National Palace Museum of Korea

Gwanghwamun & Jongno-gu


In a modern building in the southwest corner of Gyeongbokgung's compound, this museum displays royal artefacts that highlight the wonderful artistic skills of the Joseon era – royal seals, illustrations of court ceremonies, and the gold-embroidered hanbok (traditional clothing) and exquisite hairpins worn by the queens and princesses. Note: the museum closes on a different day to the palace.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Gwanghwamun & Jongno-gu attractions

1. Daelim Contemporary Art Museum

0.07 MILES

Daelim specialises in exhibitions on photography, design and fashion. The building, which was originally a family house, was remodelled by French…

2. Gwanghwamun

0.12 MILES

The impressive main gate to Seoul's premier palace is flanked by stone carvings of haechi, mythical lion-like creatures traditionally set to protect the…

3. Gallery Simon

0.14 MILES

Exhibitions include sculptures and interesting installations. Has a chic top-floor cafe with views over hanok roofs.

4. Jean Art Gallery

0.14 MILES

Pioneer of the Tongui-dong gallery scene and specialising in representing contemporary Korean and Japanese artists, such as Naru Yoshitomo and Yayoi…

5. Artside

0.16 MILES

Since 1999, Artside has taken a leading role in artistic exchange between Korea and China by regularly staging exhibits by contemporary Chinese artists…

6. Gyeongbokgung

0.19 MILES

Like a phoenix, Seoul’s premier palace has risen several times from the ashes of destruction. Hordes of tourists have replaced the thousands of government…

7. Ryugaheon

0.19 MILES

Based in a restored hanok, Ryugaheon specialises in photography exhibitions, but you may also see other types of art here such as canvases of embroidered…