National Museum of Korea

National Museum of Korea The largest museum in Korea, showcasing masterpieces of Korean art and history. They are yours to discover. and Sat.

Open daily 9:00am–6:00pm
Late opening until 9:00pm on Wed. Join our daily English tour at 10:30 and 13:00 🗣 Please check Visitor Information before you visit: www.museum.go.kr/site/eng/content/hours_and_fees

** Closed on Jan-1, Seollal (Feb-1), Chuseok (Sep-10) and first Monday of April and November

[Creatures_Sacred] A Realm of Sacred Dragons Hidden in GoldHow many dragons are hidden within this small belt ornament? ...
04/08/2026

[Creatures_Sacred] A Realm of Sacred Dragons Hidden in Gold

How many dragons are hidden within this small belt ornament? Discovered in Seokam-ri, Pyongyang (located in present-day North Korea), this Gold Belt Buckle is a masterpiece that encapsulates the extraordinary craftsmanship of ancient artisans.
Crafted by hammering a thin gold plate, attaching countless minute gold granules one by one, and inlaying vibrant blue turquoise, this luxurious buckle conceals seven dragons: one large dragon at the center surrounded by six smaller ones.
Following the delicate contours rendered by fine gold granules, we invite you to discover the sacred dragons embedded within this small masterpiece.

Gold Belt Buckle | Nangnang, 1st century | Prehistory and Ancient History Gallery

#국립중앙박물관

[A Stunning Wallpaper for Your Screen in August]Download the August calendar wallpaper featuring the Formal Dress Sword ...
03/08/2026

[A Stunning Wallpaper for Your Screen in August]

Download the August calendar wallpaper featuring the Formal Dress Sword with a Plum Blossom Pattern, a testament to the refined aesthetics of the Korean Empire.
This is more than just a calendar. It presents the intricate plum blossom—the imperial emblem—and dragon patterns adorned on a ceremonial sword once carried by high-ranking officials managing diplomatic duties for the Emperor.

This sword is believed to have been worn during ceremonies by a high-ranking official of the Yesikwon, an agency under the Gungnaebu (Office of the Imperial Household) responsible for coordinating the Emperor's diplomatic affairs.
The gold fittings on the hilt, handguard, and scabbard feature embossed plum blossom patterns. The blade itself is delicately engraved with plum blossoms, vine scrolls, and dragon motifs.

Download the wallpaper today and bring the history and quiet elegance of the Korean Empire to your phone.
NMK calendar wallpapers are available for download via the below link.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1faAmRrpBXPdESl0iSab_yY9UOqCqWqbt?usp=sharing

Formal Dress Sword with a Plum Blossom Pattern | Korean Empire, 1906–1910 | Korean Empire Gallery

#국립중앙박물관

03/08/2026

[August at the National Museum of Korea: Mythical Creatures in Korean Art]

Dragons, phoenixes, girin (mythical ungulates), and dragon-carp. Throughout Korean artifacts and artworks lie these mythical creatures that do not exist in reality, yet lived vividly in the imaginations of Korean people long ago.
These were far more than simple decorations. They were special beings believed to bring good fortune, ward off evil spirits, and maintain the harmonic order of time and space.

This August, we invite you to explore the mysterious world of mythical creatures imagined by Koreans at the National Museum of Korea.

#국립중앙박물관

31/07/2026

[NMK Essential] K-Food at the National Museum of Korea: A Culinary Walk

Having appreciated the history and art of Korea through your eyes, it is time to experience its deep flavors and aromas. We invite you to a gastronomical journey at the National Museum of Korea.

A Time for Culinary Delights: Food Court (1F)
Neat and well-prepared meals tailored to your taste awaits you, ranging from colorful traditional Korean dishes to international cuisines. Enjoy a diverse range of options from Bibimbap with Three Sauces Set and the heartfelt Spicy Beef Soup and Grilled Short Rib Patties Set to the Lunchbox Set.

A Time for Contemplation: Sayu Tea Room (3F)
Conclude your meal while taking in the scenic views at the museum. Here, you can enjoy signature blended coffee as well as dessert sets available only at the museum, and traditional Korean teas embodying local elegance.

