Seoul Museums

(Seoul, South Korea)

Seoul has a line-up of noteworthy museums that focus more on important times and events in the city's rise, as opposed to generic institutions. The Kimchi Museum is one of Seoul's most interesting and is the best example of this facet, detailing the history behind Korea's favourite snack.

For variety, both the Global Village Folk and the Horim museums offer further depth in diversity. Insight into the farming sector of Seoul and South Korea can be found at the Agricultural Museum, which has become a surprisingly popular attraction.

National Folk Museum of Korea

Address: 1-1 Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea, KR
Tel: +82 02 3704 3114
Specialising in pottery and earthenware, the National Folk Museum of Korea is home to a huge collection of ceramics, including both historical pots and those from the present day. There are several thousand exhibits in total, separated into different areas. As well as the pottery, the farming tools and folklore displays will likely also be of interest, and perhaps even the regular pottery courses.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 18:00, Saturday - 09:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge

Kimchi Museum

Address: Samsong-dong, Seoul, South Korea, KR
Tel: +82 02 6002 6456
'Kimchi' is a Korean pickled vegetable and a bit of a staple in these parts, and this somewhat curious museum details the story behind it. You will see many relics and tools on displays that were used to make and store the kimchi, as well as kimchi ingredients and various types.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

National Museum of Korea

Address: 135 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea, KR
Tel: +82 02 2077 9000
An interesting place to spend a few hours, the National Museum of Korea is home to a combination of both archaeology and art, and is considered to be amongst the most important museums within the region. A wealth of historical artefacts can be found on display and dates from Korean pre-history, right up to the early part of the 20th century (Chosun Dynasty). In total there are three floors, over 4,000 objects and around 20 different gallery spaces. Interactive displays and touch screens enable visitors to make the very most of their time spent here.
Open hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday - 09:00 to 18:00, Wednesday and Saturday - 09:00 to 21:00, Sunday - 09:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge

Global Village Folk Museum

Address: Yongsan-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea, KR
Tel: +82 02 773 9590
Seoul's Global Village Folk Museum features many precious items from around the world, such as model houses, tools, and clothing. Exhibits to look out for are the world's largest mask, dance masks, the world's heaviest silver coin, and a mummy from Peru. An elephant mask impregnated with rare gems is also on display here.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 20:00
Admission: charge

Horim Museum

Address: 1707 Shillim 11-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, South Korea, KR
Tel: +82 02 858 2500
The Horim Museum was founded in the 1970s and continues to display items from the Bronze Age through to modern times. An impressive number of artefacts are exhibited, with more than 3,000 earthenware items, 4,000 pottery items, 500 metal-craft items, and over 2,000 paintings. Set aside an hour to give the museum justice.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discount for children

Agricultural Museum

Address: Myeong-Dong, Seoul, South Korea, KR
Tel: +82 02 2080 5727
The Agricultural Museum in Seoul tells the story of Korea's agriculture through seven exhibition halls, which go from the Prehistory Hall, through to the Three Kingdoms Hall, the Chosun Hall, and the Monthly Work Hall. You can learn about kimchi (a Korean pickled vegetable), while outside the museum is a garden complete with water mill and a rice paddy.
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge