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Is the National Museum of Korea free? Yes, for now

FREE · UPDATED OCT 23, 2026

Price now

Free (permanent galleries, Children's Museum, free special exhibitions)

Fee plan

Being studied. No price or start date decided

Hours

9:30 am–5:30 pm; Wed & Sat until 9 pm (last entry 30 min before)

Where

Ichon Station (Line 4 / Gyeongui–Jungang), exit 2

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The permanent galleries of the National Museum of Korea in Seoul have been free since 2008. A government study is now looking at an entry fee, including a higher price for foreigners as one option. Nothing is decided. Hours, how to get there, and our 90-minute free route.

National Museum of Korea · Photo: Jinah78 (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons

What's changing (and what isn't)

1. NOWEntry is free

   The permanent galleries have been free since 2008. Paid special exhibitions need a ticket.

2. STUDYA research study on charging is underway

   The Culture Ministry said the museum is studying an entry fee for its permanent galleries, looking at overseas cases, revenue and visitor numbers.

3. OPTIONA higher price for foreigners is one option studied

   Dual pricing was reviewed through overseas cases. The ministry said it needs careful consideration. It is not decided.

4. PRICENo price has been set

   Figures discussed in Korean media range from about ₩3,000 to ₩10,000. None is official.

5. WHENNo start date

   The ministry said a public consultation would come before any fee. Until then, entry stays free.

Getting there

1. SUBWAYIchon Station, exit 2

   Line 4 or the Gyeongui–Jungang Line. Follow the underground walkway (Museum Nadeulgil) to the museum.

   서울 용산구 서빙고로 137 국립중앙박물관CopyGoogle Maps

Hours and closed days

1. MON TUE THU FRI SUN9:30 am – 5:30 pm

   Last entry 5:00 pm.

2. WED · SAT9:30 am – 9:00 pm

   Last entry 8:30 pm. Quieter evenings are our favorite time to go.

3. CLOSEDJan 1, Seollal and Chuseok

   The permanent and special galleries also close on the first Monday of March, June, September and December.

4. BOOKINGNot needed for the permanent galleries

   Just walk in. The Children's Museum uses reservations.

Our 90-minute free route

1. 1Ten-story stone pagoda (1F, Path to History)

   A marble pagoda from 1348, National Treasure No. 86, in the middle of the main corridor.

2. 2Room of Quiet Contemplation (2F)

   Two gilt-bronze pensive bodhisattvas, both National Treasures, in a dim, quiet room. Keep your voice down; no flash.

3. 3MU:DS museum shop

   The museum's own goods brand. Tiger-and-magpie items made famous by KPop Demon Hunters fans can sell out.

4. 4The pond out front

   Our pick: walk out past the pond with the pavilion for the classic photo of the building.

Say it in Korean (show this screen)

1. SAYWhere is the Room of Quiet Contemplation?

   sa-yu-ui bang eo-di-ye-yo?

   사유의 방 어디예요?Copy
2. SAYWhere is the museum shop?

   myu-ji-eom-syap eo-di-ye-yo?

   뮤지엄숍 어디예요?Copy
3. SAYIs it free?

   mu-ryo-ye-yo?

   무료예요?Copy

Local tips

• Special exhibitions are ticketed even now; the free part is the permanent galleries.
• The Wednesday and Saturday evening light show on the pagoda runs at 7 or 8 pm depending on the season; check museum.go.kr before you go.
• Our tip: go on a Wednesday or Saturday evening for fewer crowds than weekend afternoons.

FAQ

Sources: Newsis: National Museum of Korea fee research study (Apr 2026) · Chosun Ilbo: fee study reviews foreigner pricing (Oct 16, 2026) · Financial News: Korea ahead of paid admission after 19 years (Oct 3, 2026) · National Museum of Korea: hours and admission · National Museum of Korea: Ten-story Stone Pagoda · Korea JoongAng Daily: Room of Quiet Contemplation · Seoul Metropolitan Government (mediahub): museum goods and directions

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