National Museum Of Korea

Lonely Planet review

This grand, marble-lined, modernist building cleverly channels plenty of natural light to show off Korea's ancient treasures. The museum took eight years to construct, finally opening in October 2005. Walking past the reflecting pond by the entrance, the west wing of this spacious museum has a hands-on, fun-filled, young children's section and houses the 800-seat Yong (Dragon) theatre which has hosted concerts, musicals and even a circus.

In the east wing are the main galleries together with a large shop, café with views and a restaurant. The national treasures on the first floor are accessed from the Path of History and span thousands of years with outstanding Buddhist pagodas and sculptures, ancient maps and royal artefacts from the Three Kingdoms and Joseon periods. The second floor has calligraphy and other art and the donations gallery includes items from Japanese collectors. The third floor displays Buddhist sculptures, metalwork and the wonderful and celebrated pale-green celadon ceramics. Another gallery puts Korean art into the context of other Asian art with works from China, Japan, Southeast Asia and some surprising ones from Central Asia. Volunteer and audio guides are available.