Why the sudden push for fees
The gov announced the museum fee on 2026-03-30.
The Finance Ministry’s ‘2027 budget guidelines’ added the user‑pay principle. Budget chief Jo Yong‑beom cited the museum as a key example.
The museum has been free since 2008. After 19 years, the gov wants to charge to cut costs.
6500000 visitors a year — #3 worldwide (Louvre #1, Vatican #2)
Free entry still in 2026
Final decision not set yet
When will we start paying?
Not final yet. Here’s what we know so far.
Finance Ministry fee policy announced
‘2027 budget guidelines’ strengthen user‑pay. Museum cited as flagship case.
Free entry still
Finance Ministry says nothing is decided yet. You can still visit for free in 2026.
Budget review & decree finalization
If the 2027 budget passes, fees and start date will be set.
Fee rollout planned
Museum says ‘by end of 2027’. Ticket price (5,000‑10,000 won) not fixed yet.
How much? Estimated fees vs major sites
Current estimates. May change before final decision.
| 시설 | 현재 요금 | 예상 요금 (성인) | 비고 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 국립중앙박물관 | 무료 | 5,000원~10,000원 | 2027년 말 유료화 예정 |
| 경복궁 (내국인) | 3,000원 | 인상 검토 중 | 고궁 동반 유료화 검토 |
| 경복궁 (외국인 성인) | 3,000원 | 인상 검토 중 | 이중 요금제 가능성 있음 |
| 국립민속박물관 | 무료 | 유료화 검토 대상 | 확정 미정 |
| 루브르 박물관 (참고) | 22유로 | 33유로 (외국인) | 2026년 외국인 45% 인상 |
Same fee for foreigners? Dual pricing possibility
Korea hasn’t decided on separate foreign fees yet.
But look worldwide: Louvre raised foreign fees from €22 to €33 in 2026 (+45%). Japan is also pushing dual fees for foreign visitors.
Foreign visitors are only 3.7% of total, but the gov may use separate fees for extra revenue. Visiting before it’s set could be smart.
Louvre: foreign fee €22 → €33 (+45%)
Japan National Museums: dual foreign fees in progress
Korea: undecided — same fee for locals possible
Exit tax also rising: impact when leaving Korea
Exit tax hike is part of the same guideline.
Exit tax (paid at airport) is 7,000 won now. The budget guideline reviews a raise, so increase is likely.
Frequent foreign residents feel it most. 4‑5 trips a year could add up after the hike.
Get ready for free visit: check now
2026 is the last free chance. Tick off items; status auto‑saves.