National Folk Museum of Korea, Seoul

National Folk Museum of Korea, Seoul

Within the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea offers an immersive journey through Korean daily life-from prehistoric times up to the Joseon Dynasty. Established initially in 1924, it evolved through various relocations before opening at its current location in 1993. The building itself is a modern construction, designed in a traditional style and crowned with a multi-tiered pagoda.

Inside you’ll find three permanent exhibitions and two special rotating displays-plus an outdoor folk village and a dedicated Children’s Museum. Exhibition Hall I, "History of Korean People", presents artifacts and dioramas tracing Korea’s evolution from ancient to imperial times. Exhibition Hall II, "Korean Way of Life", explores agricultural practices, tools, and rural community rhythms, while Hall III, "Life Cycle of Koreans", follows milestones like births, education, marriage, and funerals rooted in Confucian tradition.

This hosts traditional folk performances, seminars, and interactive learning sessions. Guided tours are available free of charge-including in English, Japanese, and Chinese-at scheduled times throughout the day.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Seoul. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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National Folk Museum of Korea on Map

Sight Name: National Folk Museum of Korea
Sight Location: Seoul, South Korea (See walking tours in Seoul)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

Walking Tours in Seoul, South Korea

Create Your Own Walk in Seoul

Create Your Own Walk in Seoul

Creating your own self-guided walk in Seoul is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Insa-dong Walking Tour

Insa-dong Walking Tour

Originating 500 years ago as a residential quarter for government officials, today's Insa-dong is a buzzing shopping and dining district in Seoul where the past meets the present. During the Japanese occupation of the country in the first half of the 20th century, wealthy Koreans were forced to move out and sell their belongings, at which point the district became a center of antique trading....  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Bukchon Hanok Village Walk

Bukchon Hanok Village Walk

Bukchon Hanok, the traditional Korean village in downtown Seoul, is famous for its well-preserved 600-year-old setting. Once home to the nation’s nobility, the village sits on a hill near the Changdeokgung Palace.

One notable attraction here is Baek In-je's House Museum, which provides insight into the life of a prominent Korean politician from the early 20th century. Meanwhile, the...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Seoul Introduction Walking Tour

Seoul Introduction Walking Tour

The bustling capital of South Korea, Seoul, seamlessly blends modern innovation with a more than 2,000-year history. Remarkably, until 1972, the city was claimed by North Korea as its de jure capital and even specified as such in its constitution.

Seoul was founded in 18 BC by the people of Baekje. The three ancient kingdoms of Korea – Baekje, Goguryeo, and Silla – fought over its...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


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