🇰🇷 Why the K-Pop Demon Hunters National Museum of Korea Is Going Viral in 2025

The K-Pop Demon Hunters National Museum of Korea has become a global hotspot. Discover visitor stats, anime-inspired artifacts, must-see exhibits, cultural insights, and Seoul travel tips.

The recent surge in tourism at the National Museum is largely thanks to K-Pop Demon Hunters National Museum of Korea, which has taken over pop culture conversations both locally and internationally.

If you’ve been following Korean news lately, you’ve probably come across K-pop Demon Hunters more than once. It’s truly become a nationwide sensation! As I mentioned in my previous post, the locations featured in or inspired by K-pop Demon Hunters are now incredibly popular among tourists.

Among them, the hottest spot right now is definitely the K-Pop Demon Hunters National Museum of Korea. Visitor numbers have skyrocketed, making it one of Seoul’s must-visit landmarks. What’s even more fascinating is that the traditional Korean characters featured in K-pop Demon Hunters are enjoying skyrocketing popularity. The museum is packed with both locals and international fans eager to get their hands on related merchandise. In fact, these goods are selling out almost daily, and many say this is the only place you can actually find them.

🏛️Why the K-Pop Demon Hunters National Museum of Korea Is Going Viral

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K-Pop Demon Hunters National Museum of Korea exhibition hall 2025

📈 Unprecedented Visitor Boom

  • According to media reports, in the first half of 2025 the National Museum of Korea welcomed approximately 2.7 million visitors, representing a 60%+ increase compared to the previous year. In July alone, monthly attendance reached nearly 690,000, almost double the same period in 2024.※
  • Culture outlets highlight the K-Pop Demon Hunters phenomenon as a major factor, especially among international tourists curious about the cultural inspirations behind the anime. Analysts even compare it to the Louvre’s surge after The Da Vinci Code release — showing how pop culture can directly reshape museum tourism.※

The Anime Connection

Visitors are not only coming for fandom but also to explore the real cultural roots reflected in the series. Weapons like Rumi’s Twin Moon Blades and Zoey’s Divine Knife are said to be inspired by authentic Korean artifacts.

According to museum staff, young visitors often ask, “Is this the weapon shown in Demon Hunters?” This shows how popular culture is creating an entry point into cultural education.

The museum curators have even noted an increase in questions from young visitors about these artifacts — proving that pop culture is serving as a gateway to cultural education.

The K-Pop Demon Hunters National Museum of Korea has quickly become one of Seoul’s most visited attractions, blending anime-inspired exhibitions with authentic Korean heritage artifacts.

From Museum to Merch Craze: The Power of Anime-Driven Souvenirs

The museum gift shop is also benefiting from the anime’s popularity:

  • Magpie & Tiger badges
  • Glow-in-the-dark fans
  • “Shapeshifting” shot glasses
  • Modernised talismans

According to local media, in just six months, gift shop sales were reported at around 1.15 billion KRW, marking a 34% increase from 2024.
Some exclusive merchandise is already sold out, fueling a secondary market online.

On Korean resale platforms like Bungaejangter and Karrot Market, prices for rare Demon Hunters talismans have tripled, highlighting how fan demand is creating a new sub-economy.

The Global Impact of K-Pop Demon Hunters on Museum Tourism

K-Pop Demon Hunters is not just a Korean phenomenon — it’s reshaping how museums worldwide engage with younger audiences. Similar trends have been seen with the Louvre in Paris after The Da Vinci Code and the British Museum during blockbuster exhibitions. The success of the K-Pop Demon Hunters National Museum of Korea shows how cultural institutions can tap into popular media to attract new demographics, from anime fans to global travellers.

When K-Pop Meets Cultural Heritage

Unlike many anime-inspired trends, this one is powered by the global wave of K-pop. Fans who travel to Korea for concerts or fan meetings are now adding museum visits to their itineraries. By blending idol fandom culture with traditional artifacts, the phenomenon bridges the gap between mainstream pop and heritage education. This dual attraction is creating longer tourist stays and more diverse travel patterns in Seoul.

