The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, which opened on December 26, 2012, is dedicated to researching, preserving, and exhibiting the modern and contemporary history of the Republic of Korea. The museum features four permanent exhibition halls which cover the period from the late 19th century to the present, with the themes of "Prelude to the Republic of Korea", "Foundation of the Republic of Korea", "Development of the Republic of Korea", and "Modernization and Korea's Vision of Future".
The museum includes a children’s museum and a special exhibition gallery which enables visitors to explore modern and contemporary Korean history through various themes and topics. It also offers education programs and cultural events.
The museum is located near Gyeongbok Palace in what was formerly the north building for USAID. Admission is free.