Free museums in Seoul
Quick answer
2 museums in Seoul offer always-free standard admission, including National Museum of Korea, War Memorial of Korea. Check each museum's rules and official website before visiting.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
Always free (2)
National Museum of Korea
The National Museum of Korea moved to its current Yongsan home in 2005. The vast stone building frames a central 'Path of History' that aligns dramatically with distant Namsan tower.
✓ Free admission to permanent galleries
Always freeWar Memorial of Korea
The War Memorial of Korea opened in 1994 on the former site of army headquarters in Yongsan, Seoul. It is the country's largest military history museum, documenting conflicts from ancient Korea through the Korean War and beyond.
✓ Free admission
Which museums are free in Seoul?
National Museum of Korea, War Memorial of Korea — 2 museums in Seoul with always-free standard admission. Special exhibitions may charge separately.
Are special exhibitions also free at Seoul's free museums?
Usually not — always-free admission covers the permanent collection, while blockbuster temporary exhibitions typically require paid, often timed, tickets. Check the official site linked from each guide.