Seoul Museum of History
Maps, daily-life materials and city models show how Seoul has changed over time.
Why choose this place
For context before exploring Seoul: old maps and city models explain how the neighborhoods you visit have changed.
Make the most of your visit
Find a familiar neighborhood on an old map. The displays are approachable even if you do not know Seoul's geography.
Stories from the record
The city itself is the subject
Maps, homes, streets and everyday objects reveal Seoul and its residents. Start with a question about a neighborhood you know. Familiar places make the city's long history easier to connect with your own experience.
Seoul at one fifteen-hundredth scale
The city-model gallery displays Seoul at 1:1,500 scale. Mountains, roads and the river become visible together in a way that street-level walking cannot provide. Find the Hangang first, then locate familiar bridges and neighborhoods.
Compare memory with records
Look for a known place in a model or old map, then compare it with today's photographs. Names may remain while layouts change. Urban history also includes shops and streets within living memory.
Sources
Before you go
Opening hours and closing days can change, so check the official information before visiting.