Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum

Learn about Jeju's nature and history with your kids at Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum

Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum at a glance

Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum is one of Jeju's representative museums, where you can explore the island's unique natural environment and distinctive folk culture all in one place. Since opening in 1984, it has collected, preserved, and researched a wide range of materials related to Jeju's history, folklore, and natural history, while offering diverse exhibitions and programs that children and families can enjoy and learn from together.

Main exhibition halls

• Natural History Exhibition Hall
  This is a space where you can encounter the vivid nature of Jeju. It presents how Jeju was formed, the geology of this volcanic island, its plants and animals, and various ecological materials including insects, birds, and mushrooms. You can also see specimens of a fin whale, a whale shark, and various fish and animals up close.

• Folklore Exhibition Hall
  This space recreates the traditional lives of Jeju residents. You can experience daily life and culture through a variety of artifacts and life-size models, including how thatched houses were built, Jeju traditional boats, clothing, folk songs, and beliefs. Traditional folk games and food culture are also introduced in an engaging way, making this a great experience for children.

• Sea Exhibition Hall
  This hall shares vivid stories of the sea through exhibits on the lives of Jeju people who lived alongside it, haenyeo divers and fishing, and marine life.

• Experience Hall and Special Exhibition Hall
  There is an interactive space where you can learn by directly listening to sounds of nature and watching videos, along with a variety of special exhibitions on Jeju's unique traditions, culture, and history.

Why it is great with kids

• With abundant real specimens and dioramas, your kids can see and learn directly, naturally building interest in Jeju.
• With exhibition halls themed around nature, folklore, and the sea, you can focus on the areas that best match your child's interests and age.
• There are many audiovisual exhibits, including a fin whale skeleton specimen, moving animal models, and hands-on sound experiences, so even younger children are less likely to get bored.
• Because everything is indoors, you can visit comfortably in any season or weather, making it a great choice even on rainy days.

Visitor information and tips

1. Location: Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum, 40 Samseong-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
2. Hours: 09:00 to 18:00 (ticket sales end at 17:30)
3. Closed: Every Monday, New Year's Day, Lunar New Year, Chuseok, and during fumigation periods
4. Parking: Paid parking is available, but spaces may be somewhat limited on weekends and holidays.
5. Guided tour program: If you reserve a docent tour 3 days in advance, you can join the museum exhibition commentary program. It runs 6 times daily for about 60 minutes each, and children in elementary school or older can learn more deeply with the guided explanation.
6. Recommended visit duration: At least 2 hours, and a relaxed visit is recommended because there is so much to see.

Recommended for these families

• Families who want to experience Jeju's nature, history, and culture all at once
• Families with children who are especially interested in nature, animals and plants, or traditional culture
• Anyone looking for an indoor activity that is not affected by the weather

Tips for visiting with kids

• The exhibition halls are large and full of things to see, so it helps to decide in advance which exhibits you most want to visit.
• Try joining the hands-on exhibits together, such as folk games and sound experiences.
• Be sure to take a great family photo in front of the fin whale specimen, and do not miss the Jeju nature fairy tale animation corner.

"Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum is a place filled with rich exhibits and hands-on experiences designed at a level children can enjoy, where the whole family can learn happily together and make meaningful memories."