National Gyeongju Museum Reaches 1.98 Million Visitors, Highest in 30 Years

45% Increase from Previous Year
Highest Attendance Since 1996

The National Gyeongju Museum recorded approximately 1.98 million cumulative visitors in 2025, achieving its highest annual attendance in 30 years. This figure represents a 45% increase compared to the previous year and marks the highest level since the record set in 1996.

Queue waiting to view the special brassware exhibition. Provided by the National Gyeongju Museum

The museum cited two main factors behind the surge in visitors: a special exhibition that brought together all Silla gold crowns in one place, and the hosting of the APEC summit. The summit drew a significant increase in both domestic and international visitors to Gyeongju, and the museum gained international attention by hosting Korea-U.S. and Korea-China summits during the event. Opening the summit venue as a photo zone also contributed to the influx of visitors.

The reopening of the Wolji Hall in October 2025, following an 18-month renovation, further boosted attendance. The exhibition was reorganized to focus on the culture of the Unified Silla royal court, and improvements to visitor flow and rest areas were credited with increasing both the length of visits and visitor satisfaction.

In particular, the special exhibition "Silla Gold Crowns: Power and Prestige" generated considerable buzz by displaying, for the first time, six Silla gold crowns alongside gold belts. The exhibition sold out daily, prompting an extension of its run through February 2026. Additionally, the public presentation of the Seongdeokdaewang Divine Bell sound investigation attracted intense media coverage, further expanding public interest in the museum.

Director Yoon Sangdeok stated, "This achievement demonstrates the interest of both the Korean public and the global community in our cultural heritage," adding, "We will continue to offer high-quality exhibitions and a safe viewing environment."