🎭 National Museum of Korea Opens a New Chapter in Culture and Education!

💡 Special Exhibitions Tailored for Children and Souvenirs from MU:SEUM for a Family Cultural Journey

📅 Wednesdays are our kids’ Culture Days! The Charm of ‘Friendly Stories’

Last month, I visited the National Museum of Korea with my first child, and we were fortunate to encounter the ‘Friendly Stories about Children’ program! Held every Wednesday at 2 PM, this program features experts who explain children’s education and psychology in an easy-to-understand way. My child was amazed while looking at the Goguryeo murals, saying, “Mom, ancient people played just like us!” and that memory stays vivid in my mind!

Notably, this program is not just a lecture; it includes various interactive elements like quizzes and role-playing, ensuring that children remain engaged and focused. According to the museum, research shows that this program can enhance children’s cultural understanding by up to 78%! Reservations can be made on the official National Museum of Korea website, so be sure to check it out.

🛍️ The Joy of Shopping at MU:SEUM – Souvenirs that Bring Culture to Life

The highlight of a museum visit is definitely the souvenir shop! The National Museum of Korea offers a variety of cultural products under the unique brand ‘MU:SEUM’, a blend of ‘museum’ and ‘souvenir’. From stationery adorned with traditional patterns to figures inspired by historical figures, there truly is a wide selection available.

I particularly purchased a celadon-shaped USB drive (35,000 KRW) and a hairpin modeled after a Silla golden crown (28,000 KRW). Every time my child uses these items, they proudly exclaim, “I got this at the museum!” The price ranges from 5,000 to 100,000 KRW, making them perfect for gift-giving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Interactive Exhibitions for Living History Education

The newly opened ‘Learning Our History Through Play’ exhibition is highly recommended! It departs from traditional rigid display methods and is designed as a space where children can touch and experience history. In a replica of a Goryeo Dynasty market, kids learn economic principles by buying and selling goods with brass coins, and at the Joseon scientific tool experience corner, my child was captivated by making a compass using magnets.

Educational expert Professor Kim Mi-ran emphasized that “such experiential learning effectively develops children’s creativity and problem-solving skills.” In fact, my child asked me dozens of questions like, “Mom, how did ancient people come up with these ideas?” It was a moment where a natural curiosity about history blossomed!

💻 Museum Breakthroughs Enhanced by Digital Technology

Recently, there has been a surge in young visitors at the National Museum of Korea, thanks to cutting-edge exhibition methods. Through AR (augmented reality), it is possible to examine artifacts from a 360-degree perspective, and the VR experience center offers a sense of walking through historical palaces. In particular, the popular ‘Digital Immersion Hall’ allows you to vividly appreciate our cultural assets in 8K ultra-high definition.

Last week, I participated in a ‘Baekje Bronze Incense Burner Making’ program using virtual reality, and even someone like me, who usually lacks manual dexterity, was able to create intricate crafts just like an expert! These technologies have gained even more attention as the demand for contactless cultural experiences has risen, especially after COVID-19.

🚸 Tips for Family Outings to the Museum

If you’re planning your first museum visit, let me share my experience! First, weekdays, especially in the afternoon, tend to be less crowded. Choosing Wednesday allows you to enjoy the previously introduced ‘Friendly Stories’ program as well. Admission is free, but special exhibitions are ticketed (typically 5,000 to 15,000 KRW), so keep that in mind.

When visiting with children, it’s a good idea to make full use of the resting area on the first floor of the central hall. You can eat packed lunches there, and there are well-equipped cafes nearby. Before our visit, we enjoyed a picnic on the grassy plaza in front of the museum, which the kids loved! The museum also offers a stroller rental service (free), making it particularly suitable for families with infants.

❓ Q&A for Your Queries

Q1. From what age can children participate in the programs?

The main children’s programs target those aged 5 and older. Additionally, there is a separate ‘Baby Museum’ program for younger children, so please check the website!

Q2. Is the parking convenient?

There is an internal parking lot (accommodating 1,000 cars), but it often fills up on weekends. Instead, consider using the Yongsan Family Park parking area (a 5-minute walk) or public transport (line 4, Ichon Station, exit 2) for convenience.

Q3. Is photography allowed?

Photography without flash is permitted in general exhibition halls, but some special exhibition halls may prohibit it. There are several photo zones that are great for posting on social media, so don’t worry!

Q4. Is there an English guidance service?

Yes, you can rent a free audio guide (5,000 KRW deposit), and English explanations are provided for major exhibits. English guided tours are also conducted daily at 11 AM and 2 PM, so keep that in mind.

Q5. What is the dining situation like in the museum?

On the first floor, there are a cafeteria and a traditional tea house, and various eateries can be found in the nearby Ichon-dong alley. There’s a particularly popular snack shop known for ‘Museum Tteokbokki’, so be sure to stop by!

📖 Our Child’s First Museum Experience

Initially, I worried, “Will kids have fun at the museum?” However, after visiting the National Museum of Korea, those thoughts faded as my children continued to talk about the museum even after we returned home. They were especially eager to recreate the chariot seen in the Goguryeo tomb murals out of paper at home!

According to statistics from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, children who have museum experiences during their early years tend to score over 30% higher in creativity and social skills. I felt truly proud to provide my child with such a valuable experience. Our next visit is planned for the museum’s ‘Night at the Museum’ program!

How about starting a unique cultural experience with your family at the National Museum of Korea? If you have a favorite exhibit from the museum, please share it in the comments! Mine is undoubtedly the Baekje Golden Incense Burner, often referred to as ‘heavenly tropical fish’!