Museum Kimchikan, located in Insa-dong, features everything kimchi from its history to the many methods of making this popular fermented Korean dish.
The museum was first established as the Pulmuone Kimchi Field Museum in 1986 as a way to promote the history of kimchi both in Korea and internationally. In 1988, the museum moved to the Starfield COEX Mall. In 2015, the museum reopened as Museum Kimchikan at its current location in Insa-dong.
Today, over 100,000 people visit the museum each year. They hope to learn of the cultural importance, origin, and history of kimchi which is a spicy pickled cabbage dish made by fermenting salted cabbage with red pepper powder.
The museum is divided into three sections.
The first section displays the history of kimchi in the Korean peninsula. The second section shows visitors how the dish is made and what type of nutritional benefits it has. Samples are also available for visitors who are curious as to what kimchi tastes like. A third section explains how geography, climate, and the time of the year affects the type kimchi made and consumed.
If you are in the area and are truly interested in kimchi and its history, then the museum is worth a stop.
Hours
Tuesday-Sunday : 10:00-18:00Monday: Closed
Also closed on Seollal, Chuseok, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day
Admission
Adults: 5,000 wonStudents: 3,000 won
Children: 2,000 won