The Currency Museum of Korea is the first museum in Korea to be dedicated solely to modern and ancient currencies. The museum (est. 1988) is operated by the Mint Corporation of Korea as part of its non-profit public services and is open to visitors free of charge with a view of increasing public knowledge of the nation’s currency. The museum features a total of 120,000 pieces including: coins currently in use both in Korea and overseas; coins from modern times (from the Late Joseon Dynasty until today); 80 types of commemorative coins; 88 types of ‘special money’; postage stamps, and other materials. [Reference]
Currency Museum of Korea (화폐박물관)
80-67, Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon (accessible by Bus# 604)
대전 유성구 과학로 80-67 (가정동)
Admission: Free; Stay/Duration: 1-2 hrs
Visitor's Information
First section is the Coin Gallery, where they showed how first coins were minted.
When coins were not yet created, our ancetors had used grain, texture, livestock, agricultureal items, animal fur, etc. as good currentcy for exchange purposes. This happens in the old trading system known as barter trading.
It's just so cool, that they were able to document the history and progress of coins during early dynasties up to present.
Some commemorative coins during special events:
- 2011 IFFA World Championship Daegu
- 2002 Anniversary of 14th Asian Games Busan
- 2010 Gold Medalist Kim Yuna
- 2010 G20 Seoul Summit
Next section is Bank Note Galley.
From their specimen on "high denomination banknote of the World", glad to have I have the one from Vietnam (Dong).
Commemorative bank notes across the world, where you can see from the Philippines the versions during 400 years anniversary (2011) of UST (where I graduated from) and 75th for Ateneo (2011).
Amazing that they have specimen for the old bills, where I have not seen this old bills in the Philippines.
Too bad that I have cleaned my bag day before I have visited the area, I should have left some bills with me. So what happened was, I was only able to donate a 1 peso coin and 10 peso coin.
Special Product Gallery includes postage stamps around Korea. (If you want to read more about Philately, continue reading about my visit in Singapore)
How to get there?
Take Bus 604 from the city. Take note that this is the only bus# passing by KINSI and KAIST, so have patience as the bus gets full without seats available along the journey.
Other Museums in South Korea: