Visit Review of the National Hangeul Museum in Korea

One of Korea's representative cultural heritages is where you can vividly experience the history and culture of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet. I would like to share my review with the hope that you will feel unexpected awe through a visit to the National Hangeul Museum.

1. Opening of the National Hangeul Museum

The National Hangeul Museum was opened on October 9, 2014, to create and promote the linguistic and cultural value of Hangeul, our nation's most remarkable cultural heritage. The museum researches, collects, and exhibits Hangeul-related materials scattered domestically and internationally, showcasing cultural diversity and future value. It also serves as a space to cultivate Hangeul culture through education that enables communication and empathy across generations and nationalities. 

The National Hangeul Museum in Korea

2. Information on Exhibition Halls at the National Hangeul Museum

The National Hangeul Museum is a five-story building with four floors about and one foot below. The first floor houses the Hangeul Library, lecture rooms, and storage. The Hangeul Library is a specialized library created to share the linguistic value of Hangeul widely. It collects and provides Hangeul-related reference materials, and the collection is accessible to everyone. The Auditorium is a space where various cultural events such as conferences, lectures, and activities to promote Hangeul culture are held, focusing on the historical Hangeul Museum. The second floor features permanent exhibition halls, a cafe, and a cultural gift shop. The permanent exhibition halls are organized into seven themes according to the sentences of the preface of Hunminjeongeum, the original document of Hangeul. By following the exhibition in order, you can feel the footsteps of Hangeul's journey. After passing the display of 33 chapters of Hunminjeongeum, there is a short video that translates twenty-four material arts techniques into Habgeul, as well as a game board that teaches the ritual table setting in Hangeul from the late 19th century.

You can also find various Hangeul records, such as a letter written in Hangeul by King Jeongjo to his stepmother, a promissory note from a person named Kim Dae-baek borrowing money from l-Seng-won in 1882, and an Hangeul letter was written by King Jeongjo to the crown prince in 1755. I was deeply moved by the fact that Hangeul was created through the interest and use of countless people until it became firmly established. On the third floor, there is an Hangeul Playground, which is an experiential exhibition space where children can play, understand Hangeul, and express various thoughts in Hangeul. Reservations are required in advance, but same-day reservations can also be made on-site.

3. Other Facilities at the National Hangeul Museum

On the second floor, there is a cafe where you can enjoy coffee or desserts and a cultural gift shop where you can purchase items such as water bottles, cups, and accessories engraved with Hangeul. Next to the first floor is an annex called Doran-Doran Rest Area, a dedicated reading space for children. You can relax while looking out the window and freely and comfortably enjoy Hangeul's books on various topics.

4. Additional information about the National Hangeul Museum

a. Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, Sunday: 10:00 Am - 6:00 PM / Saturday: 10:00 AM-9:00 PM * Closed on January 1st, Lunar New Year's Day, Chuseok(Korean Thanksgiving) Day / The Hangeul Library on the 1st floor is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (except Hangeul Day)

b. Directions L If using the subway, it is convenient to use the "Museum Path" before entering Exit 2 of Ichon Station, or you can go straight about 400 meters in the direction of Yonsan Family Park from Exit 2 of Ichon Station to access the entrance of the National Hangeul Museum. If traveling by car, there is a parking space for about 70 vehicles underground at the Hangeul Museum, or you can use the outdoor parking lot of the National Central Museum. The parking fee is $2 for the first 2 hours; an additional $0.5 every 30 minutes after that (a maximum of $8 per day)

c. Admission Fee: Free

5. Conclusion

How much do you know about our Korean alphabet, Hangeul? Many people may not be able to explain it when asked confidently. However, by visiting the National Hangeul Museum, you can gain pride in Hangeul and acquire much knowledge about our alphabet. It is said that among all the writing systems in the world, only Hangeul has preserved all records related to its creation in books, and that is Hunminjeongum. The museum completely shatters the preconception that museums are boring and actively recommends visiting the National Hangeul Museum, where you can enhance your practical knowledge of Hangeul that you can apply throughout your life. For more information please refer to the Homepage