This week on Jeju A to Z, Todd Thacker profiles one of the island’s premier museums. Jeju National Museum, which opened in 2001, has recently undergone renovations.


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Of all of Jeju’s great museums, there is one in particular that concisely and logically covers the island’s history and culture from the paleolithic right through to the Joseon period.

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Geonip-dong, Jeju City


The recently renovated Jeju National Museum combines Jeju’s geological aesthetics and cultural traditions into a single, noteworthy building in Geonip-dong, in Jeju City’s east end.

Upon entering the museum, the central rotunda and its stunning stained glass ceiling greets visitors with a mural of Jeju mythology.

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800+ prehistoric to modern artifacts on display

This is followed by six exhibition halls which hold some 800 artifacts from prehistoric Jeju, through the Tamna Kingdom, and on to more modern times. These include examples of abalone arrowheads, gold jewelry, bronze Buddhist artifacts, among other items.

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Facilities include auditorium, library and education center for kids

Dioramas and other informative displays highlight the political, social and cultural changes the island experienced over the centuries. At a glance it’s easy to visualize the lives of the Jeju people all those centuries ago.

The museum also has an auditorium, a seminar room where the education programs are held, a library, and a separate museum building just for kids.

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Todd Thacker

If you or anyone you know is a history buff, then this is the museum for you. The newly renovated exhibition area is sure to give you a real sense of how Jeju fit into the history and culture of both Korea and the region.

Todd Thacker, KCTV