Discovering the Soul of the City: Why the Seoul Museum of History is a Must-Visit

When visiting Seoul, most travelers flock to the grand palaces like Gyeongbokgung or the busy streets of Myeongdong. But to truly understand how this city evolved from the capital of the Joseon Dynasty into the modern metropolis it is today, there is one place you absolutely cannot miss: the Seoul Museum of History.

Located right next to Gyeonghuigung Palace, this museum is often a "hidden gem" that even locals living in Seoul for decades haven't visited. Here is why this spot should be on your travel itinerary.

A Journey Through Time (And It's Free!)

The Seoul Museum of History gathers the history and culture of Seoul from the prehistoric age to modern times all in one place. Best of all? Admission is completely free.

The site itself is steeped in history. Originally the grounds of Gyeonghuigung Palace, it later became the site of Seoul High School until the 1980s. After years of construction and artifact collection, the museum opened in 2002.

It is a massive space, spanning over 11,000 square meters across a majestic 8-story building. It features four permanent exhibition halls, special exhibition halls, open storage, and a beautiful rooftop garden.

What to See: From Joseon to the 1988 Olympics

The museum is renowned for its incredible attention to detail. It doesn’t just show you rusty artifacts; it immerses you in the daily life of Seoul's past.

• The Outdoor Exhibit (Tram No. 381): Before you even enter, you’ll see an old tram car (Registered Cultural Heritage No. 467). It’s a great photo spot that hints at the modern history you’ll see inside.

• The Joseon Era: The permanent exhibitions feature breathtaking scale models, including the "Six Ministries Street" (Yukjo-geori). You can see detailed dioramas of commoners' lives in the late Joseon period, which give you a vivid look at how people lived, dressed, and worked centuries ago.

• The Miracle of Seoul: For many tourists, the most fascinating section is the modern history hall. You can walk through the dramatic transformation of Seoul following the Korean War, witnessing the explosive development of the 70s and 80s. You’ll even meet Hodori, the iconic mascot of the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

Special Exhibitions & Hidden Gems

Currently, the museum is preparing a special exhibition celebrating the "Year of Korea-Canada Cultural Exchange," running from December 13, 2024, to March 2, 2025. It’s a great bonus if you are visiting this winter.

Also, if you are a history buff, the Seoul Museum of History manages several fascinating branch museums nearby that are worth checking out, such as the Hanyang City Wall Museum, Cheonggyecheon Museum, Dongdaemun History Museum, and the Seoul Museum of Living History.

Travel Tips

• Location: It is just a 5-minute walk from Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Exit 8).

• Vibe: Unlike some stuffy museums, this one has high ceilings, spacious lobbies, and a souvenir shop on the 1st floor perfect for picking up unique mementos.

• Time: You can easily spend 1-2 hours here. It’s a perfect indoor activity if the weather is too cold or rainy.

If you want to broaden your horizons and see Seoul with new eyes, step away from the shopping districts for an afternoon and walk through the history of this incredible city.

Visitor Information

• Location: 55 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Next to Gyeonghuigung Palace)

• Hours:

• • Tuesday – Sunday: 09:00 – 18:00
• • Friday: Extended hours until 21:00

• Closed: Every Monday and January 1st

• Admission: Free

• Website: museum.seoul.go.kr

Reference: Seoul Newsletter