National Museum of Korea, National museum in Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea.
The National Museum of Korea stands in Yongsan District, Seoul, housing more than 300,000 objects documenting the development of Korean culture across centuries. The complex spreads across six floors with exhibition rooms, libraries and research areas arranged chronologically and thematically.
After Korean independence in 1945, the institution opened as the first state facility dedicated to preserving Korean culture. The current building in Yongsan was completed in 2005, replacing a smaller site in another part of the city.
The name reflects its role as the country's central collection, guiding visitors through galleries of ceramics, paintings and sculptures. Some halls display objects from royal palaces, while others present tools and clothing from everyday life of past centuries.
Opening hours extend until 9 PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays, while other days close at 6 PM with morning access starting at 10 AM. A large forecourt in front of the entrance provides orientation and leads directly to the main galleries inside.
The entrance faces Mount Namsan, creating a sight line between nature and exhibition building. This alignment follows old Korean building traditions that treat mountains as important reference points.
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