National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (대한민국역사박물관)

National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (대한민국역사박물관)

- Homepage
www.much.go.kr

- Tel
+82-2-3703-9200

The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History opened on December 26, 2012, and showcases Korea's modern history, from the opening of Incheon Port to current times. The museum provides an in-depth look at the changes in the nation through exhibitions and educational programs, as well as researching, developing, and collecting materials. The museum is comprised of four exhibition halls; Prelude to the Republic of Korea, Foundation of the Republic of Korea, Development of the Republic of Korea, and Modernization of South Korea, toward the World. In addition, the Korean History Dream Village features a hands-on program hall for children to learn modern and contemporary history. In addition to special exhibitions, the museum also offers educational and cultural programs for children.

- Address : 198, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul


※ Presentation Information
- Information and Guides
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• For more info: +82-2-3703-9200

- Parking
Not available (use nearby parking lot)

- Day Off
New Year’s Day, Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day)

- Usage Fee
Free

- Operating Hours
Regular hours 10:00-18:00
* Wednesdays and Saturdays 10:00-21:00
* Last admission one hour before closing.

- Scale
Site area: 6,445 ㎡ / Total building floor area: 10,734 ㎡

- Tour Duration
Approx. 1 hr - 1 hr 30 min



- Collections Status
106,000 pieces (as of late 2015)

- Reservation for Foreigners
No reservation required

* Reservation for exhibition explanations for groups of 10 or more: +82-2-3703-9250

- Foreign Language Intepretation Services
1F Information Desk: Audio guide available (English, Japanese, Chinese)

◎ Nearby Tourism Infobox

⊙ HANILKWAN - Gwanghwamun Branch (한일관 광화문)

- Tel
+82-2-722-7557

It is a store that has been operating with a long tradition since 1939. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is bulgogi.

⊙ Gwanghwamun Plaza (광화문 광장)

- Homepage
gwanghwamun.seoul.go.kr

- Tel
+82-2-120

Gwanghwamun Plaza was opened to the public in August 2022 after renovation. Sejong-ro, the main street of Seoul with 600 years of history, has been reborn as a space for historical and cultural experiences by restoring Yukjo Street. Woldae (Elevated Ceremonial Stage) was reconstructed at the entrance of the "Plaza that Recovers the History of Gwanghwamun," and the statue of Haetae, an imaginary animal that judges good and evil, has been restored. In addition, traces of Yukjo Street, the main street of Hanyang in the past, were restored in the ‘Plaza that recreates the scenery of Yukjo Street’ near Sejong-ro Park, with a scale model installed. This is an excellent place for a stroll with beautiful scenery, including Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bugaksan Mountain.

⊙ Sejong-ro Park (세종로공원)

- Homepage
parks.seoul.go.kr

- Tel
+82-2-722-9598

Sejong-ro Park is located next to Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul. Inside the park, there are wooden benches and shaded areas where people can sit and relax. Also available are water fountains, a round outdoor stage, and various sculptures. The lunch crowd from the nearby office buildings often come to the park during weekdays. On the weekends, the park is also used as a venue for outdoor weddings.


Seoul's anthem and the poem "Bulnori" by Ju Yo-han are written on a memorial stone that can be found inside the park.

⊙ Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin (충무공 이순신 동상)

- Homepage
tour.jongno.go.kr

The Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin can be found at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Admiral Yi Sun-shin (1545-1598) was a naval commander who served during the Japanese invasion of Korea (also known as Imjin War: 1592-1598). The undefeated admiral achieved 23 victories against the Japanese navy using innovative tactics, and he is thus considered as one of the greatest generals in the history of Korea. Admiral Yi’s likeness can be found on the 100 won coin.

⊙ KT Square (KT스퀘어)

- Homepage
corp.kt.com

- Tel
+82-1577-5599

KT Square is a multi-complex that offers various cultural performances as well as hands-on experiences of the latest in IT technology. Gallery 130 showcases the history of KT Corp.

⊙ King Sejong Statue (세종대왕 동상)

- Homepage
tour.jongno.go.kr

- Tel
+82-2-2133-7713

King Sejong Statue can be found at Seoul’s Gwanghawmun Square. The statue commemorates King Sejong the Great (1397-1450, reign 1418-1450), the fourth king of Joseon (1392-1897). He is thought to be the greatest king in Korean history, for he is credited with great developments in science and technology, expansion of Joseon’s territory, and the creation of the Korean script, [Hangeul]. King Sejong’s likeness can be found on the 10,000 won bill as well. 

⊙ Cancelled: Gwanghwamun International Art Festival (광화문국제아트페스티벌)

- Homepage
www.giaf.or.kr

- Tel
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• For more info: +82-2-723-9484~7

Gwanghwamun International Art Festival is designed to increase public knowledge and appreciation for the arts and culture. In addition to the art exhibitions, visitors will also be able to enjoy various performances and try different kinds of arts and crafts such as ceramics, silver handicrafts, leather handicrafts, and  more. The festival is also making a continuous effort to deliver more exciting programs and activities for visitors' enjoyment.

⊙ The Story of King Sejong (세종이야기)

- Homepage
www.sejongstory.or.kr

- Tel
+82-2-399-1000

The Story of King Sejong comprises six different sections with a total area of 3,200 square meters. The museum consists of exhibition zones, an event space, video room, shop and more to display King Sejong’s scientific, artistic, military, and political contributions, including the theory of Minbon, which recognized the people as the base of politics. King Sejong, the 4th king of the Joseon dynasty (1397-1450, reigning from 1418-1450) was responsible for some of the most brilliant achievements in the history of Korea, including the creation of Hangeul (Korean alphabet) and great advancements in the areas of science, culture, art and politics.

⊙ Seoul Lantern Festival (서울빛초롱축제)

- Homepage
stolantern.com

- Tel
+82-2-3788-8168

The Seoul Lantern Festival is held every year from the first Friday of November to the third weekend of the month for approximately 3 weeks. With various themed lanterns around Cheonggyecheon Stream, visitors can enjoy both traditional lanterns and modern LED lanterns. The festival provides much to see and do with the addition of Gwanghwamun Square Market.



This work was created by the Korea Tourism Organization for 22 years and opened as the first type of public Nuri. You can download it for free from the Korea Tourism Organization, https://kto.visitkorea.or.kr/eng.kto