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기사입력 : 2026.01.30 17:39
[교육연합신문=이채원 학생기자]
With the start of the new year, it is the perfect time to visit the National Folk Museum of Korea to mark the passage of time and new beginnings. Located on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, the museum is one of Korea's many heritage sites, with its historical artifacts reflecting the lives of traditional Korean people.
The museum was established to preserve and present the everyday lives of ordinary Koreans throughout history. Unlike other sites centered on royal courts or political events, the National Folk Museum focuses on folk traditions, customs, and market culture that shaped daily life across centuries.
The museum was officially founded in 1945, following Korea’s liberation. It strived to reflect a broader effort to reclaim and protect national identity after years of colonial rule. It went through numerous changes in terms of name and location from 1945 to 1993, finally ending up as the museum it is today.
Now, within the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the museum symbolically connects the lives of common people with Korea’s royal and political past. Its collections follow Korean society from prehistoric times through the Joseon Dynasty and even the modern days, highlighting development in traditions in agriculture, family life, religion, and seasonal rituals. Through its artifacts, reconstructions, and folk objects, the museum situates Korean heritage not only in historical events but also in lived experiences.
The permanent exhibitions include: “History of the Korean People”, the “Korean Way of Life”, and the “Life Cycle of Koreans”. The “History of the Korean People” includes artifacts from daily life from prehistoric times all the way through the Joseon Dynasty. Moreover, the “Korean Way of Life” section highlights food, clothing, and tools, while the “Life Cycle of Koreans” exhibit features birth, coming of age, marriage, aging, and death throughout history.
The National Folk Museum of Korea brings traditional Korean life vividly into the present. By preserving everyday customs, artifacts, and rituals, the museum itself celebrates the richness of Korea’s cultural heritage beyond royal history. For visitors all around, it is both an educational journey and a reminder of Korea’s enduring traditions. Whether exploring its exhibits or strolling through its outdoor replica of a folk village, the museum connects the past and present, making Korea’s folk heritage accessible for all generations.
ⓒ 교육연합신문 & eduyonhap.com 무단전재-재배포금지
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