The National Folk Museum of Korea (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is The National Folk Museum of Korea?
What makes it 93% Kids-Friendly: Children ages 4–12 get hands-on play in the Children’s Folk Museum, explore open lawns and Saturday shows, and enter free, making the venue fun, instructive, and low-stress for parents.
Positives:
- Free admission: All permanent exhibits, tours, and performances are free of charge.
- Kid-friendly facilities: Stroller rental, nursing rooms, and diaper stations are available on each floor.
- Outdoor play area: The spacious courtyard lets kids safely run among folk relics.
- Interactive learning: Hands-on zones engage children with traditional crafts and games.
Challenges:
- Korean-only booking: Online reservation for children’s sessions is only in Korean; calling ahead helps secure spots.
- Limited English signage: Most exhibit labels are in Korean; use a translation app for details.
- Weekend crowds: Saturdays and Sundays can get busy, especially at the kids’ zone and performances.
What is The National Folk Museum of Korea?
- A national museum devoted to the history, culture and daily traditions of the Korean people, established in 1946
- Home to tens of thousands of folk artifacts—from everyday household tools and festival paraphernalia to life-passage relics—arranged in thematic halls on daily life, the Korean year and rites of passage
- Architecture that integrates classical Korean design within the Gyeongbokgung Palace complex, featuring modern exhibition spaces and an open-air courtyard displaying traditional village relics
What is so special about The National Folk Museum of Korea for with kids?
- Free entry and guided tours in English
- Interactive children’s sessions with crafts and dress-up
- Open-air courtyard and retro village for safe play
- Regular folk performances that engage kids
- Family facilities: strollers, nursing rooms, and cafes
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Covers permanent halls, kids zone, courtyard, and a snack break without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in The National Folk Museum of Korea
Children’s Folk Museum sessions:
Hands-on zones let kids set an ancestral table, build a folk house, play traditional games, and dress in hanbok.
Tip: Book online in Korean or call +82-2-3704-4540 in advance; weekends fill fast.
Open-air exhibition & Streets of Memories:
Explore stone pagodas, jangseung totems, waterwheels, and a retro 1970s-80s Seoul street.
Tip: Let kids try the free costume booth and bring a camera for fun family photos.
Free English docent tour:
Guided tour of three permanent halls (“Daily Life,” “A Year in Korea,” “Life Passages”) in clear English.
Tip: Meet at the 1F lobby info desk at 10:30 or 14:30 on select days; check the museum site for days.
Saturday folk performances:
Outdoor shows of traditional music, dance, mask plays and martial arts illustrating seasonal customs.
Tip: Check times online and arrive 10 minutes early to get seats together.
Museum café & courtyard picnic:
Enjoy rice cakes, ice cream, sandwiches or bring your own snacks to eat on the lawn.
Tip: Use shaded benches in the courtyard on sunny days and pack water bottles for kids.
When is the best time to visit The National Folk Museum of Korea (Seoul, South Korea)?
Spring brings cherry blossoms on the front lawn. Summer can be hot—visit early and stay indoors midday. Autumn shows vibrant foliage in the courtyard. Winter exhibits stay warm and less crowded.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of The National Folk Museum of Korea (Seoul)
Toon Tran
Step Back in Time: Exploring The National Folk Museum of Korea If you're looking for a delightful, free cultural escape in Seoul, The National Folk Museum of Korea (국립민속박물관) is a fantastic choice. Nestled close to Gyeongbokgung Palace, it offers a fascinating, accessible glimpse into the everyday lives, traditions, and history of the Korean people. Even if you're not a museum buff, it’s a wonderfu...
Pachi Kooki
Great museum in the grounds of the Gyeongbokgung Palace showing culture of Korea. Really enjoyed the exhibitions, especially the one that covers the birth to death of the Korean.
kolf sue
The Korean History Museum is free to enter. Although there isn’t a lot to see, but it’s still a nice place for a casual stroll. One of the highlights is the replica house from the drama "Reply 1988", which offers plenty of fun photo spots. You can only view the exterior of the house , not allowed to go inside. If you have some free time, it’s definitely worth to visit!
Rasa Maleeva
Very interesting museum with 3 permanent exhibitions. I liked 2 and 3 the most. 2 - tells about seasons of the year in Korea, what people wore, ate and did, the way they lived. 3 - tells about periods of life of Korean people and some traditions. It takes about an hour to explore. Imho worth it. Free entrance.
Nerine Cummins
Located at 37 Samcheong-ro, Jongco District, Seoul, South Korea 🇰🇷. This is a fantastic museum located in the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It’s a cultural institution dedicated to research, exhibition and preservation of the culture of everyday life of the Korean people. The museum has three permanent exhibition galleries that present traditional culture and folklore in Korea, two special ex...
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult admission | KRW 0 |
| Kids session at Children’s Folk Museum | KRW 0 |
| Cafe snacks and drinks (4) | KRW 16,000 |
| Souvenirs | KRW 20,000 |
| Total Estimated | KRW 36,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Maximize Your Visit to The National Folk Museum of Korea
- Reserve early: Call or book the children’s session at least two days before your visit.
- Catch the first tour: Arrive at opening to join the 10:30 docent tour without waiting.
- Plan a picnic: Bring snacks and a mat to enjoy the courtyard lawn when weather is good.
- Download the map: Get the museum map online to plan your route and avoid backtracking.
Map of The National Folk Museum of Korea
Address: 37 Samcheong-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides The National Folk Museum of Korea (Seoul)?
About The National Folk Museum of Korea
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+82 2-3704-3114Discover nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
Discover nearby Activities