The museum dates back to April 25, 1946. In 1975, the museum moved to the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
The museum moved to its current location on February 17, 1993. Today, it features over 4,000 artifacts on display which immerse visitors in the rich history.
Exhibits at this museum show the visitor how everyday citizens lived in the past and live in the present including the lifestyles and traditions of everyday Korean people during a time when the country was mainly agricultural.
Taegeukgi (Korean National Flag)Models of agricultural workers on display
The museum features three permanent exhibits along with two special exhibits, an open-air exhibition and a children’s museum.
Exhibition Hall I : History of Korean People
This hall displays both cultural and historical exhibits from the daily lives of the people. Visitors can learn about how technology and the spread of knowledge helped Korea evolve from the Paleolithic Age into the advanced country that it is today.
Exhibition Hall II : The Korean Way of Life
Visitors here can learn about daily agricultural life, including how farmers prepared for each season and how they learned to use farming and harvesting tools, along with irrigation systems, to produce plentiful harvests that helped feed the country.
Exhibition Hall III : Life Cycle of Koreans
This hall traces the life of an upper-class citizen from birth to death, including birthdays, education, marriage, families, and careers.
Colorful artifacts20th-century seafood basket
Open-Air Exhibition
On display in the open-air exhibition are a Korean totem pole that was said to protect villagers, basalt statues from Jeju Island, a grinding mill, stone figures of civil and military officials, and a memorial pavilion.
Traditional Village : A Street to the Past
Street of the traditional village
This part of the museum takes the visitor back in time to the late 19th century when a new modern culture was arriving in Korea. This replica of a street in a traditional village recreates what life was like at a time when electricity was first made available. Present here are a streetcar and hanok-style buildings and stores for dry goods, herbs and medicine, bamboo goods, and a hat shop.
There is also a replica of a print shop that was used by newspaper and publishing companies from the 1930s to 1970s.
Children’s Museum
This part of the museum teaches both parents and children about the life, values, and wisdom of a traditional tale known as simcheong.
National Folk Museum of Korea (Korean: 국립민속박물관) 37 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03045, South Korea 서울특별시 종로구 삼청로 37 GPS Coordinates: 37.58182, 126.97899
Continue through Anguk-dong Intersection to Dongsipjagak, turn right onto Samcheongdong-gil, and use the museum’s front gate on the left.
Gyeongbokgung Station, Line 3, Exit 5
Cross toward the National Palace Museum, continue past Gwanghwamun intersection to Dongsipjagak, turn left onto Samcheongdong-gil, and use the museum’s front gate on the left.
Gwanghwamun Station, Line 5, Exit 2
Walk past the U.S. Embassy along Gwanghwamun Square, use the underpass, continue onto Samcheongdong-gil, and enter through the museum’s front gate on the left.
By bus
National Folk Museum of Korea (Jeongdok Library) stop (국립민속박물관·정독도서관)
Bus Jongno 11. Get off at the museum’s front gate on Samcheong-ro.
Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Its restored halls, gates, courtyards, gardens, and ponds form one of Seoul’s largest historic palace complexes.
The National Palace Museum of Korea displays artifacts from the Joseon royal court, including paintings, ceremonial objects, and royal possessions. It stands beside Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Airalo is a popular eSIM provider used by travelers around the world. It offers South Korea data plans you can buy before you arrive. Check that your phone is compatible first.
