National Museum of Korea: A First Step into Korean Culture for International Students

   The recent success of the film K-pop Demon Hunters, which featured the National Museum of Korea as a major backdrop, has once again brought the institution into the spotlight. In 2023, the museum welcomed approximately 4.18 million visitors, ranking sixth among museums worldwide, and in 2025 it has continued this upward momentum with a more than 60 percent increase in foreign visitors compared to the previous year. Against this backdrop, the National Museum of Korea now represents far more than a simple exhibition space. For international students in particular, it serves as a cultural classroom outside the university lecture hall—where history is not only studied but experienced firsthand through artifacts, exhibitions, and immersive programs.

Visitor Information

• Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 04383 (Yongsan-dong 6-ga 168-6)
• Opening Hours:

• Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun: 10:00–18:00 (last admission 17:30)
• Wed, Sat: 10:00–21:00 (last admission 20:30)
• Outdoor Garden: 07:00–22:00

• Admission: Free (except for special exhibitions with admission fees)

Guided Tours for International Visitors

Professional guides and volunteers offer one-hour tours of the museum’s highlights. Any foreign visitor can join the tours free of charge at designated times.

• Tour Schedule:

• Mon–Fri: 10:30, 13:00
• Sat: 10:30, 13:00 (English/Japanese), 13:00 (Chinese)
• Sun: 10:30, 13:00

• Meeting Point: In front of the “Korean Empire” section, 1st floor, Permanent Exhibition Hall
• Languages Available: English, Chinese, Japanese

A More Immersive Experience

▲ Outdoor garden at the National Museum of Korea, photo by the reporter

    The museum offers much more than traditional exhibitions. Visitors can take part in a VR experience at the Digital Immersive Gallery, where history comes to life in vivid detail. This program is free but requires an advance reservation. The spacious outdoor garden also provides a relaxing place to walk and reflect after viewing the exhibitions.

An Open Classroom Beyond the Lecture Hall

The National Museum of Korea is not just a place where artifacts are displayed. For international students, it serves as an open classroom where they can learn Korean history, experience its culture firsthand, and deepen their understanding of the country. Beyond what is taught in university courses, the museum provides meaningful encounters with real objects and spaces—making life in Korea richer and more memorable.

Jang Myeong Jin

<lamb3211@kangwon.ac.kr>