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History Museums in Seoul

Top History Museums in Seoul, South Korea

History Museums in Seoul

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What travelers are saying

  • magblock
    Colorado Springs, CO44 contributions
    Review of: Gyeongbokgung Palace
    Beautiful Architecture
    This was a beautiful area to walk around and learn some Korean history. The ticket price was very reasonable. Very nice gift shop/cafe.
    Written May 15, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Nlw91
    Killeen, TX29 contributions
    Review of: National Museum of Korea
    Nice museum
    Really enjoyed the museum. There was a lot to see and they had some great collections from all over the world.
    Written April 16, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Sean B
    9 contributions
    Review of: Seodaemun Prison History Hall
    Informative Museum
    As a Westerner who has lived in Korea for a while, I've been interested in learning more about the Japanese colonial period of the country. This museum provides a lot of interesting information on that period as well as the prison itself. I feel as if this place is a little underrated and should draw more international visitors than it does (granted it's Covid time).
    Written July 31, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • gocats89
    New York City, NY304 contributions
    Review of: Seoul Museum of History
    Good museum, wish there was more from the past 80 years
    I visited this museum with my wife, who grew up in Seoul, and my teenage daughters. The main museum is a large but manageable single floor. The museum is worth a 1 to 2 hour visit.

    Seoul's history spans centuries so it is hard to cover everything. It includes how Seoul became the national capital and its evolution to what it is today. The Japanese occupation is prominently featured. I learned a lot, and it was helpful to have the audio guide even though in many cases the explanations consisted of summaries of the placards already posted.

    I was hopeful to see more of what happened to Seoul during the Korean War. There was very little included. In addition, while the rapid changes experienced since the war are covered, it would have been interesting to have more detail on how Seoul has evolved decade by decade.

    That said, Seoul's history is so long and action-packed that it would be impossible to cover everything.
    Written January 26, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Samuha
    52 contributions
    Review of: National Museum of Korean Contemporary History
    Fun
    Went there January 2015.. A good place to visit when you are by yourself. admission was free. Very informative, nice and neat. Had fun there. the coffee shop attached to the museum served good coffee cheaper than other places and had a beautiful view over look the palace
    Written May 29, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Blossom
    Singapore, Singapore83 contributions
    Review of: Lotte World Folk Museum
    Seeing is Believing: Korea History
    It felt like we walked into a space from long long time ago. The Folk Museum showed different scenes across the different periods. Really awed by the amount of effort that was put into the displays. It's like a miniature museum that felt so real and if you have gone to Gyeongbokgung Palace before this, it really is amazing.

    If you want to have some food after the museum, I recommend the very traditional Korean Food after you exit the museum - Jumak. Refer to my last picture, I was really worried I wouldnt be able to satisfy my craving on Hobak Jeon (Korean Zucchini Fritters) but i found it at the window display of Jumak! If you happen to be looking for this as well, it's at Level 3 of Lotte World Adventure :)
    Written April 3, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Jodie Warren
    Beijing, China65 contributions
    Review of: The War and Women's Human Rights Museum
    Breathtakingly powerful
    This museum talks exhibitions the lives of the comfort women for Japanese soldiers during World War 2.

    The staff approached us with such kindness and provided us with audio guides in English and helpfully explained in detail how to use them. The first part of the museum was immersive and took you through a small replica of the path the women had to travel. The guide takes you to a basement that displays a different comfort woman each week.

    The second part of the museum explains the history of the war and the comfort women from Korea, China and other countries across Asia. The exhibition continues by discussing how the Korean government have been campaigning against the Japanese government to have them admit their crimes.

    I found out that every Wednesday at 12pm people in Seoul protest outside of the Japanese embassy for the comfort women.

    This museum is incredibly moving and brought both me and my friend to tears.
    Written October 6, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • ngocanh_crystal
    520 contributions
    Review of: Cheongwadae Sarangchae
    A cool place to explore the Blue House
    It's a special place for you to know about korea politic, to experience some interesting VR games, to get a view of some korea hot and nice attractions through its videos. There are some cool spots for you to take photo like president's car with body guards surrounds you. I also admire some old ancient things at the exhibition room on the 2nd floor. You can buy some cute and meaningful souvenirs at the souvenir shop then have a drink at the coffee shop beside and chatting with friends. Have fun their! I took so many fun videos here
    Written May 12, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Janet1016
    Ottawa, Canada925 contributions
    Review of: National Hangeul Museum
    Interesting Language Museum
    My husband, son and I visited Seoul for a week and took in the National Hangeul Museum which is devoted to Hangeul, the Korean Language. My son has always loved languages and works in Taiwan as an English teacher, so this Museum was right up his alley.

