National Museum of Korea

The National Museum of Korea is the cultural institution that symbolizes Korea and is the premier museum of Korean history and art in South Korea. The museum has dedicated itself to several studies and research endeavors in the domains of archaeology, history, and art since its founding in 1945, continually creating a range of exhibitions and educational initiatives. In 2005, it moved to Seoul's Yongsan neighborhood. The National Museum of Korea launched a new location within Incheon International Airport on June 24, 2021. The outpost, which opened to coincide with the museum's 20th anniversary, is situated at the airport's boarding area in front of Gate No. 22.

There are three floors in the museum. Symbolically, the left half of the museum is meant to stand for the past, and the right side, for the future. Parks, gardens of local vegetation, waterfalls, swimming pools, pagodas, stupas, lanterns, and steles may all be found on the bottom floor (including National Treasure of Korea No. 2, the Great Bell of Bosingak, the exemplar of Korean bells of the Joseon period). The Prehistory and Ancient History Gallery, located on the first floor, houses over 4,500 relics from the Paleolithic to the Unified Silla dynasty that were unearthed from places all throughout Korea. The Palaeolithic Room, Neolithic Room, Bronze Age and Gojoseon Room, Proto Three Kingdoms Room, Goguryeo Room, Baekje Room, Gaya Room, and Silla Room are the nine display rooms of the gallery. The artifacts on display here, which range from ancient royal jewelry to magnificent broken stone handaxes, demonstrate the extensive efforts made by early immigrants on the Peninsula to create their own civilization.

The Calligraphy and Painting Gallery, which has 890 works of art, and the Donation Gallery are both located on the second level. Together, they represent the traditional and holy arts of Korea in line and color. The Painting Room, Calligraphy Room, Buddhist Paintings Room, and Sarangbang (Scholar's Studio) are the four rooms that make up the Calligraphy and Painting Gallery. The Sculpture and Crafts Gallery, which has 630 pieces, is located on the third level and showcases Korean Buddhist sculpture and craftwork. Goryeo Celadon goods and National Treasure of Korea No. 83, Bangasayusang, are two of the gallery's standout exhibits (or Pensive Bodhisattva). The Metal Arts Room, the Celadon Room, the Buncheong Ware Room, the White Porcelain Room, and the Buddhist Sculpture Room are the five rooms of the gallery.

Detailed information:

• Founded: 1909
• National Museum of Korea Location: Seoul, South Korea
• National Museum of Korea Museum Annual Visitors: 3.3 million