Top 20 Must-See Exhibits at the National Museum of Korea

The National Museum of Korea: A Journey into the Calm of History

Top 20 Exhibits at the National Museum of Korea

1. Gilt-Bronze Pensive Bodhisattva – The Golden Statue of Contemplation

• Location: Room of Quiet Contemplation (2nd Floor)

• Highlights: Gilt-bronze Buddhist statues from Korea’s Three Kingdoms period (National Treasures No. 78 and 83)

• Why Visit?: These golden sculptures embody serene contemplation, representing the pinnacle of Korean Buddhist artistry. Their delicate beauty will take your breath away, making them one of the museum’s most beloved exhibits.

• Rara Tip: This artifact was part of the extraordinary donation of 23,000 items by the family of Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee in 2021. Dubbed the "Donation of the Century," it made headlines worldwide. Since then, this Bodhisattva has become one of the museum’s most visited treasures.

2. White Porcelain Moon Jar – A Jar Resembling the Full Moon

• Location: Sculpture and Crafts Gallery (3rd Floor)

• Highlights: Joseon Dynasty white porcelain jar (Treasure No. 1437)

• Why Visit?: Its subtly imperfect, round shape gives off a natural and heartwarming beauty. If you want to feel the essence of Korea's humble aesthetic, this is a must-see piece.

• Rara Tip: On March 18, 2025, an 18th-century Joseon Moon Jar sold at Christie's New York for $2.83 million (approximately 4.1 billion KRW), making global headlines. Painter Kim Whanki famously drew inspiration from the Moon Jar for many of his masterpieces, and photographer Koo Bohnchang captured its gentle beauty through photography. This highlights how deeply the Moon Jar has inspired artists worldwide.

3. Gyeongcheonsa Ten-Story Stone Pagoda – A Grand Tower with Delicate Beauty

• Location: History Gallery (1st Floor)

• Highlights: Marble stone pagoda from the Goryeo Dynasty (National Treasure No. 86)

• Why Visit?: Majestic yet finely detailed, the pagoda’s exquisite carvings become even more impressive the closer you get.

• Rara Tip: This pagoda carries a bittersweet history—it was once taken to Japan but was eventually reclaimed, symbolizing Korea’s resilience and determination to preserve its cultural heritage.

4. Silla Gold Crown and Belt – Symbols of Royal Authority

• Location: History Gallery (2nd Floor)

• Highlights: Crafted from gold and jade during the Silla Dynasty (National Treasures No. 191 & 192)

• Why Visit?: The dazzling elegance of these artifacts beautifully showcases the advanced metalworking skills of the ancient Silla Kingdom.

• Rara Tip: Discovered in a royal tomb, the crown symbolizes the authority and prestige of Silla royalty.

5. Ornament for Royal Crown from King Muryeong’s Tomb – Elegant Adornments

• Location: Ancient History Gallery (1st Floor)

• Highlights: Gold ornaments from the Baekje Dynasty (National Treasure No. 154)

• Why Visit?: These ornaments beautifully capture the refined and sophisticated taste of the Baekje nobility.

• Rara Tip: These precious artifacts were discovered in the tomb of King Muryeong, a royal burial site of Baekje. Delicately engraved with honeysuckle and flame patterns on thin gold plates, they represent exceptional craftsmanship. At the museum, you can compare ornaments worn by the king and queen side-by-side—see if you can spot the subtle differences! (The image above is the king’s ornament.)

6. Bronze Artifact with Farming Scenes – Symbol of Ancient Agricultural Culture

• Location: Prehistory Gallery (1st Floor)

• Highlights: Bronze artifact from the Gojoseon period (Treasure No. 1823)

• Why Visit?: An important artifact revealing the deep connections between agricultural practices and ritual ceremonies in ancient societies.

• Rara Tip: This bronze object symbolized power and religious belief in early agricultural societies. With very few historical records surviving from Korea’s Bronze Age, the scenes of farming engraved on this artifact provide a rare and vivid glimpse into the lives of people from this mysterious era.

