How to Visit the National Museum of Korea: Free Entry, Best Route & Must-See

Full transcript

Annyeong, yeoreobun! It's Yul from KVIBE IDOLS. Before we walk into the National Museum of Korea, let me give you the cheat code. Because this museum is huge, and without a plan, you will get lost between five thousand years of history.

First, the fun fact. In 2025, about six and a half million people visited this museum. That made it the third most visited museum in the world, right after the Louvre and the Vatican Museums. Not bad for a museum that's free! Yes, the permanent galleries cost nothing. Zero won.

How do you get here? Take subway Line 4 or the Gyeongui-Jungang Line to Ichon Station and follow the signs to exit 2. A covered walkway takes you almost to the front door.

Now, the route. Start on the first floor and walk through time, from stone tools and comb-pattern pottery, to the golden crowns of Silla, the iron warriors of Gaya, and the kingdoms of Goryeo and Joseon. In the long central hall, look up. That giant marble tower is the Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda, and it has a crazy story.

Then go up to the second floor for the star of the museum, the Room of Quiet Contemplation, where two pensive bodhisattvas sit in the dark. On the same floor, find the painter Kim Hong-do and his famous wrestling scene. Finish on the third floor with Goryeo celadon, the moon jar, and a giant iron Buddha.

Yul's tip! Give yourself at least three hours. On Wednesday and Saturday nights the museum stays open late, and it's much calmer. And save time for the museum shop, because the goods here sell out like concert tickets.

Each of these treasures has its own audio guide from me. Tap the next one, and kaja!