The National Museum of Korea has reached a historic milestone by attracting over five million visitors in a single year for the first time in its history. On October 17, museum officials announced that visitor numbers reached 5,016,382 as of October 15, marking an extraordinary 69.7% increase from the 2,955,789 visitors recorded during the same period last year.
The museum has experienced consistent growth throughout the year, with monthly attendance exceeding 500,000 visitors in both January and February. The peak month was August, which saw an impressive 864,977 visitors as summer vacation for students coincided with traditional holiday seasons. Museum officials noted that the surge was primarily driven by college students and young visitors, indicating a growing interest in cultural heritage among younger demographics.
International tourism has also contributed significantly to the record-breaking numbers. Foreign visitors totaled 187,705 as of October 15, and this figure is expected to surpass last year's record high by the end of 2025. This increase in international attendance reflects the global spread of Korean culture and growing international interest in Korea's traditional heritage.
The achievement places the National Museum of Korea among the world's most visited cultural institutions. According to the British publication Art Newspaper, only four museums worldwide attracted over five million visitors last year: the Louvre in Paris, the Vatican Museums, the British Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. If current visitor trends continue through the end of the year, the Korean museum is likely to join this exclusive group of the world's top five most visited museums.
The success extends beyond the main facility in Seoul's Yongsan District. The museum's network of 13 affiliate museums across the provinces has also experienced increased attendance. Combined visitor numbers for the main museum and all its affiliates reached 11,296,254 as of October 4, approaching the cumulative attendance figure for Korean Baseball Organization professional games, which totaled 12,312,519.
Museum leadership attributes the dramatic increase in visitors to several strategic improvements and cultural trends. The renovation of exhibition spaces, development of sensory-rich content, and expansion of interactive programs have all contributed to enhanced visitor experiences. These improvements have made the museum more appealing to diverse audiences, particularly younger visitors who seek engaging and immersive cultural experiences.
National Museum of Korea Director You Hong-june emphasized the cultural significance of this achievement. "With the spread of K-culture, both domestic and international interest in traditional culture has grown to raise the number of visitors to the museum to a level comparable to that of fans of professional baseball," he stated. This comparison highlights how cultural institutions are now competing with popular entertainment for public attention and successfully attracting massive audiences.
The milestone represents more than just impressive statistics; it demonstrates the growing recognition of Korea's cultural heritage on both domestic and international stages. As Korean popular culture continues to gain global prominence, traditional cultural institutions are experiencing renewed relevance and appeal, bridging the gap between contemporary Korean cultural exports and the nation's rich historical legacy.
