The building was designed by the same architect responsible for the Tokyo Station Marunouchi building.
During the Korean War, the structure suffered significant damage, leading to a major reconstruction that was only completed in the 1980s.
The building was designated as National Historic Site No. 280 in 1981.
Visitors can try their hand at lifting a bag filled with gold bars, which weighs significantly more than most expect due to the density of the metal.
The museum features a specialized display of currency from defunct nations or countries that have undergone extreme currency revaluations.
The Bank of Korea Money Museum is housed in the former headquarters of the Bank of Korea, a structure completed in 1912 that serves as a landmark of Renaissance-style architecture. The museum displays the evolution of currency, showcasing both historical Korean coinage and global banknotes. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to understand the mechanics of inflation, central banking, and financial policy. A major highlight is the authentic underground vault, which remains largely preserved from the building's operational bank days. The collection includes rare ancient coins, commemorative medals, and displays on counterfeit detection. Educational modules explain the relationship between money supply and economic health. The architecture itself features stone masonry and grand halls originally designed by Japanese architect Tatsuno Kingo.
The central grand hall with its high ceilings and preserved stone pillars provides the most impressive interior perspective.
Check the digital kiosks near the entrance for English-language guides before starting your tour.
Do not miss the basement level, as it houses the most atmospheric sections of the old vault.
Check the museum's website for temporary special exhibitions, which rotate several times a year.
Do not confuse this with the nearby Bank of Korea head office; ensure you head to the historical building marked as the museum.
Closed on Mondays and during the Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays.
Maintain a quiet volume as this is a formal research and educational institution; photography is generally permitted, but avoid using flash near sensitive light-sensitive displays.
