National Museum of Korean Contemporary History

Korea Since 1894: National Museum of Korean Contemporary History Audio Guide

Trace Korea’s modern and contemporary history from 1894 to the present through reform movements, the Korean Empire, Japanese colonial rule, independence activism, and the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. This audio guide helps English-speaking visitors understand how freedom, equality, sovereignty, and national identity became central themes in modern Korean history. The story continues through Liberation, the Korean War, postwar survival, industrialization, democratization, the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the 1997 financial crisis, inter-Korean relations, Hallyu, and today’s connected society. Alongside major events, the guide highlights personal objects, voices, posters, technology, music, and everyday experiences that make national history feel close and human.