As the National Museum of Korea marks its 20th anniversary at the Yongsan location, it's not just celebrating two decades in a building—it's commemorating a rich tapestry of Korean history, art, and cultural heritage. This milestone year of 2025 isn't just about looking back; it's about forging ahead with groundbreaking exhibitions, innovative digital experiences, and a renewed commitment to connecting people with Korea's past, present, and future.
A Trifecta of Celebrations: 20 Years at Yongsan, 80 Years of Liberation, and 80 Years as a National Institution
The year 2025 marks a triple anniversary for the National Museum of Korea :
1. 20 years since its relocation to the expansive Yongsan complex
2. 80 years since Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule
3. 80 years since the museum's transformation from a colonial institution to a proud national establishment
These intertwined anniversaries offer a unique opportunity to reflect on the journey of both the museum and the nation it represents. As Museum Director Kim Jae-hong emphasizes, the celebrations will be guided by four key principles: empathy, openness, integration, and coexistence.
Blockbuster Exhibitions: From Admiral Yi Sun-sin to World-Class Impressionism
Admiral Yi Sun-sin : Korea's Naval Hero Brought to Life
From November 2025 to March 2026, the museum will host a landmark exhibition dedicated to Admiral Yi Sun-sin, one of Korea's most revered historical figures. This exhibition will showcase over 100 artifacts related to the admiral's life and naval victories, offering visitors an unprecedented look into 16th-century Korean maritime history
Highlights include:
- Yi Sun-sin's famous "turtle ships" recreated using cutting-edge digital technology
- Personal items and weapons used by the admiral
- Interactive displays explaining naval battle tactics of the Joseon Dynasty
Olympic Glory : Sohn Kee-chung and the Spirit of Perseverance
In honor of the 80th anniversary of liberation, a special exhibition running from July to December 2025 will celebrate Sohn Kee-chung, the Korean marathon runner who won gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics under Japanese occupation. This poignant display will feature :
- Sohn's Olympic gold medal and running shoes
- Photographs and news clippings from the 1936 Olympics
- A multimedia installation exploring the complexities of Korean identity under colonial rule
Learn more about the inspiring life journey of Sohn Kee-chung, Korea's first Olympic gold medalist, at the Sohn Kee-chung Memorial Hall official website. Discover how this remarkable athlete overcame tremendous obstacles during the Japanese occupation to win marathon gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, becoming a symbol of Korean resilience and national pride.
Impressionist Masterpieces from the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Art enthusiasts are in for a treat as the museum hosts a collection of Impressionist masterpieces on loan from New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art in November 2025. This exhibition will include works by:
- Claude Monet
- Pierre-Auguste Renoir
- Edgar Degas
- Vincent van Gogh
Bridging Cultures: The New Islamic Art Gallery
November 2025 will see the grand opening of the museum's Islamic Art Gallery, featuring 96 exquisite artifacts on loan from the Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar. This gallery represents a significant step in the museum's mission to broaden cultural understanding and showcase the interconnectedness of world civilizations.
Visitors can expect to see:
- Intricate Islamic calligraphy
- Ornate metalwork from various Islamic dynasties
- Stunning examples of Islamic ceramic art
Digital Innovation: Bringing History to Life
The National Museum of Korea is embracing the digital age with its "Digital Strategy 2025." In collaboration with the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), the museum has developed an AI-powered "Intelligent Curation Platform". This cutting-edge technology will allow visitors to :
- Receive personalized exhibition recommendations based on their interests
- Explore artifacts in stunning 3D detail
- Engage with interactive, augmented reality (AR) displays throughout the museum
Visitor Information: Plan Your Cultural Journey
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM (extended to 9 PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays)
Admission :
Free for general exhibitions; special exhibition fees may apply
Guided Tours :
Available four times daily (10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM)
Accessibility :
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible and offers audio guides for visually impaired visitors
For more information about exhibitions, events, and collections, please visit the National Museum of Korea official website. The website offers detailed information about current and upcoming special exhibitions, permanent collections, and educational programs.
Planning your visit? Check out our directions to the museum for the easiest way to reach us. The National Museum of Korea is conveniently located near Ichon Station (Line 4 and Gyeongui-Jungang Line) with an underground passage directly connecting the station to the museum.
A Vision for the Future
As the National Museum of Korea steps into its third decade at Yongsan, it's not just preserving the past—it's actively shaping the future of cultural engagement. Director Kim Jae-hong's vision is clear :
" We aim to be a museum that connects past, present, and future, breathing in harmony with diverse cultures. "
From the naval prowess of Admiral Yi Sun-sin to the brushstrokes of Impressionist masters, from the resilience of Olympic champion Sohn Kee-chung to the intricate beauty of Islamic art, the National Museum of Korea invites you on a journey through time and across cultures. As you walk through its halls in 2025, you're not just visiting a museum—you're participating in the ongoing story of Korea's rich cultural heritage.
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of history in the making. Plan your visit to the National Museum of Korea and experience the magic where tradition meets innovation, and where every artifact tells a story waiting to be discovered.
