Are museums in Korea closed on Mondays?
Some are, some aren't. Many Seoul museums and palaces close on Mondays, but the National Museum of Korea and MMCA Seoul have no weekly closing day, and Gyeongbokgung and Jongmyo close on Tuesdays instead. Always check holiday closures before you go.
Updated 2026-10-15Open on Mondays
The National Museum of Korea has no weekly closing day; it closes on 1 January, Seollal and Chuseok, and its permanent and special galleries also close on the first Monday of March, June, September and December. MMCA Seoul lists no weekly closing day either (its Gwacheon branch closes on Mondays). The National Folk Museum's main building lists no Monday closure, while its Paju branch closes on Mondays.
Closed on Mondays
These close every Monday: the War Memorial of Korea, the Seoul Museum of History, and Gyeonghuigung Palace, which the Seoul Museum of History manages. Three royal palaces also close on Mondays: Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung. The National Palace Museum is different again: it closes on the last Monday of each month, not every Monday.
Closed on Tuesdays
Gyeongbokgung, the biggest palace, closes on Tuesdays, and so does Jongmyo Shrine. That makes Monday a good day for Gyeongbokgung and the museums around it, and Tuesday a good day for Changdeokgung or Deoksugung. For palaces, if the closing day falls on a public or substitute holiday, the palace opens and closes on the next non-holiday instead.
A simple Monday plan
If you are in Seoul on a Monday, try Gyeongbokgung in the morning, then the National Folk Museum inside the palace grounds, and the National Palace Museum next door unless it is the last Monday of the month. In the afternoon, head to the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan or MMCA Seoul near the palace. Admission at the National Museum's permanent galleries and the National Folk Museum is free.
People also ask
Are museums open on Korean holidays?
Many are, but national museums usually close on 1 January, Seollal and Chuseok. Holiday rules differ by venue, so check the official site for your dates.
Which palace is open on Mondays?
Gyeongbokgung and Jongmyo Shrine are open on Mondays because they close on Tuesdays. Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung and Gyeonghuigung close on Mondays.
Is the War Memorial of Korea open on Mondays?
No. It closes every Monday, and when a holiday period includes a Monday it closes the day after the holidays instead. Admission is free, except some hosted exhibitions.