We invite you to add the final touch to your perfect day at the museum right here.

Restaurants
Food Court | Next to Museum Shop 1, 1F | Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun 9:30–17:30, Wed/Sat 10:30–20:00
Pagoda Restaurant | Behind the Ten-story Stone Pagoda from Gyeongcheonsa Temple, F1 | Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun 9:30–17:30, Wed/Sat 10:30–20:30
Mirror Pond Restaurant | Building B near the Mirror Pond | Everyday 11:00–21:00

Cafes
Beogeum Hall Cafe | Next to Museum Shop 1, 1F | Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun 9:30–17:15, Wed/Sat 9:30–20:15
Great Hall Cafe | Great Hall, 2F | Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun 9:30–17:15, Wed/Sat 9:30–20:15
Sayu Tea Room | Permanent Exhibition Hall, 3F | Everyday 9:30–16:45
Outdoor Cafe | Next to the West Gate | Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun 9:30–17:15, Wed/Sat 9:30–20:15
A Twosome Place Cafe | Next to the West Gate | Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun 9:30–17:30 Wed/Sat 10:00–19:30
Yong Cafe | Lobby, Theater Yong | Tue/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun 9:30–17:30, Wed 12:00–20:30

#국립중앙박물관 -Food

[Food Culture_Sea] The Sea from 1,500 Years Ago Discovered on VesselsOpening the lid reveals the sea from 1,500 years ag...
30/07/2026

[Food Culture_Sea] The Sea from 1,500 Years Ago Discovered on Vessels

Opening the lid reveals the sea from 1,500 years ago. Inside this Dish with Lid and Long–necked Jar are the shells of whelks left behind by the people of that time. Although the memory of the delicious meals has faded, the taste of the sea they enjoyed has endured through the centuries.

The whelks we commonly see on our tables today were familiar ingredients to the people in the 5th and 6th centuries. They enjoyed fresh ingredients from the sea served in carefully crafted vessels, and the shells left behind have become precious records that vividly show their daily dining habits.

A single small shell in a vessel has crossed a long span of 1,500 years. We invite you to explore these ancient artifacts and discover how the simple joys we share at the dining table today are part of a deeply rooted cultural tradition shared across human history.

Dish with Lid Containing Whelks | Three Kingdoms Period, 5–6th century | Special Exhibition Gallery 2 | Image 2–3
Long–necked Jar Containing Whelks | Three Kingdoms Period, 5–6th century | Special Exhibition Gallery 2 | Image 4–5

#국립중앙박물관

[Food Culture_Sea] Bounty of the Sea: Large Jars Containing Various Seafood of SillaHolding the treasures of the sea, th...
28/07/2026

[Food Culture_Sea] Bounty of the Sea: Large Jars Containing Various Seafood of Silla

Holding the treasures of the sea, these massive jars were filled with precious seafood that was difficult to obtain at the time, including herring, yellowtail, pufferfish, sea urchins, and even dolphins.

In the 6th century during the Silla Kingdom, they were used in rituals for the royal family. The abundant seafood inside went beyond simple nourishment; it symbolized the immense power and prosperity of the royal court, serving as ultimate respect for the deceased and their afterlife.

Preserved through the ages, these jars reveal the Silla people’s attitudes toward nature and their refined dining culture.

We invite you to explore this grand vessel and discover the noble culinary traditions of the Silla royal court, which offered the bounty of the sea to ancestral rituals.

Large Jar Containing Various Seafood | Silla, 6th century | Special Exhibition Gallery 2 | On loan from National Gyeongju Museum

#국립중앙박물관

[Food Culture_Tableware] The Perfection of Flavor: White Porcelain Condiment Jars with Incised Peony DesignThe depth of ...
27/07/2026

[Food Culture_Tableware] The Perfection of Flavor: White Porcelain Condiment Jars with Incised Peony Design

The depth of Korean food comes from carefully prepared sauce. In the 19th century during the Joseon Dynasty, people crafted beautiful vessels even for these essential ingredients.

