The National Museum of Korea surpasses 6 million visitors. But.. do rankings really matter?
서울 국립박물관은 무료 입장으로 매년 600만 명의 관람객을 맞이합니다. 루브르 박물관과 대영박물관과는 어떤 점이 다른지 알아보세요.
Buddhist masterpieces reflecting Korea's rich spiritual heritage
In 2025, Korea’s National Museum of Korea reached a meaningful milestone: over six million visitors in a single year.
According to Korean media citing The Art Newspaper, this figure places the museum 4th in the world based on 2024 visitor numbers, following the Louvre, the Vatican Museums, and the British Museum.
🌍 World’s Most Visited Museums (2024 – The Art Newspaper)
1. Louvre Museum (Paris) — approx. 8.7 million visitors
2. Vatican Museums — approx. 6.8 million
3. British Museum (London) — approx. 6.4 million
4. National Museum of Korea (Seoul) — approx. 6.0 million
5. Tate Modern (London) — approx. 4.6 million
Inside Korea, this ranking has been celebrated as a major cultural achievement.
A digital reimagining of Korea’s ancient landscapes
📈 Why Have Visitor Numbers Increased So Rapidly?
The museum’s growth did not happen for just one reason. Several factors came together:
Major upgrades to exhibition spaces
Expansion of digital and interactive displays
The global rise of K-culture and Korean history
A prime downtown Seoul location, directly connected to subway lines
And above all, free admission
Since 2008, the National Museum of Korea has offered free entry to its permanent exhibitions (special exhibitions are paid). This policy encouraged frequent visits by students, families, and local residents — naturally pushing visitor numbers higher year after year.
⚠️ The Blind Spot of Rankings: Free vs. Paid Museums
This is where the rankings become complicated.
Is it fair to compare free museums and paid museums using raw visitor numbers alone?
Most European museums, including the Louvre and the Vatican Museums, manage attendance through ticketing systems and reservations. In contrast, the National Museum of Korea allows open access to everyone.
As a result, long lines, “open-run” mornings, and crowded galleries have become common. Critics argue that the quality of the viewing experience has declined as popularity has grown.
The museum's iconic stone pagoda towers over the spacious main hall
🏛️ What Makes the National Museum of Korea Different
Despite these challenges, the museum has a clear distinction.
Many Western museums expanded their collections through colonial history, wars, and imperial expeditions. Empire and conquest played a major role in shaping their scale.
The National Museum of Korea tells a different story.
Most of the artifacts on display were created, used, and passed down on the Korean Peninsula. They are not trophies of empire, nor symbols of colonial power.
For travelers who want to understand Korea beyond K-pop and K-drama, this museum offers a deeper and more authentic perspective.
Stylish souvenirs bringing traditional art into modern life
🎁 A Small Delight: “MU:DS” Museum Goods
One unexpected highlight is the museum’s gift shop, known as “MU:DS” — short for Museum + Goods.
Inspired by traditional Korean artifacts, the designs are modern, elegant, and thoughtfully made. They make tasteful souvenirs for visitors who want to take home a subtle memory of Korea.
✨ Final Thoughts
Whether the National Museum of Korea is truly “number four” may not matter that much.
Viewed as a collection of art, history, and everyday life shaped by generations of people, the museum holds value far beyond visitor rankings.
If you are visiting Seoul — and want to understand Korea on a deeper level — this is a place well worth your time.
Have you visited museums around the world? Share your experience in the comments.
