A Day at the National Museum of Korea: Parking, Goods Shop, Docent Program, and More in Yongsan
During my recent trip to Seoul, I was eager to visit the National Museum of Korea's goods shop, which I heard was quite trendy. I also wanted to see the exhibitions.
Thanks to its convenient transportation and spacious exhibition halls, the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan is a consistently popular destination.
Today, I'll cover everything from parking and the goods shop to the children's docent program for those visiting with kids.
National Museum of Korea
Address: 137, Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Hours: 10:00 - 18:00
- Open until 21:00 on Wednesdays and Saturdays
- Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Parking: Available (fees apply)
1. Parking and Location
Whether you're visiting the National Museum of Korea for the goods or the exhibitions, it's definitely less crowded if you arrive early.
I took the underground passage directly connected from Ichon Station to the museum.
With the recent increase in visitors, expect to wait over an hour for parking at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan. The museum itself is huge, so I recommend using public transportation to avoid the wait and exhaustion.
There are about 750 parking spaces from the basement to the 2nd floor, but considering the over 20,000 daily visitors (as of July), it doesn't seem like nearly enough, does it?
<National Museum of Korea Parking Fees>
Passenger cars (up to 15 seats):
2 hours: ₩2,000
Additional 30 minutes: ₩500
Daily parking: ₩10,000
Large vehicles:
2 hours: ₩4,000
Additional 30 minutes: ₩1,000
Daily parking: ₩20,000
The museum is also located near the National Hangeul Museum and the Yongsan Park (former US military base), known for its photo spots. It's a great day trip if you have the time.
2. Exploring the Exhibitions
The museum is largely divided into two sections.
On the left is the Special Exhibition Hall (paid admission), and on the right is the Permanent Exhibition Hall.
Special Exhibitions
New Country, New Art
2025.06.10 ~ 2025.08.31
Adults ₩8,000 / Teenagers ₩6,000 / Children ₩4,000
Mana Moana
2025.04.30 ~ 2025.09.14
Adults ₩5,000 / Teenagers & Children ₩3,000
If you're visiting as a family and want to understand the exhibits more deeply, I recommend the docent tour.
The children's docent program is the most popular. If you're visiting with kids, consider taking the tour for an educational experience.
Before browsing the goods shop, I explored the permanent exhibition. With exhibition rooms packed on both sides of the central corridor across three floors, it's important to focus and prioritize.
Since it was my first visit, I grabbed a leaflet and strategically planned my route. I finished in the Room of Quiet Contemplation, which took nearly two hours.
I suggest planning your route beforehand or dedicating an entire day to avoid feeling rushed or tired.
For reference, the permanent exhibition hall has 9,884 artifacts on display. The exhibits are rotated regularly for external exhibition schedules or preservation purposes.
3. Room of Quiet Contemplation
Located on the 2nd floor (opposite the east gate), the Room of Quiet Contemplation features two National Treasure Pensive Bodhisattva statues on display side by side.
Pick up a guide at the entrance to enhance your viewing experience.
The dark and quiet Room of Quiet Contemplation was designed by architect Choi Wook.
The space is designed on a small theater scale to provide a viewing experience that unifies the energy of the Pensive Bodhisattva statues with the space.
The two Pensive Bodhisattva statues, which capture attention in a restrained atmosphere, were made at different times.
Although the crowds made it difficult to concentrate, I felt peaceful just being there, and that was enough for me.
4. Goods Shop
I came across goods throughout the museum.
I'll show you the details of the goods shop, Muteum.
It has its own dedicated space, but it's so popular that three or four people crowd around each item.
Instead of leisurely browsing, I recommend checking the National Museum of Korea Cultural Products website beforehand to see what's available and what you like.
They offer a variety of items such as bookmarks, mugs, and makgeolli (rice wine) glasses inspired by representative works from the exhibitions.
Pensive Cat Figurine Series: ₩43,000
Three-Piece Flower Side Dish Set: ₩63,000
Baekje Gilt-bronze Incense Burner: ₩99,000
Bookmark Set: ₩15,000
Color-Changing Makgeolli Glass (1p): ₩18,500
Seokguram Grotto Lighting: ₩46,000
Mini Moon Jar Candle Set (3p): ₩47,000
The goods are not just souvenirs, but unique items with collectible value, perfect for personal use or gifts.
5. Docent Program & Royal Library
Disappointed that my desired goods were out of stock, I had about 30 minutes before my next appointment and decided to visit the Royal Library.
Wow!
The Oegyujanggak Uigwe (royal protocols) with different covers are displayed from floor to ceiling, which was quite breathtaking.
The Royal Library is located opposite the Room of Quiet Contemplation, so be sure to visit both.
The museum is so large that you can barely see 1/3 of it in half a day.
Since it's easy to miss things, I highly recommend the docent program, especially if you're visiting with children.
✅ Korean History Focused Docent (Top Seller)
✅ World History Experience: Greek and Roman Exhibition Guide
When I left (around noon), the line at the entrance was very long.
Even though the school vacation is over and it may be less crowded, I recommend going right when it opens or visiting in the late afternoon.
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