The National Palace Museum of Korea opened it’s doors in December of 1992. Throughout it’s history it has undergone a name change in 2005 and a renovation in 2007. The collection houses over 40,000 artifacts from the palaces of both the Korean Empire and the Joseon Dynasty with 14 treasures and one national treasure.
The pieces in question include almost everything you can think of. On the first floor there are galleries featuring royal court art, literary works, and vintage automobiles from the Korean Empire. The Second floor offers glimpses of Joseon Dynasty records, state relics, symbols and architectural maps. The basement gallery houses the infamous Joseon water clock along with royal court paintings, ceremonial objects from royal processions, and musical instruments used during the era.
The special exhibits also draw crowds to the museum. At the time of this post there are two special exhibits running concurrently. The first involves a retrospective of Jongno. Jongno Elegy allows you to slip on your archaeologist hat and investigate the landscape Jongno from years gone by. Actually it doesn’t look too much different than before except the buildings are taller and so are the people! You can see a recreation of Seoul’s first movie theater, the burgeoning fabric district, the throng of eateries and early night clubs.
The second exhibition, 1950’s Korea, focuses on the events surrounding the Korean War. Here you can find recreations of military tents to the small minutiae of wartime like military inspired text books for children that encourage kids to answer how many tanks added to the battalion will make ten to the awards and medals of fallen soldiers to armistice agreements.
The Good:
The entrance fee is free!
There’s a tour in English!
Easily accessible lockers for your stuff
The Bad:
The exhibit we saw was open but not completed
The Weird:
In a museum with over 40,000 pieces there’s only one national treasure
Royal Placenta jars. Can’t get weirder than that!
Hours:
Weekdays 9:00 to 18:00 (final admission at 17:00)
Weekends Holidays 9:00 to 19:00 (final admission at 18:00)
Closed on Mondays
Admission Fee
Free for all visitors
Free Guided Tours
Guided tours in
English 15
Korean 11, 14, 16
Chinese 10
Japanese 13
Website:
http://www.gogung.go.kr
Address:
Jongno-gu Sajingno 34
Seoul 110-820
Phone:
82-2-3701-7500
It’s a five minute walk from exit no 5 of Gyeongbokgung station or a 10-15 minute walk from exit 1 of Gwanghwamun station
