Let's Witness the Transformation of Korea at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History in Seoul, South Korea.

When I arrived at Gyeongbokgung Palace, it started to rain. To take shelter from the rain, I found myself at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (대한민국역사박물관). This museum is easily accessible from the popular tourist area of Anguk and is located right in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun Square. It is situated next to the U.S. Embassy. The 8-story museum, which opened in 2012, is Korea's first national museum dedicated to modern history. It covers the history of South Korea from the 19th century to the present, excluding the Joseon Dynasty. You can learn in-depth about the Japanese colonial period and the democratization movement, and see artifacts from those times, allowing you to witness history firsthand. The exhibits are divided into four sections, and on the 5th floor, there are displays featuring BTS and Korean dramas. It was quite moving to see contemporary items displayed among historical artifacts. The exhibits are mainly in Korean and English, but you can borrow a Japanese audio guide at the reception by showing your passport. The museum is well-equipped with facilities such as a nursing room, medical room, and luggage storage on the first floor, making it accessible for travelers of all ages. The rooftop garden on the 8th floor is open until 9 PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays, offering a great spot to enjoy the night view of Gwanghwamun. Although I couldn't visit the rooftop garden due to heavy rain, the view from the window was still spectacular, and I look forward to seeing it next time. When you visit Seoul, this is definitely an area you should check out. 📍 198 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 🚃 Gwanghwamun Station Exit 2, Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 6 📞 +82-2-3703-9200 🕰️ Opening Hours (Last admission 30 minutes before closing) Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Wed, Sat: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM 💰 Admission is free