Admission, including nearby Gyeonghuigung Palace, is free.
Free audio guides (English, Japanese, Chinese) are available from 10:00 – 19:00 at the Information Desk on the first floor.
Closed Mondays.
Opened in 1985, the Seoul Museum of History proudly preserves and showcases the history, tradition, and culture of this great country. The museum is located adjacent to Gyeonghuigung Palace. On May 5, 2002, the museum reopened after renovations to the thrill of the citizens of Korea.
Everything you wanted to know about the history of Seoul can be found at this interesting free museum.
While walking from exhibit to exhibit, visitors will learn about the history of the city through war and peace. They will see how this land evolved from prehistoric times, see how kings ruled during the Joseon Dynasty, and understand how the city became a thriving and modern metropolis that it is today. There is also a 1:1,500 scale model of the city which is quite interesting to view.
Learn who first settled this area and how and why the capital, Hanyang, was located here. From here, you can learn everything about the everyday citizens, kings, and palaces of the Joseon Dynasty and how they built and protected the city during times of peace and war, especially with Japan. Finally, see how Seoul modernized and climbed out of the ashes of the Korean War to become a powerful and successful city that it is today.
The museum is split up into four zones.
Zone 1 is Seoul of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1863). This zone depicts Seoul throughout the Joseon Dynasty from the establishment of the capital city, known then as Hanyang, until the opening of the port. It also describes areas within the fortified capital, such as Bukchon, as well as areas outside the fortress walls. It also presents the daily life of the citizens.
Zone 2 is The Capital of the Daehan Empire (1863-1910). This zone depicts Seoul as it transformed from the opening of the port through the end of the Great Han Empire. Relics here are from a time when citizens of Seoul experienced pressure from reformation and from the beginning of the colonization of Korea by Japan.
Zone 3 is Seoul Under Japanese Control (1910-1945). During this period, the Joseon Dynasty came to and end as Korea was colonized by Japan. Modern culture slowly spread throughout the country while conflicting with the pressure of Japanese imperialists.
Zone 4 is Development of Seoul (1945-2002). This zone describes the transformation of Seoul from its liberation from Japan to the World Cup in 2002. See how Seoul has changed from a war torn city into the modern and mega city it is today.
The Special Exhibition Hall, Museum Shop, and a cafe can be found on the first floor. There is also an exhibit for relics which were donated during the Relic Donation Campaign. The main exhibit halls are located on the third floor.
Table of Contents
Seoul Museum of History Hours
March-October
Weekdays : 9:00-21:00
Weekends and Holidays : 9:00-19:00
November-February
Weekdays : 9:00-21:00
Weekends and Holidays : 9:00-18:00
Closed on Mondays
Admission
FreeHow to get to Seoul Museum of History
Take Subway Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station (Exit 7).
Make a U turn when exiting the station.
Make the second right onto Saemunan-ro and continue for 450 meters to reach the museum on the right.
Map
Additional Resources
Viator
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Book Recommendations
While The Seoul Guide provides plenty of information about traveling to Seoul, sometimes it helps to bring a book with you on your journey. Want to visit Gwangjang Market, hike Bukhansan National Park, visit an ancient palace, or sing karaoke all night long? The book I always recommend is Fodor's Seoul, which provides expert recommendations including sights to see, restaurant reviews, maps, and essential trip-planning information for everything related to Seoul.
Learn more about book recommendations
Rakuten
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Klook
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Last Updated on May 12, 2023