions & Open-Air Exhibition
Aside from the permanent exhibitions, there are two special exhibitions and an open-air display featuring a replica of a late 19th-century street, complete with Hanok buildings and a print shop, transports visitors back in time. There are Jangseung, traditional Korean totem poles, and the traditional Ochon House, originally located in Wongu-ri, Yeonghae-myeon, Yeongdeok-gun. Built in 1848, the Nam family lived there until the 1990s. The house was moved to the National Folk Museum of Korea in 2010.
For anyone planning a trip to Seoul or seeking the best cultural experiences the city has to offer, the National Folk Museum of Korea is an unmissable spot. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique experience, this museum definitely needs to be on your itinerary.
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