The National Palace Museum of Korea, located on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, houses a collection of over 900 relics and 40,000 artifacts from the royal court of Joseon Dynasty palaces including Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, and Jongmyo.
Initially, the museum opened on the grounds of Changgyeonggung in 1908 and went by the name Korean Imperial Museum.
Over the years, the name has changed multiple times. During the Japanese occupation in the late 1930s, the name changed to the Museum of Yi Dynasty. In 1946, it changed its name to the Deoksugung Museum after the liberation of Korea.
Finally, in 2005, it was renamed the National Palace Museum Of Korea and relocated to the grounds of Gyeongbokgung.
You can find displays about royal childbirth, education, and scholarly culture on the first floor. There are also displays from the Korean Empire, including vehicles, photographs, and everyday items belonging to an emperor. There is also a cafe and shop on the first floor to buy souvenirs.
In the basement, visitors can find exhibitions of Joseon music and instruments, along with paintings and royal ceremonial objects. There is also a reproduction of a famous self-striking water clock.
In the basement, visitors can find exhibitions of Joseon music and instruments, paintings, royal ceremonial objects, and a reproduction of a famous self-striking water clock.
National Palace Museum of Korea Information
Hours
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission
Free.
A ticket for Gyeongbokgung Palace is not required.
Address
12 Hyoja-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
GPS Coordinates: 37.57666, 126.97499
How to Get Here
The museum is located at the southwest corner of Gyeongbokgung.
Option 1
Take Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 5).
Option 2
Take Subway Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 2).
National Palace Museum of Korea Video
Map
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Last Updated on Feb 9, 2025