Sayart.net - National Museum of Korea Implements Comprehensive Crowd Management Plan Following Record-Breaking Visitor Numbers

The National Museum of Korea has launched an extensive series of crowd control initiatives in response to an unprecedented surge in visitor numbers that has made 2024 the busiest year in the museum's history at its current location. The state-run cultural institution announced on Friday that it has welcomed more than 3.4 million visitors between January and late July, representing the highest attendance figures recorded during the first seven months of any year since the museum moved to its current site in Yongsan District, Seoul, in 2005. This remarkable attendance represents a dramatic 72 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023, prompting museum administrators to take immediate action to enhance the visitor experience and manage the overwhelming crowds. To address the parking challenges created by the massive influx of guests, the museum has significantly expanded its staff presence, deploying additional personnel specifically tasked with guiding vehicles and improving traffic flow throughout the museum grounds. The institution has also installed comprehensive informational banners at strategic locations, including the main entrance, access roads, and outdoor parking areas, to provide visitors with real-time updates about current crowd levels and help them make informed decisions about their visit timing. In an effort to reduce vehicular congestion, museum officials are actively encouraging visitors to utilize public transportation options when traveling to the facility. The museum has established new information desks at all entrances to better assist visitors and streamline their movement throughout the building. Additional security personnel have been strategically deployed to monitor crowd flow patterns, manage visitor movement more effectively, and respond quickly to any issues that may arise during peak visiting hours. To improve visitor comfort during their cultural experience, the National Museum of Korea has installed temporary water dispensers on every floor of the facility, making it significantly easier for guests to stay properly hydrated while exploring the extensive exhibitions and collections. Looking toward the future, the museum has announced plans to construct a dedicated children's museum on the premises. This new facility is specifically designed to attract families and younger visitors, with the strategic goal of dispersing crowds more effectively across the entire venue and reducing congestion in the main exhibition areas. You Hong-jun, the newly appointed director general of the National Museum of Korea, has emphasized the critical importance of developing long-term solutions to accommodate the growing number of guests while maintaining the quality of their cultural experience. During a press conference held on July 24, You addressed the challenges directly, stating, "I would like to ask visitors to consider coming during less busy times, such as late night openings on Wednesdays or weekdays. We are thinking about ways to manage the high volume of guests better and improve their visiting experience." The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on Sunday that it will continue to provide comprehensive support for the museum's ongoing efforts to improve its facilities and infrastructure. The ministry's commitment ensures that the National Museum of Korea will remain a safe, comfortable, and accessible cultural space for all visitors, regardless of the increasing demand for cultural experiences in the country.