Showcasing the cultural and artistic history of South Korea, the National Museum of Korea is one of the largest museums in Asia. It’s set across three floors, with the left side of the building representing the past and the right side showcasing the future, while a garden of native plants, rock pools and pagodas occupies the ground floor.

Get up close to artefacts excavated at sites across Korea, which date from the Paleolithic to the Unified Silla era and include ancient royal artefacts and early tools. Learn about Korea’s development through the medieval years, with individual displays dedicated to the Balhae, Goryeo and Joseon periods.

Traditional and religious artworks, including calligraphy and paintings, are displayed on the second floor, while Buddhist sculptures and crafts are found upstairs. Highlights of the museum include the celadon wares from the Goryeo Kingdom and a 7th-century Bodhisattva wearing a “Lotus Crown”, as well as the re-erected ten-storey Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda.

Getting there

The National Museum of Korea is located in Yongsan Family Park, a short stroll from Ichon Station along the Seoul Subway. Incheon International Airport is a 1.5-hour train ride from the museum.