Best Museums in Gyeonggi Province to Experience Korean History

In Gyeonggi-do, a diverse range of such historical sites are alive and active

Best Museums in Gyeonggi Province to Experience Korean History

Many countries in East Asia have long histories. Korea is also such a country, boasting a long history of about 5,000 years. To help us understand the past and prepare for the future, there are numerous museums throughout Korea. In the diverse museums of Gyeonggi Province (Gyeonggi-do), the footprints of those who lived on this land can be found. We would like to introduce the museums of Gyeonggi-do where you can experience the history of Korea.

Jeon-gok Prehistory Museum
ⓒGyeonggi Province

1. Jeongok Prehistory Museum 

In 1978, something happened that shocked the archaeological community around the world. Greg Bowen, an American military service member stationed in Korea, discovered an Acheulean-type hand ax near the Hantangang River in Jeongok-ri of Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi-do. This type of hand ax, which is estimated to have been used about 300,000 years ago, had not previously been found in East Asia. With the discovery of the Jeongok-ri artifacts, global Paleolithic research history changed.

The Jeongok Prehistoric Museum was established to help people understand the prehistoric culture and evolutionary processes of mankind by preserving and utilizing the prehistoric remains of Jeongok-ri, which are of significant historical value. The museum reconstructs the lives of Paleolithic people through archaeological anthropology and cultural content for presentation based on five themes: modern humans and human evolution, environment, tools (science and technology), culture and art, and music. In addition, various exhibitions pertaining to prehistoric culture take place at the museum, including one featuring the hand ax unearthed at the historic site.

■  Homepage: http://jgpm.ggcf.kr
■ Contact: 031-830-5600
■  Address: 2, Pyeonghwa-ro 443beon-gil, Jeongok-eup, Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do 11027

Gyeonggi Museum
ⓒGyeonggi Province

2. Gyeonggi Museum

The Gyeonggi Museum is a place where you can learn about the history and past culture of Gyeonggi-do. In addition to the collection and preservation of relics, various academic investigations and research endeavors are also pursed here. While enjoying the exhibits, visitors can also learn about and appreciate Gyeonggi-do's historical and cultural contents through various educational opportunities available at the museum. This is a special space that embodies the identity of Gyeonggi-do based on history and showcases the excellence of Gyeonggi-do culture from a global perspective.

During the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties of Korea, the Gyeonggi-do region gained special importance due to its proximity to the capital. During the Joseon Dynasty, in particular, Gyeonggi-do took shape as a region that surrounded the capital Hanyang, just as modern Gyeonggi-do now surrounds Seoul. The museum showcases this identity well. What makes the Gyeonggi Museum particularly special are the donations; provincial residents have willingly donated valuable cultural assets to the museum that now comprise more than 50% of the museum's artifact collections.

■ Homepage: http://musenet.ggcf.kr
■  Contact: 031-288-5300
■  Address: 6 Sanggal-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 17072

The Museum Of SILHAK
ⓒGyeonggi Province

3. The Museum of Silhak
 
Changes in concepts that represent the era are seen in both the East and the West. In the West, people experienced a period of change known as the Renaissance. Likewise, Korea experienced the emergence of new concepts, known as Silhak, during the Joseon Dynasty. Silhak literally means practical studies, so while contemporary studies pursued ideologic aims, scholars studying Silhak pursued truths useful in real life that are based on facts and scientific measurements.
 
Gyeonggi-do is where Silhak was born and nurtured. You can even find regions and companies that were named after one of Korea’s representative Silhak scholars, Dasan Jeong Yak-yong (courtesy name). The Silhak Museum commemorates other Korean Silhak scholars including Jeong Yak-yong and was built at his birthplace. Here, visitors can view the research records of Korean Silhak scholars from that time as well as many records relating to Korea's past science.

■  Homepage: http://silhak.ggcf.kr
■  Contact: 031-579-6000
■  Address: 16, Dasan-ro 747beon-gil, Joan-myeon, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do 12283

In Gyeonggi-do, a diverse range of such historical sites are alive and active. We recommend that  you explore these sites to experience the history of Korea in Gyeonggi-do!