7. Mounted Warrior Pottery – Humor and Culture of the Silla People

• Location: Ancient History Gallery (1st Floor)

• Highlights: Earthenware pottery from the Silla Dynasty (National Treasure No. 91)

• Why Visit?: The humorous depiction of a man riding a horse is charmingly whimsical and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

• Rara Tip: This artifact is part of a set featuring two pottery figures—a master and his servant, each riding a horse. The servant rides ahead, while the presumed master follows behind, depicted as noticeably larger and more elaborately decorated. Interestingly, this pottery served as a pitcher: water was poured through an opening, cleverly designed to flow from the front of the horse’s chest!

8. Woodblocks of Daedongyeojido Map – A Treasure of Joseon Geography

• Location: Calligraphy and Painting Gallery (2nd Floor)

• Highlights: Original woodblocks used to print Daedongyeojido (Treasure No. 1581)

• Why Visit?: Daedongyeojido is a landmark map that vividly illustrates geographical knowledge and map-making advances of the late Joseon period. The woodblocks provide fascinating insights into historical printing technology and cartography.

• Rara Tip: Creator Kim Jeong-ho personally traveled throughout Korea, meticulously surveying every region to produce this detailed map. His tireless efforts have given us an invaluable resource for understanding the geography of 19th-century Korea.

9. Hand Axe – One of Humanity’s First Tools

• Location: Prehistory Gallery (1st Floor)

• Highlights: Stone tool from the Paleolithic Era

• Why Visit?: As one of the earliest tools crafted by humans, this artifact evokes thoughts about the dawn of humanity itself.

• Rara Tip: This Acheulean hand axe was the first of its kind discovered in East Asia, found in Jeongok-ri, Yeoncheon, South Korea. Its discovery dramatically proved that Acheulean hand axes were used in East Asia, reshaping the global archaeological boundary known as the Movius Line.

10. Stone Buddha Statues from Gamsansa Temple – Encountering Tranquility through Sculpture

• Location: Room of Quiet Contemplation (2nd Floor)

• Highlights: Stone statues of Maitreya Bodhisattva and Amitabha Buddha from the Unified Silla Period (Treasures No. 81 & 82)

• Why Visit?: Their gentle, serene expressions evoke a profound sense of peace. These statues beautifully exemplify the artistry of Silla-era Buddhist sculpture.

• Rara Tip: Gamsansa Temple was originally built during the Silla Dynasty, but now only its site remains. However, these remarkable statues discovered there continue to vividly illustrate the artistry and devotion of their era.

11. Stele of Buddhist Monk Nangong from Taejasa Temple – Witnessing Master Calligrapher Kim Saeng’s Handwriting

• Location: Medieval and Early Modern History Gallery (2nd Floor)

• Highlights: Stone stele from the Goryeo Dynasty (National Treasure No. 37)

• Why Visit?: This stele preserves historical traces of Buddhism in Goryeo. It uniquely combines the exquisite calligraphy of Kim Saeng, one of the greatest calligraphers from Unified Silla, with intricate carvings, offering valuable insight into the culture of that era.

• Rara Tip: The legendary calligraphy of Kim Saeng, admired as unparalleled during Unified Silla, was believed lost until rediscovered in the 16th century. According to Samguk Sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms) by Kim Bu-sik, Kim Saeng’s calligraphy was considered the pinnacle of artistic mastery. This stele provides an incredibly rare opportunity to see his original writing firsthand.

12. Bronze Kundika with Waterside Landscape Design – A Beautiful Scene Painted on a Bottle

• Location: Sculpture and Crafts Gallery (3rd Floor)

• Highlights: Bronze kundika from the Goryeo Dynasty (National Treasure No. 92)

• Why Visit?: The delicately depicted riverside landscape on this bottle resembles a traditional ink painting. A perfect balance of practical design and artistic beauty.

• Rara Tip: Kundikas were originally portable water vessels used by Buddhist monks in India for carrying drinking water during their travels. This particular kundika showcases the "silver-inlay" technique, popular during the Goryeo period, where delicate grooves were carved into bronze and filled with silver wires to create detailed patterns. The vivid green color we notice today results from oxidation over centuries—ironically, the corrosion enhancing its beauty, showcasing a fascinating interplay between time and art.

