After the Fire, National Hangeul Museum of Korea Reopens in 2028

National Hangeul Museum of Korea to Reopen in October 2028

On September 11, 2025, the National Hangeul Museum announced on its official account that it will remain temporarily closed. The museum stated that it will be closed until the second half of 2028 to repair fire damage sustained during expansion works (October 2024–October 2025) and to complete the ongoing construction.

The fire occurred in February 2025 on the staircase connecting the third and fourth floors during expansion works. Fire authorities deployed 260 personnel and 76 units of equipment to extinguish the blaze. The fire damaged the Hangul Playground area and the ceiling, requiring steel beam replacement and structural reinforcement. Fortunately, there were no casualties or damage to the museum’s collection, though facility damage is estimated at approximately 1.3 billion KRW.

A total of 25,918 items (86,796 pieces) from the museum’s collection are currently being managed at the National Folk Museum, National Museum of Korea, and the National Hangeul Museum of the World. Museum staff have been temporarily relocated to the Folk Museum, National Museum, and National Library of Korea to continue their work.

Director Kang Jeong-won of the National Hangeul Museum said, “Based on a detailed safety assessment, design work will begin in October 2025, construction in July 2026, and the museum is scheduled to reopen in October 2028. Even during the closure, we will ensure that the museum’s exhibitions, research, and educational functions are maintained.”

The total cost of the construction is estimated at 17.5 billion KRW. During the closure, the museum plans to continue its exhibitions and educational programs using spaces at other museums and public institutions under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. Next year, commemorative events and special exhibitions marking the 580th anniversary of the Hunminjeongeum proclamation, the 100th Hangeul Day, and the 100th anniversary of Hunmaengjeongeum are expected to be held at other locations, rather than at the Hangeul Museum itself.

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