Where is the National Museum of Korea located?

It is located at 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. It is connected to Exit 2 of Ichon Station (Line 4 & Gyeongui-Jungang Line).

Is there an admission fee for the National Museum of Korea?

Admission to the Permanent Exhibition is free. However, fees may apply for Special Exhibitions.

Which artifacts from 'K-Pop: Demon Hunters' can I see at the museum?

You can see real-life inspirations for the weapons and characters, such as swords similar to the Sain-geom (Four Tigers Sword), the Eonwoldo, the Sinkal (Shamanic Knife), and the Hojakdo (Tiger and Magpie Painting).

What does 'Hojakdo' symbolize in Korean culture?

Hojakdo is a traditional painting depicting a tiger and a magpie. The tiger symbolizes protection against evil spirits, and the magpie symbolizes the delivery of good news.

How much is parking at the National Museum of Korea?

As of 2025, for compact cars (under 15 seats), the base rate is 900 KRW for the first 30 minutes and 300 KRW for every additional 10 minutes. The daily maximum is 18,000 KRW.

Exploring the National Museum of Korea: Real-Life Artifacts from 'K-Pop: Demon Hunters'

With the popularity of the Netflix animation K-Pop: Demon Hunters, the National Museum of Korea is attracting attention as a special space for fans. Since the weapons and symbols in the movie were inspired by actual artifacts, the museum becomes a place where you can experience the world of the animation beyond just viewing exhibitions. In this post, we will summarize recommended courses, national treasure-level artifacts, and goods that will snipe the hearts of fans, all themed around K-Pop: Demon Hunters.

National Museum of Korea

Essential Check Before Visiting! National Museum of Korea Basic Info

Location & Transport

Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Subway: Connected to Ichon Station (Line 4 & Gyeongui-Jungang Line), Exit 2 (3 min walk)

Opening Hours

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun: 10:00 ~ 18:00
Wed, Sat: 10:00 ~ 21:00 (Night opening)
Last Admission: 30 minutes before closing
Closed: January 1st, Seollal (Lunar New Year), Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), and scheduled monthly closing days

Admission

Permanent Exhibition: Free
Special Exhibition: Paid (Varies by exhibition, check website)

Parking Information (2025 Standard)

Category	Base (30 min)	Add. Charge	Daily Max
Compact Cars (<15 seats)	900 KRW ($0.65)	300 KRW ($0.22) / 10 min	18,000 KRW ($13.00)
Mid/Large Vehicles	1,800 KRW ($1.30)	600 KRW ($0.45) / 10 min	36,000 KRW ($26.00)

Discounts: Compact cars, eco-friendly vehicles, multi-child families, people with disabilities, etc.
Public transport is recommended on weekends (1 PM - 4 PM) due to congestion.

Recommended Course for 'K-Pop: Demon Hunters' Fans (ft. Artifact Locations)

Weapons of Hontrix

Joseon Gallery - Meeting Lumi and Mira's Weapons

Sain-geom (Four Tigers Sword)

A traditional sword resembling the weapon setting of the main character, Lumi. It is known as a divine sword created during the 'Year, Month, Day, and Hour of the Tiger' to repel evil spirits. While the actual Sain-geom is housed in the National Palace Museum of Korea, you can appreciate similar swords from the same era in the Joseon Gallery of the National Museum of Korea.

Eonwoldo (Crescent Moon Blade)

A long blade that symbolizes Mira, representing powerful strength on the battlefield. Records show it was used by the Ming army during the Imjin War, and viewing it alongside Joseon weaponry brings the historical background of battles to mind.

Calligraphy & Painting Gallery - Searching for Symbols of Guardianship

In K-Pop: Demon Hunters, Duffy (the tiger) and the Magpie serve as messengers traveling between the living world and the afterlife to deliver letters to Lumi. This setting stems from the symbolism of the traditional painting called Hojakdo (Tiger and Magpie Painting).

Hojakdo depicts a tiger and a magpie together; the tiger is a guardian that repels evil spirits, while the magpie is a symbol of good fortune delivering happy news. You can appreciate Hojakdo containing these traditional meanings at the Calligraphy & Painting Gallery.

The tiger in the painting looks comical but possesses strong energy, while the magpie beside it creates harmony by delivering good news to drive away evil. Duffy and the Magpie in the animation are characters that reinterpret this very symbol in a modern way.

