National Palace Museum of Korea

Basic Information

Overview

Located in the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Palace Museum of Korea is a museum that focuses on the royal family of the Joseon Dynasty. It collects, preserves, studies, and exhibits artifacts related to the Joseon royal family to promote its culture. The collection of about 45,000 artifacts includes relics related to the history of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and other royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty.

Attractions

The National Palace Museum displays relics of the 500-year-history from the Joseon Dynasty to the Korean Empire. Visitors can see the lavish life of the Joseon royal family through the various outfits and household items, such as furniture and ceramics. In the Korean Empire exhibition room, there are modern artifacts applying the new technology and culture on display, which include rare relics such as the royal seal of the Emperor Gojong, and the Royal Vehicle of Emperor Sunjong, of which only about 20 of the same model remain worldwide. On the first basement floor, there is a replica of Jagyeongnu, a water clock invented during the reign of Sejong the Great. The sound of the bell ringing every hour is also reproduced. As the museum is located in the Gyeongbokgung Palace, it is perfect to visit them together to experience Korean traditional culture.

Accessibility 

The entryway is with no raised spots, and a ramp is installed at the main entrance. Strollers and wheelchairs can be rented at the reception office on the 2nd floor, and the video commentary devices for the persons with hearing impairment are also available. There is an accessible restroom that is spacious enough for wheelchair users on each floor. There is a nursing room with a diaper changing station, a microwave, and a sink, next to the Special Exhibition Gallery Ⅱ. The diaper changing station is also in the public restroom. There are the parking facilities for persons with disabilities at the Gyeongbokgung Palace.