King Sejong Story Exhibition Hall, Seoul - National Hangeul Museum, Korea
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King Sejong Story Exhibition Hall Seoul

3.9
·286 reviews·, South Korea

Uncover the genius of King Sejong and the might of Admiral Yi Sun-sin in this free underground exhibition at Gwanghwamun Plaza.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
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King Sejong Story Exhibition Hall, Seoul - National Hangeul Museum, Korea

King Sejong Story Exhibition Hall Seoul

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Uncover the genius of King Sejong and the might of Admiral Yi Sun-sin in this free underground exhibition at Gwanghwamun Plaza.

3.9
(286 reviews)

"A hidden gem beneath Gwanghwamun Plaza, offering free and insightful history on King Sejong and the turtle ship!"

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TIP

🎯 Easy Underground Access

Enter directly from behind the King Sejong statue at Gwanghwamun Plaza.

📚 Learn About Hangul

Discover the fascinating story behind the creation of the Korean alphabet.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

King Sejong's Legacy

King Sejong's Legacy

Under Gwanghwamun Plaza

Explore the life and achievements of King Sejong, the creator of the Korean alphabet, Hangul.

Replica Turtle Ship

Replica Turtle Ship

Under Gwanghwamun Plaza

See a detailed replica of Admiral Yi Sun-sin's famous 'Geobukseon' (turtle ship).

Planning Your Visit

Underground Gem at Gwanghwamun

Discover the King Sejong Story Exhibition Hall tucked beneath Gwanghwamun Plaza. Access is easy from behind the iconic King Sejong statue, making it a convenient stop on your Seoul itinerary. Reddit

Combine with Historical Exploration

This exhibition is perfectly paired with a visit to Gwanghwamun Gate and the surrounding historical sites. Plan your visit to maximize your exploration of Seoul's rich past. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Crowd
Low
When
After visiting Gwanghwamun Gate
Why
Seamless historical immersion
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🤝진심으로 감사합니다 ㅎㅎ #korea #seoul #seoultrip #kingsejong #korean #seoulkorea #fyp
@travelkorea_withbecca
63K likes • 546.2K views

🎯 Easy Underground Access

Enter directly from behind the King Sejong statue at Gwanghwamun Plaza. Reddit

📚 Learn About Hangul

Discover the fascinating story behind the creation of the Korean alphabet. TikTok

reddit.com

Museums in Seoul

🚢 See the Turtle Ship

Don't miss the impressive replica of Admiral Yi Sun-sin's iconic warship. Reddit

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Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Easy Underground Access

Enter directly from behind the King Sejong statue at Gwanghwamun Plaza. Reddit

📚 Learn About Hangul

Discover the fascinating story behind the creation of the Korean alphabet. TikTok

🚢 See the Turtle Ship

Don't miss the impressive replica of Admiral Yi Sun-sin's iconic warship. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.9
(286 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the King Sejong Story Exhibition Hall for its free admission and fascinating insights into Korean history, especially the creation of Hangul and the impressive turtle ship replica. Its convenient underground location at Gwanghwamun Plaza makes it an easy addition to a day of sightseeing.

"Very nice place for events. Attended a wedding in the outside area here and it was very picturesque. The reception was held in the building upstairs. The food was really good and there was a significant variety."

K C

"Great place for weddings, I've been twice and both were the #1 and #2 weddings I've been to in Korea."

Jayson Phillips

"Very excellent ceremony and service and mood"

Meggie “메기”

What People Like

Free admission
Hangul exhibits
Turtle ship replica

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The exhibition hall is conveniently located underground at Gwanghwamun Plaza. You can access it directly from behind the large King Sejong the Great statue. It's easily reachable via Seoul Subway Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station. Reddit

Yes, the entrance is well-marked and accessible from the plaza level, specifically behind the main statue of King Sejong. Reddit

Absolutely! It's right at Gwanghwamun Plaza, making it easy to visit Gwanghwamun Gate, the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, and other nearby historical sites. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the King Sejong Story Exhibition Hall is generally free, making it an accessible cultural experience for all visitors. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official website or local listings before your visit. Typically, it's open during daylight hours. TikTok

No, the exhibition hall is free to enter, offering a great way to learn about Korean history without any cost. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find exhibits detailing the life and accomplishments of King Sejong the Great, including his role in creating Hangul. There's also a replica of Admiral Yi Sun-sin's turtle ship. Reddit

While specific interactive elements can change, the exhibition aims to be engaging by showcasing historical artifacts and information in an accessible format. TikTok

Most visitors spend around 30-60 minutes exploring the hall, depending on their interest in the exhibits. TikTok

Yes, the exhibits on King Sejong and the turtle ship can be interesting for children, offering a visual and historical learning experience. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always a good idea to look for signage indicating any restrictions on flash photography or specific exhibits. TikTok

The replica turtle ship and displays about Hangul are popular photo opportunities. The overall ambiance of the underground hall also offers unique shots. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The King Sejong Story Exhibition Hall offers an engaging experience for families. The replica turtle ship is a definite highlight that sparks children's imagination, and the story of creating a new alphabet can be presented in an accessible way. TikTok It's a great opportunity for kids to learn about Korean history in a fun, underground setting. The free admission also makes it a budget-friendly outing for families exploring Seoul. Reddit

📚 History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by Korean history and culture, this exhibition is a must-visit. It provides a focused look at King Sejong the Great's monumental contributions, particularly the creation of Hangul, and also honors the naval hero Admiral Yi Sun-sin with a replica of his iconic turtle ship. Reddit It’s an excellent complement to visits to nearby historical sites like Gwanghwamun Gate, offering deeper context and appreciation for Korea's rich heritage. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Genius of King Sejong

King Sejong the Great, who reigned from 1418 to 1450, is one of Korea's most revered monarchs. His reign is often considered a golden age of Korean history, marked by significant advancements in science, culture, and technology. The King Sejong Story Exhibition Hall is dedicated to showcasing his profound impact, most notably his role in the creation of Hangul, the Korean alphabet. Before Hangul, Koreans used Chinese characters, which were difficult for common people to learn and use. Sejong's vision was to create a writing system that was simple, scientific, and accessible to everyone, fostering literacy and national identity. TikTok

The exhibition delves into the meticulous process of Hangul's development, highlighting its phonetic principles and elegant design. Visitors can learn about the scholars who assisted King Sejong and the initial reception of this revolutionary script. Understanding the context of its creation truly illuminates its importance in Korean culture and communication today. TikTok

Admiral Yi Sun-sin's Mighty Turtle Ship

Beyond King Sejong's linguistic legacy, the exhibition hall also pays tribute to another national hero: Admiral Yi Sun-sin. A key feature is the impressive replica of the Geobukseon, or 'turtle ship'. These formidable warships were instrumental in Korea's naval victories against Japanese invasions in the late 16th century. The turtle ship was renowned for its armored deck, which protected sailors from enemy fire, and its fearsome appearance, designed to intimidate opponents. Reddit

Exploring the replica allows visitors to appreciate the ingenuity of Joseon Dynasty naval engineering. The exhibition often includes details about Admiral Yi's strategic brilliance and his unwavering loyalty to the nation, further cementing his status as a legendary figure in Korean history. The presence of the turtle ship alongside exhibits on King Sejong provides a comprehensive look at two pivotal figures who shaped Korea's past. Reddit

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