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National Palace Museum of Korea
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National Palace Museum of Korea

See all things to do
See all things to do
National Palace Museum of Korea
4
195
#57 of 1,010 things to do in Seoul
Speciality Museums
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9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
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What people are saying
JHL
By JHL
“Not that big. But, well-maintained with valuable items”
May 2020
This is one of the best museums in Korea. Shouldn't be missed if you visit Seoul. - The location is close from metro Gyeongbokgung Station(line #3) and within the area of Gyeongbokgung Palace. However, like most other national museums, the admission is free. - Starting from 2nd floor, it leads to 1st floor and B1F. - There are royal treasures, clothes, publications, inventions, etc. - Enough seats in the middle. No need to be afraid of getting exhausted in the way. - The souvenir shop has fine products. Some of them are even affordable. A café is also awesome. I definitely recommend stopping by these two at the end.
BillNabilah
By BillNabilah
“Korea History”
Oct 2019
It is located within Gyeongbokgung Palace. Entrance is free. Inside the museum, you can collect beautiful stamps. A brief history about the past Korea. A lot of exhibition changing from time to time. Make sure to come here when you are in Seoul.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Jongno-gu
How to get there
  • Gyeongbokgung • 3 min walk
  • Gwanghwamun • 8 min walk
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
195 reviews
Excellent
75
Very good
91
Average
25
Poor
3
Terrible
1
BillNabilah
Sepang, Malaysia272 contributions
Korea History
Friends
It is located within Gyeongbokgung Palace. Entrance is free. Inside the museum, you can collect beautiful stamps. A brief history about the past Korea. A lot of exhibition changing from time to time. Make sure to come here when you are in Seoul.
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steven T
Seattle, WA1,802 contributions
Fabulous small museum on Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds
Solo
I highly recommend a short visit to this wonderful museum on Korean history on the Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds. Most people opt not to visit the museum which is a shame. There is no admission fee. The museum can be easily covered in an hour or two. If anything, the museum is a great place for a short rest and (clean) bathroom break after touring the palace grounds. There is ample seating and the museum is very calm and peaceful. It’s actually worth visiting on its own independently from the Palace IMO.
Written November 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
wireless_in_CA
United States4,645 contributions
All About the Royals
Family
This was a free museum located off the main parade grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace. We toured the Palace and grounds first, watched the changing of the guards ceremony before heading indoors to tour this museum.

Inside there were three floors of history that covered practically all aspects of royal life, from birth until death, for the Joseon dynasty. The following stood out for us:

-The display on royal processions was quite impressive as it explained the size and significance of the various groups of people who were required to escort the king during a formal outing.
-The scientific accomplishments and capabilties including a water clock but unfortunately for us was going through maintenance during our visit.

I thought the displays and their explanations was very well put together and held the interest of the whole family. Compared to the crowds attending the changing of the guards ceremony it felt like we had the museum to ourself.
Written June 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
yipjcs88
Hong Kong, China9,934 contributions
Rich Korean History
Solo
This place is spacious and has many exhibits, great for anyone interested in the history of the country. As it is located at a side entrance of Gyeongbokgung, ie Gyeongbokgung Metro Station Exit 5, it is really convenient to visit.
Written November 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ArchiBoi
San Francisco376 contributions
Get an audio guide for a comprehensive explanation of the exhibits
Solo
There is no fee to enter and my guidebook said that admission to this museum is included in the ticket price of the admission ticket to Gyeongbokgung Palace, however when I entered, no one bothered to check if I had a ticket to Gyeongbokgugn Palace. I just walked in and no one was in the front desk. The National Palace Museum is adjacent to the grounds of the Palace, at the south west corner.

The exhibits has very little signage in English so it is worthwhile to pay extra for an audio guide to get a comprehensive explanation. The exhibits are mostly of the royal family's personal effects - seals, dress, palangquins, and articles of court life. One of the most impressive exhibits is the restored Cadillac that belonged to Emperor Sunjong, and a matching one for the Empress Consort Sunjeong. Also, another interesting exhibit is a wax model of what a typical meal would be - presumable for the empreror.

Worth a visit to spend a good hour or two. It's not a very big museum.
Written September 22, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LG_Kay
Singapore, Singapore7,488 contributions
Great museum
Solo
I arrived at the Gyeongbokgung Palace at 0930hr, too early to witness the changing of royal guards ceremony at 1000hr, Hence I decided to visit this nearby museum first. There are free digital locker to store my backpack.

This museum displays royal relics from the Joseon Dynasty. There are many exhibition halls, with each hall displaying exhibits of Kings of the Joseon Dynasty, Joseon Palaces, Royal Court Life, Korean Empire, Astronomy & Science Hall Ⅰ, Royal Court Paintings, Jongmyo, the Royal Ancestral Shrine, Royal Court Music, Royal Procession, Astronomy & Science Hall Ⅱ.

After visiting the museum, I have a better understanding of the King’s life during that era. Admission is free with toilet facilities and seats for resting.
Written July 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nigel G
Singapore, Singapore8,584 contributions
Excellent Museum
Solo
Visited this museum today. It is located in the compound of the Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is rest assured much more interesting than the Palace which is essentially a haunt of self seeking selfie takers.

The museum is fascinating and looks at the rulers of the Chosun dynasty. From monarchies to palaces, from protocol, customs and ceremonies to every day life.

Good mementos of the Emperors - their seals, portraits and artefacts. Royal cars, palanquins, flags, kitchen wear - you name it, it's here.

This is a great museum to fascinate the inquisitive and the historian. Allow at least 2 to 3 hours. This should be a must on your list.
Written March 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jarko2015
Amsterdam, The Netherlands1,748 contributions
Free museum
Solo
Although it's inside the palace grounds, this museum is completely free and you don't need to visit the palace to see the museum. Considering all the Seoul palaces are bereft of antiquities and treasures, the museum is the only place you can discover what treats there might have been inside once upon a time. As of October 2017, the lower floors were all closed and the upper floor was partially undergoing renovations, but the ground floor was open.
Written October 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Asep H
1,246 contributions
Nice museum palace
Family
The museum is located in and not far away from the city. The building is nice and many palace's stuffs here
Written March 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sam-zk
London, UK254 contributions
Interesting place
Business
This little museum covers about 500 years of the Joseon dynasty's lifestyle and their contributions to art and literature. The old scrolls provide an interesting insight into the development of the Korean alphabets. The dynasty was known for its passion for record keeping through resident scribes and hence a lot of scrolls and record books. My host said that even after the Korean alphabet had considerably evolved, the scribes preferred to write in Japanese and Chinese as it was considered a symbol of high status and intellect to be conversant in these langauages. Also of interest are the arts and crafts on display and also the traditional clothing. Some foods have also been recreated for display. My host later pointed a dessert to me in a restaurant where we had lunch that the same dish was also part of the Royal menu displayed in the museum.
Written May 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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National Palace Museum of Korea (Seoul) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about National Palace Museum of Korea
National Palace Museum of Korea is open:
  • Tue - Fri 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Sat - Sun 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
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We recommend booking National Palace Museum of Korea tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 National Palace Museum of Korea tours on Tripadvisor
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