The National Museum of Korea has seen a surge in popularity, attracting 6.5 million visitors in 2025. This represents a remarkable 70% increase compared to the previous year, according to The Art Newspaper’s annual visitor survey.
The museum’s impressive attendance placed it among the world’s most visited art institutions, ranking third globally. It trailed only the Louvre Museum in Paris (9 million visitors) and the Vatican Museums (6.9 million). The British Museum secured the fourth position with 6.4 million visitors, followed by the Metropolitan Museum of Art with 5.98 million.
Other South Korean museums also gained international recognition. The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul, ranked 35th, while the Gyeongju National Museum came in at 39th. The Buyeo and Gongju national museums secured the 78th and 89th positions, respectively, showcasing the growing appeal of South Korean cultural institutions.
The Art Newspaper highlighted South Korea as experiencing “the most remarkable growth” among all the countries surveyed, solidifying its position as a rising cultural hub.
Adding to the museum’s success, the touring exhibition featuring art pieces donated by the late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee has captivated audiences overseas. The exhibition has already drawn approximately 80,000 visitors in Washington, D.C., demonstrating the expanding global interest in Korean art and cultural heritage.
This positive trend has continued into the current year, with the National Museum of Korea welcoming 2 million visitors in the first quarter, a substantial 44.8% increase compared to the same period last year.
Looking ahead, the museum has planned a series of engaging special exhibitions. These include a showcase of Thai art in June and a presentation of masterpieces from Kunsthaus Zurich, Switzerland’s largest art museum, scheduled for November. These exhibitions promise to further enhance the museum’s appeal and attract diverse audiences.
