National Museum of Korea Tops 5 Million Visitors for First Time
The National Museum of Korea in Seoul has surpassed 5 million visitors this year, marking a new milestone in its history. As of Oct. 15, attendance reached 5,016,382, a 70% increase from the same period last year.
The museum now ranks among the world’s top five most visited, joining leading institutions such as the Musee du Louvre in Paris (8.7 million) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (5.7 million), according to recent data.
Experts credit the surge to the global popularity of Korean pop culture, particularly the animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” which has attracted younger and more international audiences. Exhibition redesigns, including the “Room of Reflection” featuring the Bangasayusang (Pensive Bodhisattva), have also enhanced the museum’s appeal.
Museum director Yoo Hong-jun said the milestone reflects rising global interest in Korean heritage alongside the spread of K-culture. He added that the institution plans to enhance visitor experience and make culture a natural part of daily life by improving displays, conservation work, and amenities.
Nationwide, visits to 13 national museums have exceeded 11 million this year, signaling that Korea’s cultural spaces are emerging as key destinations for leisure and tourism.
J.K. Park Staff Reporter teen/1762393392/1613367793
1. What percentage increase in attendance did the museum record compared to the same period last year?
2. Which world-renowned museums does the National Museum of Korea now rank alongside in terms of visitor numbers?
3. How has Korean pop culture, including the animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” influenced the museum’s growing popularity?
4. What new exhibition or redesign has contributed to enhancing the museum’s appeal, and what does the “Room of Reflection” feature?
1. Who do you think deserves the most credit for helping the National Museum of Korea reach over 5 million visitors this year?
2. What part of the museum would you most like to visit ? the “Room of Reflection” with the Bangasayusang or one of its newer exhibitions?
3. How does it make you feel to see Korean culture gaining so much global attention through museums and K-pop?
4. What connections do you see between the popularity of Korean pop culture and the growing interest in traditional heritage?
The National Museum of Korea in Seoul has surpassed 5 million visitors this year, marking a new milestone in its history. As of Oct. 15, attendance reached 5,016,382, a 70% increase from the same period last year.
