The National Museum of Korea has shattered its own attendance records, welcoming over 6.5 million visitors throughout 2025. This remarkable achievement marks the highest annual visitor count in the institution's 80-year history since its establishment in 1945. According to official figures released by the museum on Friday, total attendance reached precisely 6,507,483 last year, representing a substantial 1.7-fold increase from the 3.79 million visitors recorded in 2024. The unprecedented surge in attendance underscores the museum's growing prominence as a cultural landmark both within South Korea and on the international stage.
The museum's previous attendance records pale in comparison to this milestone. Having opened its doors eight decades ago, the National Museum of Korea has steadily built its reputation as the premier repository of Korean cultural heritage. The dramatic increase from 2024's figures suggests a confluence of factors, including enhanced exhibition quality, improved visitor services, and potentially increased domestic and international tourism. The 2025 total not only surpasses all previous years but also establishes a new benchmark for cultural institutions throughout Asia. Museum officials attribute this success to strategic programming and a renewed public interest in Korean history and culture.
On a global scale, the museum's achievement positions it among the world's most visited cultural institutions. According to data from The Art Newspaper, a London-based publication that tracks museum attendance worldwide, only two museums surpassed the 6.5 million visitor threshold in 2024: the iconic Louvre Museum in Paris, which attracted 8.74 million visitors, and the Vatican Museums in Rome, with 6.83 million visitors. This places the National Museum of Korea in elite company, potentially ranking it as the third most-visited museum globally based on 2024 comparisons. The figures highlight Seoul's emergence as a major cultural destination, rivaling traditional European centers of art and history.
The museum's influence extends far beyond its main location in central Seoul. When including its network of 13 affiliated museums spread across the nation, the total visitor count for the National Museum of Korea system reached an impressive 14,773,111 in 2025. This nationwide network includes specialized institutions focusing on specific aspects of Korean heritage, from folk art to contemporary ceramics. The collective attendance figure demonstrates the museum system's comprehensive reach and its success in making cultural experiences accessible to diverse audiences throughout South Korea. This integrated approach has proven effective in engaging both urban and regional communities.
Museum Director You Hong-june expressed both gratitude and responsibility in response to the record-breaking attendance. "This remarkable achievement reflects the public's expectations and interest for us to do even better," he stated in an official announcement. The director emphasized that the numbers represent more than mere statistics—they signify a deepening relationship between the museum and the communities it serves. You acknowledged the trust placed in the institution by millions of visitors and stressed the importance of maintaining high standards in curatorial excellence and visitor experience. His statement reflects a commitment to continuous improvement rather than complacency.
Looking ahead to 2026, museum leadership has pledged to build upon this momentum with ambitious plans for enhanced programming and services. Director You promised that the institution will "strive to meet the public's trust with exhibitions and services of even higher quality." Future initiatives include expanded digital offerings, more interactive installations, and collaborations with international institutions to bring world-class exhibitions to Seoul. The museum also plans to further develop its educational programs and community outreach efforts. As South Korea continues to gain global cultural influence, the National Museum of Korea appears poised to play an increasingly vital role in preserving heritage while fostering cultural dialogue.