    There wasn't a lot of English translations on the displays, which is fine. I'm not one to expect foreign countries to kowtow to North Americans, it's just that obviously it's nice when they do, LOL, and one comes away with more information/learns more. Admission was free which was lovely. The museum had a lot of displays that kids could interact with.
    Written February 4, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • JHL
    Seoul, South Korea7,916 contributions
    Review of: The Story of King Sejong & The Story of Admiral Yi Sunshin
    Good history museum
    You can learn details about King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sunshin here. It's well-maintained and the replica of geobukseon(turtle ship) is amazing. The location is below Gwanghwamun Square.
    Written May 27, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Chris Ruggaluffagus
    Yorktown, VA268 contributions
    Review of: Seoul City Wall Museum
    Much higher on my list of must see!
    This place ranks much higher on my lists of must see places in Seoul. The history of the wall is fascinating and to see how Koreans have incorporated it into modern life was very interesting.

    Museum is free (3 floors, but they have elevators. Plan on taking 45-60 minutes to hit the major points. If you truly love to read and study all the details, plan on 2 hours.

    When you’re done, stretch your legs and walk along the wall.
    Written November 7, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • JHL
    Seoul, South Korea7,916 contributions
    Review of: An Jung-geun Memorial Hall
    Each section is well-maintained to bring visitor's interest
    This is the memorial hall for An Junggeun who assassinated Japanese governor.
    They seemed to try hard to attract visitors with various methods. I think you'll have a wonderful time in this tiny hall.

    Location:
    This hall is locating between Baekbeom Park and Namsan Library. Close from the southern trail entrance of Namsan which is also the bus route.
    The entrance of the building is a bit tricky. Visitors have to circle around from the front wall to the gate.

    - 30 ~ 60 min to watch slowly.

    - The location is not on the point where many people pass. This is mostly not crowded.

    - There is a garden of rocks before the building. It's also nice area to relax watching scripts on them.

    - During cherry blossom season, I recommend accessing from drive-in way of Namsan Library. There are beautiful cherry blossoms and it's good to walk.
    Written May 30, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • d h
    San Francisco, CA213 contributions
    Review of: Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine
    Solemn Place Dedicated To Catholic Missionaries
    Catholics were persecuted in Korea during the 1800's. The shrine is dedicated to those early missionaries and clergy who were persecuted for practicing and spreading the Catholic faith. I have to say that Koreans take the faith very seriously and I was surprised to see even young people there. There were quite a lot of people on a Monday afternoon. Even if you aren't Catholic, its a nice place to stroll, walk around, and look out to the Han river. The grounds are immaculate and you feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Seoul. Once you're done, the Mecenatpolis Mall is a short walk away and you can do a little shopping to boot.
    Written October 24, 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • xwxwxw
    24 contributions
    Review of: Sejong Center
    learn about hangul and the great king sejong
    free museum we surprisingly found as we were walking toward the palace down the middle where the fountain and outside statue is located. we went underground and entered for free. there you will find exhibits of korean artifacts. and there is an interactive area for kids and adults alike where you can make a key chain and other crafts for about 1000won. there is also a gift shop with drink refreshments and a restaurant. a good respite from the heat of summer. bathrooms are clean.
    Written August 6, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Julia P
    Pine Springs, AZ26 contributions
    Review of: Agricultural Museum
    One of Seoul's best museums
    I was very impressed by this museum. I thought that it would be boring, but thanks to lively displays and lifelike homes, fields, etc, it was actually a very interesting museum. They even grow a few crops outside the museum in a small plot. Thanks to numerous dioramas, I think that children would enjoy this museum as well.

    The museum does an excellent job of showing what a Korean farmer's life would have been like before modern times. I have been to almost all of the major museums here in Seoul, and this was definitely one of the best ones, especially if you are interested in more than just the royalty.

    Most of the exhibits are in Korean and English.

    It takes about an hour to go through the 1st and 2nd floors if you read all the signs. There is also a display in the basement, which is on current Korean agricultural products and farmer associations, but if you are pressed for time you could skip the bottom floor.
    Written April 29, 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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