Immerse in Korean Culture by Visiting These Korean Museums

Learn about Korea’s royalty, daily life, history, and technology in the best way possible. What better way to immerse yourself in Korean culture than to visit the many museums that feature Korea’s rich and colorful history? From museums that throw you back to the simple life of yesteryears to one that flies you forward to the technologically-advanced future, Korea’s got it all! Before you finalize your itinerary, check out this list of Korean museums. Fun fact: A lot of them are free!

If you’ve been intrigued with the intricacies of royal court life in K-dramas, then you’d love a glimpse of the real thing as you walk through the numerous exhibits in this Korean museum featuring artifacts from the Joseon Dynasty. Walk through visions of royal court life, view works of calligraphy, and learn the rites and rituals of royalty. Admission is free!

Address: 12, Hyoja-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Opening Hours: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Contact Details: +82-2-3701-7500

Socials: Facebook and Instagram

Go back in time to Korea’s rich history. This Korean museum is located at the heart of Gyeongbokgung Palace, and features artifacts from old Korea. Learn more about Korean culture and their traditional daily way of life. Aside from their permanent exhibits, you can also attend special programs like cooking Korean food, making crafts, and learning traditional dances!

Address: 37, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (except last Wed, Fri, Sat of each month, when it is open until 9:00 pm)

Contact Details: +82-2-3704-3114

Socials: Facebook and Instagram

Korea has a rich war history, and it’s all immortalized in the War Memorial. Start in the Memorial Hall to honor those who have offered their lives for their country. War buffs would love to learn about the stories behind the Korean War and Vietnam War, check out the War History room, as well as examine the weapons and artillery on display. Don’t forget to check out their special exhibits, too. You just might get to try out their F-15K 3D experience or battlefield experience!

Address: 29, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Opening Hours: 9:30 am - 6:00 pm (closed on Mondays)

Contact Details: +82-2-709-3144

Socials: Instagram

Are there any car enthusiasts in the house? Then this Korean museum should definitely be part of your itinerary. It houses Korea’s biggest private collection of car models, and also has actual rare vintage cars on display that you can get up close and personal with. Kids also get to enjoy the traffic experience area where they can get their mock driver’s license and drive around.

Address: 1610, Jungsanganseo-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo, Jeju Island 63526 South Korea

Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Reminisce your childhood as you walk through the different collections of toys. This is actually one family’s private collection that has spanned decades. Many toys may be familiar, but there are some collectibles that are unique to Korea. Invite the whole family to play and unwind in the many attractions such as the 4D theater and the playground.

Address: 23 Seondeok-ro, Jeju City, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province 63122, Republic of Korea

Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm daily

Start kids early and have them experience science through play! Go ahead and explore all six floors of child-friendly spaces with your child, each one specially designed to cater to the natural curiosity of kids. There is even an entire area dedicated to infants and toddlers, as well as a space that caters to children with disabilities.

Address: 04991 (143-847) Seoul Children’s Museum, Children's Grand Park, 216 (Neung-dong 18), Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul

Opening Hours: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm daily (closed on Mondays)

Contact Details: +82.2.6450.9500

Socials: Facebook and Instagram

Here’s another museum in Korea for toys, but this time, it’s dedicated to traditional and contemporary action figures. There are six themed exhibits, and operates like a theme park for action figures! More interesting is their figure making programs where you get to personally create your own action figure. Geek out as you chat with figure experts and fellow enthusiasts. You can also add to your collection by purchasing action figures on the spot!

Address: 3, Seolleung-ro 158-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Opening Hours: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm daily (closed on Mondays)

Contact Details: +82-2-512-8865

Socials: Facebook and Instagram

The MMCA has four branches, each one boasting of a unique collection. MMCA Seoul, in particular, houses global contemporary art. It has four floors of galleries and exhibition halls. It even has a Media Lab and a Film Lounge. Before you go, take a break at the Tea House OSULLOC, or bring home a souvenir from the Art Zone and the Art Book. You can visit its other MMCA branches in Gwacheon, Deoksugung, and Cheongju too!

Address: MMCA Seoul, 30 Samcheong-ro (Sogyeok-dong), Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03062

Opening Hours: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (MTThFSn), 10:00 am - 9:00 pm (WS)

Contact Details: +82-2-3701-9500

Socials: Facebook and Instagram

Step forward into the future, where technology is king. Even those who aren’t techie will appreciate the interactive and immersive exhibits in this museum in Korea. It makes use of technology such as augmented reality, mirror displays, and other innovative products. If you want to experience the future, this Korean museum is a must!

Address: Samsung Electronics BD, 11, Seocho-Daero 74-Gil, Seocho-Gu, Seoul

Opening Hours: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Contact Details: 02-2255-2277