Hojakdo (Tiger and Magpie Painting)

Ancient History Gallery - Following the Traces of Original Hunters

The 'Original Hunters' in the movie are depicted as beings crossing the boundary between humans and demons. The Sinkal (Shamanic Knife) used by Joy in this universe is not merely a weapon but a tool for rituals, inspired by the ritual knives used by shamans to drive away ghosts during exorcisms (Gut).

In reality, the Sinkal is not a sword for wielding in combat but an artifact imbued with shamanic meaning to repel evil spirits and purify a space.

In the Ancient History Gallery, you can see various artifacts that cross the boundaries of combat and ritual, including the Sinkal, Twin Swords, and Gakgung (Horn Bow).

As you view these artifacts, you can naturally sense how the setting of the hunters in K-Pop: Demon Hunters—who continue a 'ritual to purify the world' rather than just a 'fight to slash evil'—originated from tradition.

Sinkal (Shamanic Ritual Knife)

Must-See National Treasures TOP 3 at the National Museum of Korea

Pensive Bodhisattva (National Treasure No. 83 & 78)

Entering the 'Room of Quiet Contemplation' on the 2nd floor, you will meet the Pensive Bodhisattva quietly shining in the center of the darkness. The posture of resting one's chin on a hand with one leg crossed symbolizes deep contemplation toward enlightenment. It wears a gentle smile, rare among Buddhist sculptures, giving a mysterious impression where the expression seems to change depending on the viewing angle. The entire space is designed for this single artifact, making it a perfect place to stay for a while and gaze quietly.

Pensive Bodhisattva

Ten-story Stone Pagoda of Gyeongcheonsa Temple (National Treasure No. 86)

Standing in the center of the 'Path of History' in the 1st-floor main hall, the Ten-story Stone Pagoda of Gyeongcheonsa Temple is a massive pagoda reaching 13.5m in height. Intricate carvings by master craftsmen of the late Goryeo Dynasty fill the pagoda's surface, with Buddha figures and patterns engraved on every story. It is an artifact that was taken to Japan during the colonial period but was returned in 1918 after a complex process, symbolizing the restoration and preservation of Korean cultural heritage. Walking slowly around the pagoda allows you to verify the detail of the Buddhas and decorations carved on each side.

Ten-story Stone Pagoda of Gyeongcheonsa Temple

Gold Crown of Silla (National Treasure No. 191)

Entering the 'Silla Gallery' in the Prehistory and Ancient History Hall on the 1st floor, the first thing that catches your eye is the glistening Gold Crown of Silla. Made of thin pure gold sheets, it features tree-branch-shaped ornaments and curved jade (gogok) attachments, symbolizing that the Silla King was a being connecting heaven and earth. The gold crown is not merely jewelry but a sacred ritual ornament combining royal power and faith. The gold reflecting under the lights conveys the intricate skills of craftsmen of that time and the splendor of Silla just as it was.

Gold Crown

Completing the Tour! Goods Recommendations for Fans

Once you have finished viewing the National Museum of Korea, make sure to stop by the Museum Shop located in the 'Madeul-gil' on the 1st floor.

If you are a fan of K-Pop: Demon Hunters, you will find joy in discovering goods connected to the symbols in the movie.

National Museum of Korea Goods

Miniature Pensive Bodhisattva

An item that reminds one of the scene where the hunters meditate before opening the 'Golden Gate'. You can bring the lingering impression received from the Room of Quiet Contemplation into your daily space.

Gat Bookmark A bookmark reminiscent of the 4ZA Boys' Gat. The Gat is a hat mainly used by noblemen (scholars) during the Joseon Dynasty.

Hojakdo Smart Talk & Postcard Set

An item worth noting if you love the story of Duffy and the Magpie. These are daily-use goods containing the symbol of the magpie delivering good news and the tiger repelling evil spirits.

Hojakdo Badge

The badge featuring a magpie sitting on a tiger's head in Hojakdo is a popular souvenir that brings Duffy to mind.

Netflix's K-Pop: Demon Hunters is a work that reinterprets Korean traditional artifacts and symbols in a modern way. As you stroll through the National Museum of Korea, scenes from the movie like Lumi's Sain-geom, Duffy and the Magpie's Hojakdo, and Joy's Sinkal naturally come to mind.

Following the course introduced this time will make the museum feel like a space connected to the world of the animation. A day spent viewing artifacts through the eyes of a Hunter will be a special and memorable experience, allowing you to learn about the depth and symbols of Korean culture.