Top 5 Korean Historical Museums [Korea Tourist Attraction]

There have been many dynasties in Korea. While as there were many wars in Korea, there are still many antiques left in Korea.

See history of Korea here : History of Korea

Among the dynasties of Korea, only Silla (B.C. 57 ~ A.D. 935) [신라], Baekje (B.C. 18 ~ A.D. 660) [백제], Joseon (A.D. 1392 ~ A.D. 1897) [조선] have enough relics. Therefore I chose each and overall museums for foreigners to experience the culture and history of Korea. And also I put a museum for Korean alphabet 'Hangeul' which is ,in my opinion, the best invention that is created in Korea.



1. National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관)

National Museum of Korea is the number one museum for history of Korea in Korea. This is so called Overall Museum. You can see relics and experience from GoJoseon dynasty to Modern Korea (B.C. 2333 ~ A.D. 1945). This is must-visit place for all foreigners and completely must-visit place for history lovers traveling Korea.

2. GyeongJu National Museum (국립경주박물관)

GyeongJu National Museum is the best museum to experience Silla dynasty. There are 80,000 relics and 3,000 relics on exhibit including King Seongdeok Divine (giant) Bell. Although it takes about 2 hours to get to GyeongJu by KTX train, it will definitely pay off.

3. Gongju National Museum & Buyeo National Museum (국립공주박물관 & 국립부여박물관)

Gongju and Buyeo (also Seoul) was the capital city of Baekje dynasty (B.C. 18 ~ A.D. 660). Actually this is a little off topic, but Seoul was known to be really important region for countries in Korean peninsula. So many countries in Korean peninsula worked hard to require Seoul. Anyway, that's why museum for Baekje dynasty is in Gongju and Buyeo. You can take bus from Express bus terminal (고속터미널) in Banpo (반포). There are 4,000 relics including Gold diadem ornament from Royal Tomb of King MuRyeong (금제관식 from 무령왕릉), Gold Standing Buddhist God of Mercy Statue (금동관음보살입상) in Gongju National Museum. Make sure you visit Royal Tomb of King MuRyeong while you stay in Gongju. Also there are 7,000 relics in Buyeo National Museum including Gold Standing Maitreya Statue (금동미륵보살입상) and Glit-bronze Incense Burner of Baekje (백제금동대향로). If you have time for only one museum, I would recommend Buyeo National Museum.

4. National Hangeul Museum (국립한글박물관)

 National Hangeul Museum introduces history and value of Hangeul which is Korean alphabet. Hangeul (Korean alphabet) is known to linguists as one of the most scientific language in the world. King Sejong Prize is made to remind King Sejong who invented Hangeul and the prize is now given for people or group who worked hard for eradicating illiteracy which is also the reason why King Sejong made Hangeul.

5. The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (대한민국역사박물관)

The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History introduces history of Korea from the opening port era of Korea to Nowadays. You can see how Republic of Korea became democratic and capitalist country and also 11th economic power in the world.