13. Celadon Maebyeong Vase with Incised Lotus and Vine Design – The Elegance of Goryeo Celadon

• Location: Ceramics and Crafts Gallery (3rd Floor)

• Highlights: Celadon vase from the Goryeo Dynasty (National Treasure No. 97)

• Why Visit?: The soft, refined patterns of lotus flowers and vines showcase the delicate and sophisticated beauty of Goryeo celadon.

• Rara Tip: This masterpiece is so highly regarded that it often features in special exhibitions around the world, representing the pinnacle of Korean celadon artistry on the international stage.

14. Celadon Maebyeong Vase with Inlaid Peony Design and Copper Red Decoration – Brilliant and Elegant Goryeo Celadon

• Location: Ceramics and Crafts Gallery (3rd Floor)

• Highlights: Goryeo celadon with inlay and copper-red decoration techniques (Treasure No. 346)

• Why Visit?: The peony symbolizes wealth and prosperity, and the intricate inlay technique combined with copper-red highlights makes this piece dazzlingly beautiful.

• Rara Tip: Goryeo celadon is world-renowned for its subtle bluish-green hue, known as bisaek, and its refined inlay techniques. This particular vase stands out for its vibrant copper-red designs. Three elegant peony branches are painted on the body of the vase, with red accents made from copper pigment, adding richness and splendor to the piece.

15. Goryeo Celadon Incense Burner with Openwork and Chilbo Patterns – The Pinnacle of Goryeo Ceramics

• Location: Ceramics and Crafts Gallery (3rd Floor)

• Highlights: Celadon incense burner from the Goryeo Dynasty, featuring openwork carving and intricate chilbo (cloisonné-like) patterns (National Treasure No. 95)

• Why Visit?: This incense burner, meticulously crafted with delicate openwork, showcases both the artistic beauty and technical mastery of Goryeo celadon pottery.

• Rara Tip: Considered the finest incense burner used by the Goryeo royal family and aristocrats, this masterpiece has drawn global attention in international exhibitions following its designation as a National Treasure. It represents the peak of elegance, craftsmanship, and luxurious taste in Goryeo-era ceramics.

16. White Porcelain Bottle with Iron-Painted Ribbon Design – A Joseon Vase That Looks Like It's Wrapped with a Graceful Ribbon

• Location: Ceramics and Crafts Gallery (3rd Floor)

• Highlights: White porcelain bottle with iron-painted decoration from the Joseon Dynasty (Treasure No. 1060)

• Why Visit?: The freely drawn brushstrokes reflect the grace, elegance, and relaxed aesthetic of Joseon culture.

• Rara Tip: The design features a ribbon loosely tied around the bottle’s slender neck, its ends curling gracefully — all expressed with bold iron-oxide brushstrokes. The simplicity, generous use of empty space, and confident, unrestrained lines reveal the mastery and refinement of the artist. This piece goes beyond functional pottery to become a work of sophisticated, timeless art.

17. Bronze Bell Inscribed with the 4th Year of Cheongnyeongsa – A Goryeo Bell That Echoes with Deep Resonance

• Location: Metal Crafts Gallery (3rd Floor)

• Highlights: Bronze bell from the Goryeo Dynasty (Treasure No. 1166)

• Why Visit?: Known for its deep, rich sound, this bell symbolizes the beauty and spirit of Goryeo-era Buddhist culture.

• Rara Tip: At the top of the bell, an elegant S-shaped dragon holds a pearl in its mouth, with its dynamic curves and finely detailed mane and scales beautifully sculpted. The patterns and decorations engraved on this bell reflect stylistic traditions established from the Unified Silla period through the late Goryeo dynasty, making it an artifact of significant historical and artistic value.

18. Dosegusoku Armor – The Pride of Japanese Samurai

• Location: World Art Gallery (2nd Floor)

• Highlights: Iron armor laced with colorful cords, from Japan’s Edo period

• Why Visit?: The intricate weaving and vibrant colors of this armor are stunning, showcasing the craftsmanship and elaborate style of samurai warriors.

• Rara Tip: This type of armor was not only worn in battle but also used for ceremonial purposes, symbolizing the pride and prestige of Japanese military leaders.

19. Painting of Fuxi and Nüwa – Symbols of Creation Myths in East Asia

• Location: Calligraphy and Painting Gallery (2nd Floor)

• Highlights: A Ming Dynasty artwork from China, painted on silk

• Why Visit?: The figures of Fuxi and Nüwa represent yin and yang and cosmic harmony, offering a fascinating window into East Asian creation myths.

