Jeju Travel Spot Great to Visit with Kids: National Museum of Jeju

I visited the National Museum of Jeju with my kids. I’d long known—since my days living in Jeju City—that it’s a great place for a weekend outing, but this was my first visit after 8 years of living on Jeju.

​ As soon as we entered the parking lot, I was surprised by how large it was. Beyond the exhibition spaces where you can learn about Jeju’s history and culture, there’s also a Children’s Museum where kids can experience Jeju at their own eye level. In the immersive video room underground, stories recorded in Jang Han-cheol’s <Pyohaerok>—held by the Jeju National Museum—have been reimagined and presented as media art.

When we walked in through the main entrance, the ceiling decoration immediately caught my eye. The ornate yet elegant details—like something you might see anywhere in Europe—had me clicking the camera shutter like a tourist.

General visitors can view the 1st-floor exhibition hall, the Children’s Museum, and the immersive video room in the basement. ​ ​ ​

The first things we saw were tools and photographs that had been used in Jeju for a long time. Seeing a side of the past that we didn’t know is always fascinating. ​ ​ ​

The permanent exhibition hall presents Jeju’s history by period—from prehistoric times through the Silla era—under the theme “From Tamna to Jeju!” There were explanations and artifacts spanning many eras, from Paleolithic tools like stone blades, to Bronze Age plain pottery, and on through Tamna and into the Joseon period. It felt like a great place for kids’ learning, too. ​ ​ ​

Our oldest, who’s in elementary school, was busy explaining everything to us—saying they’d already visited on a school field trip. ​ ​ ​

After leaving the exhibition hall, we headed to the Children’s Museum. ​ ​

There were hands-on programs where kids can learn through various activities and experience Jeju culture directly. It’s a space that would interest everyone from toddlers to elementary schoolers. I wondered if our kids—4th and 3rd graders—would enjoy it, but they were having an absolute blast. ​ ​ ​

It was also nice that the staff guided everyone so the activities could be done properly. ​ ​ ​

We visited the immersive video room to see the media art. It screens a fantastical story of crossing rough seas, encountering an unfamiliar world, and returning home—and it felt so realistic that in the opening scene I actually got a bit seasick. The exhibition quality was much higher than I expected.

After the visit, we walked along the outdoor path with the kids. It really feels like one of the best places for a weekend outing. I recommend it to both Jeju residents and travelers. ​ ​ ​

Exhibits

National Museum of Jeju17 Iljudong-ro, Jeju-si

Located in Geonip-dong, Jeju City, this national museum is a cultural space that systematically introduces Jeju’s history and culture—from prehistoric times through Tamna, and the Goryeo and Joseon periods. Since opening in 2001, it has established itself as Jeju’s representative history and archaeology museum, offering a close look at Tamna culture and the lives of Jeju people through diverse artifacts and exhibitions. With permanent and special exhibition galleries, a children’s museum, and an immersive media room, it’s engaging for visitors of all ages. The museum also features spacious outdoor exhibition areas and walking paths, making it a great place to enjoy both cultural experiences and relaxation. It is a signature cultural attraction for understanding Jeju’s history and identity more deeply during your trip. Another major advantage is that admission is free.

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