These White Porcelain Condiment Jars with Incised Peony Design feature a unique structure, joining several small jars into a single body to hold various condiments at once. Designed with a central handle, this set of jars was highly practical for carrying. Even small objects reflect a refined food culture that maintained artistic sense and dignity in every detail.

We invite you to explore these exquisite jars and discover how Koreans in the past cherished the essential flavors of Korean cuisine.

White Porcelain Condiment Jars with Incised Peony Design | Joseon, 19th century | Special Exhibition Gallery 2

#국립중앙박물관

[Food Culture_Gathering] Korean Barbecue: The Joy of Gathering and Grilling TogetherThe history of "K-BBQ," loved worldw...
24/07/2026

[Food Culture_Gathering] Korean Barbecue: The Joy of Gathering and Grilling Together

The history of "K-BBQ," loved worldwide today, goes back centuries. The joy of placing meat directly on a grill to share is a core part of Korean dining culture that has continued since the Joseon Dynasty.

Take a look at this 19th-century Joseon genre painting. People are gathered in a circle, grilling and eating meat together. This shared experience shows that Korean barbecue has long been more than just a meal—it is a celebration of connection and community.

We invite you to explore this long-standing tradition and discover the ancient roots of Korean dining culture.

Grilling Meat, Album of Genre Paintings by Seong Hyeop | Joseon, 19th century | Special Exhibition Gallery 2

#국립중앙박물관 -BBQ

[Food Culture_Table] The Royal Table: Black–Lacquerware Rectangular Serving Table with Mother–of–Pearl InlayThe delicate...
23/07/2026

[Food Culture_Table] The Royal Table: Black–Lacquerware Rectangular Serving Table with Mother–of–Pearl Inlay

The delicate glow of mother-of-pearl inlay on the black lacquer immediately catches the eye. This is a lacquerware serving table with mother–of–pearl inlay, which was used to serve food in the Joseon royal court. Before the 20th century, individuals were typically served their meals on small personal tables, unlike today's Korean custom of gathering around a large dining table.

This splendid table reflects royal dignity, with exquisite authority and beauty expressed in its design. In the center, two dragons face each other, while the edges are brilliantly decorated with cranes and lotus flowers.

The Joseon royal court beautifully decorated not only the vessels but also the table on which the dishes were served, treating dining as a form of art.

We invite you to appreciate the refined food culture and dignity of the Joseon royal court through this exquisite craftwork.

Black–Lacquerware Rectangular Serving Table with Mother–of–Pearl Inlay | Late Joseon | Special Exhibition Gallery 2 | On loan from National Gogung Museum

#국립중앙박물관

[Food Culture_Tableware] The Royal Table with Flowers in BloomBlue flowers are in full bloom inside the vessels. These s...
21/07/2026

[Food Culture_Tableware] The Royal Table with Flowers in Bloom

Blue flowers are in full bloom inside the vessels. These splendid blue-and-white porcelain pieces were used by the Joseon royal court in the 19th century. Even in a single dish, the royal court embodied the highest level of formality and beauty.

Vessels were chosen to match the specific type of food served. A bowl was used to hold dishes with broth, such as soups, stews, and noodles. A dish was used to hold dry foods, such as tteok (traditional rice cakes) and fruits.

The blue floral patterns painted on the white porcelain added a refined dignity to the dining table. These vessels reflect the utmost care and dedication of those who prepared the royal meals. We invite you to appreciate the elegance of Joseon royal dining through these exquisite porcelain works.

Blue-and-White Porcelain Lidded Bowls and Dish with Floral Design | Joseon, 19th century | Special Exhibition Gallery 2

#국립중앙박물관

Address

137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu
Seoul
04383

Opening Hours

Monday 10:00 - 18:00
Tuesday 10:00 - 18:00
Wednesday 10:00 - 21:00
Thursday 10:00 - 18:00
Friday 10:00 - 18:00
Saturday 10:00 - 21:00
Sunday 10:00 - 18:00

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+82220779000

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