• Rara Tip: This painting is considered a valuable artifact, frequently studied by scholars both in Korea and internationally for its rich symbolism and insight into traditional Chinese mythology and cultural heritage.

20. Bodhisattva Statue – The Essence of Gandhara Art

• Location: India and Southeast Asia Gallery (2nd Floor)

• Highlights: Gray schist stone sculpture from the Gandhara region

• Why Visit?: With its gentle smile and graceful posture, this statue showcases the beauty, diversity, and cultural richness of Southeast Asian Buddhist art.

• Rara Tip: The Gandhara region covered parts of present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan, serving as a key crossroads between West, South, and Central Asia. Gandharan Buddhist sculptures reflect influences from Indian, Hellenistic, Roman, and Parthian art. This bodhisattva statue displays classic features of Gandharan style — realistic facial features, intricate hair and clothing details, and lifelike jewelry. Gandhara holds special historical importance as the birthplace of anthropomorphic Buddha images — the first time the Buddha was depicted in human form.

Tips for Visiting the National Museum of Korea

Recommended Route

• Start: 1st Floor — Prehistory & Ancient History Gallery (Hand Axe, Gold Crown)

• Next: 2nd Floor — Room of Quiet Contemplation (Pensive Bodhisattva)

• Then: 3rd Floor — Sculpture & Crafts Gallery (Moon Jar, Celadon masterpieces)

• Finish: World Art Gallery (Samurai Armor, Venus Statue)

Estimated Time

Photography

Recommended Places to Eat Near the National Museum of Korea

Pagoda Restaurant

• Location: Inside the museum (Building B, near the Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda)

• Menu Highlights: Korean set menus, fusion dishes

• Why Visit: Convenient location with large windows offering views of nature. A great place for all visitors to enjoy both Korean and Western cuisine.

• Tip: The last order is accepted up to one hour before closing, so plan your meal accordingly.

Mirror Pond Restaurant

• Location: Inside the museum (Building B, south of the reflecting pond)

• Menu Highlights: Pasta, pizza, steak

• Why Visit: Enjoy Italian cuisine with a gorgeous view of the Mirror Pond. On sunny days, outdoor terrace seating is highly recommended!

• Tip: Perfect for a leisurely, upscale dining experience.

Museum Food Court

• Location: 1st Floor of the main exhibition building (next to the museum shop)

• Menu Highlights: Pork cutlet, noodles, rice bowls — a mix of Korean and Western comfort food

• Why Visit: Quick, affordable, and varied options that are perfect for a casual meal between exhibits.

• Tip: Last orders are taken 30 minutes before closing.

Yongsan Icheungjip

• Location: About a 10–15 minute walk from the museum (83, Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu)

• Menu Highlights: Soybean paste stew (Doenjang-jjigae), spicy stir-fried pork

• Why Visit: A beloved local restaurant offering delicious, home-style Korean meals at reasonable prices.

• Tip: It can get busy at lunchtime, so arriving a bit early is a good idea!

Suggested One-Day Itinerary

• Morning: Arrive at the museum → Visit the Pensive Bodhisattva and the Moon Jar (2nd Floor)

• Lunch: Quick and satisfying meal at the museum food court (try the pork cutlet or rice bowls)

• Afternoon: View Goryeo celadon masterpieces and the Silla gold crown (1st Floor) → Take a relaxing break at the museum café with traditional tea

• Evening: End the day with pasta and dessert at Mirror Pond Restaurant, overlooking the serene pond

Ready for a Trip to the National Museum of Korea?

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday: 10:00 AM — 6:00 PM

• Wednesday & Saturday (Late Night Opening): 10:00 AM — 9:00 PM

• The outdoor garden is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Please note: The museum is closed on January 1, Lunar New Year’s Day, and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving).
And the best part — general admission is free!

Hours of Operation

How to Get to the National Museum of Korea by Public Transportation

From Downtown Seoul

• Walking: 10–15 minutes from Ichon Station Exit 2 or from Yongsan Station

• Fare: Around 1,450 KRW

From Incheon Airport