National Museum of Korean Contemporary History — Attraction in Seoul

2nd The National Museum of Korean History has put together a major exhibition on General Ahn Jung-geun, a man many Koreans consider a pillar of the country’s spirit. Some call him a patriot, some critique his legacy—but his words, “Devotion to one’s country is a soldier’s duty,” were always there to greet me as I entered my unit with pride. I remember repeating these words when I served, feeling a sense of honor, ready to defend my loved ones, my friends, my country. I knew I’d be first to go if called, ready to engage in any conflict, regardless of who threatened our skies, seas, or land—be it the strongest military power in the world. I believe that anyone who understands the depth of Korea’s history would feel the same.

I’m grateful to the young Koreans shouldering this heavy yet honorable responsibility today.

One phrase in the exhibition really struck me, one that speaks to stepping back to see the forest of life with a broader vision: “One cannot accomplish great things without foresight.”

1st It's really quiet here. Just a few foreigners around. The second floor donation hall and history museum focus on the US-Korea relations and the Korean War. They exhibit military boots and other war materials. Didn't feel anything special, kinda getting vibes of nationalism and...

This museum was an excellent destination for my Seoul layover. With free admissions, it offers an excellent overview of the history of Korea from 1876 to today and beyond, and is especially excellent in telling the story of South Korea from its modern 1948 founding to today. While much of it is a nationalistic brag sheet, it is well deserved since South Korea is one of the few countries to build an economic boom and a democracy in just a generation or two, a far cry from the impoverished dictatorship that it was in the 1950s. English-language captions can be on the light side, however.

My favorite exhibits are those pertaining to the industrialization from the 1950s on, such as the first television, the first microwave, and the first indigenous automobile. Also noteworthy are various documents, posters, slogans, and more from the fascist dictatorships, as well as the efforts of the everyday people to overthrow fascism and...

Free to visit for everyone. Currently, there's a special exhibition on the 3rd floor dedicated to Ahn Junggeun, who's revered as a patriotic hero in his support for independence from Japanese rule. His calligraphy & writings are presented here. But my main interest was the excellent chronological exhibition detailing Korean contemporary history from 1894 to the present day. The 5th floor exhibition divides this period into three sections; 1894 - 1945 (Japanese occupation), 1945 - 1987 (Formation of North & South Korea), & 1987 to present day (modern Korea). Visiting the DMZ tomorrow, it provided some good knowledge of the conflict between the two countries with invasion by N. Korea in 1950 and subsequent armistice in 1953, which continues to the present day. Don't miss going up to the roof terrace on the 8th floor. Great...