Jeju National Museum | Jeju Island

The Jeju National Museum is an important cultural and historical museum located in Jeju City, South Korea. It provides a deep insight into the island’s unique history, culture, and natural environment. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Jeju Island, and it features a wide variety of exhibits, from archaeological findings to traditional artifacts, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in learning more about the island's history.

Overview

• Location: The Jeju National Museum is located in the northern part of Jeju City, near the Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum and the Jeju Museum of Art. It's situated at the foot of Hallasan Mountain, surrounded by lush greenery, making it a peaceful spot for visitors.
• Established: The museum was officially opened in 2001 and is part of the National Museums of Korea network. It was created to preserve and present the unique cultural and historical artifacts of Jeju Island and to foster public understanding of Jeju’s distinctive identity and heritage.

Key Features and Attractions

Jeju’s History and Archaeology

• The museum’s exhibits trace Jeju Island’s history from the prehistoric period to modern times, focusing on significant archaeological discoveries and the development of local cultures. It presents a detailed look at how the island's inhabitants lived over the centuries.
• The archaeological exhibit is one of the museum's highlights, featuring ancient tools, pottery, and stone relics that have been discovered on the island. These items provide important clues about Jeju's early inhabitants and their way of life.
• The museum has a fascinating Neolithic exhibit, showcasing the tools and pottery used by the first settlers of Jeju, along with examples of early Bronze Age and Iron Age artifacts.

Traditional Culture and Folklore

• One of the main sections of the museum focuses on Jeju’s traditional culture and folklore. The island's distinct culture is shaped by its isolation, its people, and its unique geographical and environmental features.
• Jeju’s shamanistic practices are explored in this section, with displays of ritual objects, shamanistic costumes, and other items related to the island's spiritual traditions. The island has a long history of shamanism, and the museum offers insight into these ancient beliefs.
• The museum also highlights Jeju's farming practices, with exhibits dedicated to traditional tools, agricultural methods, and the island's famous black pigs and tangerines, both of which are integral to Jeju's economy and cuisine.

The Natural Environment

• Jeju Island’s natural beauty is another key focus of the museum. The exhibits on Jeju’s ecosystems and biodiversity explore the island's unique flora and fauna, including its volcanic landscape, Hallasan Mountain, and the Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes—which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• The museum showcases the natural history of the island, with displays about the volcanic formation of Jeju, its distinctive lava tubes, and the Hallasan volcano, which is the highest mountain in South Korea.
• The exhibits provide information about the island’s unique plant species, such as the Jeju camellia, and its endemic animal species, including various birds, reptiles, and insects.

Permanent and Special Exhibitions

• The permanent exhibitions at Jeju National Museum focus on Jeju’s historical, cultural, and environmental aspects, but the museum also regularly hosts special exhibitions that delve deeper into specific themes or focus on contemporary cultural topics.
• These special exhibitions often feature traveling exhibits from other museums, as well as temporary exhibitions dedicated to specific aspects of Jeju’s culture, such as art, photography, and craftsmanship.
• The museum occasionally features exhibits on local artists, offering a window into Jeju's vibrant contemporary art scene.

Outdoor Exhibits

• The museum also features outdoor exhibits, such as traditional stone sculptures and artworks related to Jeju’s culture. Stone statues and ancient burial markers, which are common on Jeju Island, are displayed outdoors, allowing visitors to enjoy the fresh air while exploring the museum’s outdoor grounds.
• Some of the outdoor exhibits feature replicas of traditional Jeju stone monuments, which were once used to mark graves or as part of ceremonial rituals.

Educational and Cultural Programs

• The Jeju National Museum offers various educational programs for visitors, including school tours and workshops that allow children to engage with Jeju’s culture in a hands-on way.
• The museum organizes cultural events, performances, and traditional Korean craft workshops, where visitors can try their hand at making traditional pottery or handicrafts under the guidance of expert artisans.

Museum Architecture and Design

• The museum’s architecture is modern, with clean lines and open spaces, while still incorporating elements of traditional Korean design. The layout of the museum is designed to create an immersive experience, with its natural surroundings and scenic views of Hallasan Mountain further enhancing the experience.
• The interior of the museum is spacious and well-lit, with well-organized displays that make it easy for visitors to navigate the exhibits.

The Museum Shop

• The museum has a gift shop where visitors can purchase a variety of souvenirs, including artifacts, books, craft items, and local Jeju products like tangerine-themed merchandise and traditional handicrafts.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April to June): Spring is a great time to visit the museum, as the weather is mild, and the surrounding area is lush and green. The spring season also brings blooming flowers, making the museum’s grounds particularly beautiful.
• Autumn (September to November): Fall is another excellent time to visit, with cooler temperatures and the vibrant colors of autumn foliage adding to the beauty of the area. The museum is also less crowded during this time, making for a more peaceful visit.
• Summer (July to August): Summer is the peak tourist season, and the museum may be busier. However, it’s still a good time to visit, especially if you want to escape the summer heat by enjoying the museum’s air-conditioned indoor exhibits.
• Winter (December to February): Winter can be a quieter time to visit, with fewer tourists, but the weather can be cold. Despite the chill, the museum remains a warm and welcoming place to explore Jeju’s history and culture.

Visitor Information

• Entrance Fee: The entrance fee for the Jeju National Museum is typically around 1,000–2,000 KRW for adults, with discounts for students and children. Admission is free for young children and seniors.
• Hours: The museum is open daily, except for major national holidays, and the typical hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It’s best to check ahead of time for any changes to opening hours.
• Parking: The museum has ample free parking available for visitors, and it is easily accessible by public transportation as well.
• Facilities: The museum offers basic visitor facilities, including restrooms, cafes, and informational materials in multiple languages.

Conclusion

The Jeju National Museum is an invaluable resource for those interested in learning about the rich and unique history, culture, and natural environment of Jeju Island. With its diverse range of exhibits, from ancient archaeological finds to traditional cultural artifacts, the museum provides an immersive experience that deepens the understanding of this fascinating island. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone curious about Jeju's traditions, the Jeju National Museum offers a comprehensive and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.