The weather is getting colder and colder. The National Museum of Korea (NMK-국립중앙박물관) where history and culture are alive is one of the greatest places to go when it’s too cold or too wet to venture out. The museum was opened in 2005 and it is gigantic. NMK is designed to help visitors better appreciate Korean history and culture as well as world culture. By fostering artistic and cultural sensitivity, it is a place that help you fully appreciate and enjoy culture. Visitors could easily spend an entire day enjoying the relics in and around the huge buildings.
Many history teacher commonly says like this; “In order to truly know the history and culture of a country, you must visit its museum. It is there where you will find traces of the lives of the past, which enable us to better understand the present and anticipate the future.” Thanks to their effort, almost every students who lived in Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi-do Province might visit here at least one time for their homework in 2005. (I was one of them, too.J) At the museum, you can understand and appreciate the value of Korean history and culture through diverse experiences, events, and exhibitions. The permanent collection offers a fascinating journey through thousands of years of history, from simple hand axes of the Paleolithic Age, to a splendid gold crown from the Three Kingdoms Period, exquisite celadon from the Goryeo Dynasty, masterful paintings from the Joseon Dynasty, to photos from modern times. By immersing themselves in such captivating artifacts and artworks, you can come to understand the deep national pride that Koreans feel for their unique culture.
If you are interested in history itself,
this would be the best route for you. (Root 1)
If you just want to enjoy artifacts and take pictures in the first floor,
this would be the best spots.
(Root 2)
After walking through the glass doors the main marbled hallway (Great hall) that is open up to the ceiling welcomes those into to the galleries that flank the main walking space. There are three floors to peruse. The first floor showcases Prehistory, Ancient History, Medieval and Early Modern History. Most of the important exhibits of Korean history are in the first floor. In these days, most visitors are walking around with earphones in listening to information about each exhibit, so they rarely lost their route. (A few years ago, there are lots of people who missed some important exhibits including Koreans.) But just in case, I posted root 1. If you get your ear phones, all of you would take root 1. This route is the best way to see all of exhibits in chronological order without exception. However, some people might think that there are too many exhibits. In this case, I recommend root 2. Of course, all of the exhibits are important and meaningful. However, Prehistory, Unified Silla period, and Balhae Kingdom sections are not that interesting because Prehistory period is the oldest ones, so the artifacts of Prehistoric section are not that elaborated, just simple. In the case of Unified Silla period and Balhae Kingdom sections, it is obvious when you consider the historical background. The period was too short comparing to other ages and it was hard age politically and diplomatically. Like all great kingdoms, Silla was also ruined in 1000 years because of tyranny and corruption. Balhae kingdom, which was the kingdom of Goguryeo’s descendants, was ruined also because of the war with China and eruption of a volcano. The galleries are quiet and benches are sporadically placed for visitors to take a seat and take it all in. Korea’s tumultuous historic artifacts are beautifully exhibited and the overall atmosphere is calm and serene making the museum a perfect respite away from the busy city sites just outside. The grounds that surround the massive building are also well kept and paths take visitors around a lake and past statues and a pagoda garden. There is a cafeteria and cafe on the grounds and convenience stores and restaurants just outside which means this is a perfect place to spend an entire day when the weather is just not cooperating.
+Tip+
Another recommendations when you see the exhibit
1. While when you visit here, maybe you would meet many versions of statue of Buddha. Look closely and contrast them. That will be interesting and meaningful.
2. Those three ceramics represent three formats of Korean ceramics. If you see them in museum, look carefully :)
Address:
서울특별시 용산구 용산동6가 168-6
168-6 6-ga Yongsan-dong Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea
Phone: 02-2077-9000
Directions:
Bus: 400, 502, 100, 2016, 3012, 6211
Subway: Ichon Subway Station, exit 2
Admission: Free, special exhibits are charged separately
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00 – 18:00 Wednesday, Saturday: 9:00 – 21:00 Sunday, Holidays: 9:00 – 19:00 Closed New Year’s Day and Mondays
Tours:
In English: Tuesday – Sunday at 10:30AM & 2:30PM
Website: http://www.museum.go.kr
Amenities: Handicap Accessible Services, Baby Strollers, Parking Facilities, Interpretation Services in English, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese & Japanese*
*Interpretation services should be reserved in advance.
See you on next Review about The National Museum of Korea part 2. :
2nd Floor – Donated works and calligraphy/painting