How to Plan Your Visit

Here’s a practical guide to making the most of your K‑Culture trip to the museum:

💡 Insider Tips

TopicRecommendations
AdmissionFree entry! No reservations needed for the main hall.
Best Time to VisitWeekday mornings for fewer crowds. Avoid weekends after 1PM.
Don’t Miss“Gallery of Prehistoric Korea”, “Celadon Artifacts”, and any exhibit with talismanic or weapon motifs.
Photo SpotsWeekday mornings for fewer crowds. Avoid weekends after 1 pm. Main lobby staircase, outdoor garden near the pagoda, and Magpie & Tiger exhibit. These are trending on Instagram with the hashtag #KpopDemonHuntersMuseum.
MerchandiseHead straight to the museum store upon arrival—limited goods sell out fast!

Transport Tip: The National Museum is directly connected to Ichon Station (Line 4 & Jungang Line). From central Seoul (Myeongdong or Seoul Station), the ride takes about 15–20 minutes.
Family Tip: Strollers are available for free rental, and there’s a children’s museum wing perfect for families travelling with kids.

👉 For detailed information on exhibitions, operating hours, and visitor services, check the official website of the National Museum of Korea. The site provides up-to-date schedules for special programs, guided tours, and cultural events.

👉 If you’re planning a broader trip around Seoul, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) website is an excellent resource. It offers maps, suggested itineraries, seasonal festivals, and insider tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Cultural Deep Dive: More Than Just Aesthetic

Why are fans so moved by the K-pop Demon Hunters National Museum of Korea experience?

It’s not just about fandom—it’s about seeing culture in context. Visitors report being surprised by how deeply the anime reflects real Korean traditions:

“Seeing the actual artifacts that inspired my favorite characters brought the story to life. It was like walking through the anime.”

You can also explore how symbols like the tiger, guardians, and protective charms have long histories in Korean art and shamanic practices. This adds an extra layer of meaning for visitors who want more than just a selfie. For example, the tiger is not only a character motif in Demon Hunters but also a national symbol of resilience in Korean history. Learning this context makes the anime richer for international fans.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss the Cultural Opportunity

Many visitors say the K-Pop Demon Hunters National Museum of Korea is now as iconic for K-pop tourism as Myeongdong is for shopping. Whether you’re a longtime anime fan or just discovering K-Pop Demon Hunters Korea, this museum experience will surprise and inspire you. If you’re a fan of K-Pop Demon Hunters or just curious about Korea’s rich heritage, this is the perfect time to visit the K-Pop Demon Hunters National Museum of Korea.

Not only will you explore centuries of cultural treasures, you’ll also be part of a global movement redefining what pop culture can mean. “Fans who want to dive deeper into the series can also check out our guide — KPop Demon Hunters 2025: Cast, Soundtrack & Sequel Explained — for more behind-the-scenes details.”

Action Steps

  • Plan your museum trip using official websites or Korean tourism portals.
  • Share your visit on social media to connect with other fans.
  • Bookmark our blog for upcoming guides on other K‑Pop Demon Hunters filming locations, merch reviews, and travel tips!

FAQ

Q1. Is admission to the National Museum free?
A1. Yes, general admission to the National Museum of Korea is free for all visitors. However, some special exhibitions, evening programs, or international showcases may require paid tickets. To avoid surprises, it’s always best to check the museum’s official website before your visit, especially if you are interested in seasonal exhibitions.

Q2. Where can I buy Demon Hunters merchandise?
A2. Most Demon Hunters merchandise is sold exclusively at the National Museum gift shop, which means quantities are limited. Fans often line up early to secure the most popular items, such as talismans or glow-in-the-dark fans. While some items appear on resale platforms like Bungaejangter or Karrot Market, prices are often inflated, so buying directly at the museum is your best option.

Q3. How long does it take to tour the museum?
A3. On average, a visit to the museum takes 2–3 hours, depending on how much time you spend in each gallery. However, Demon Hunters fans may stay longer to explore the anime-inspired exhibits and shop for exclusive merchandise. Families with kids can also extend their visit by exploring the Children’s Museum wing, which is specially designed for younger audiences.

Q4. Is the museum family-friendly?
A4. Yes, the museum is very family-friendly. Free stroller rentals are available for parents, and the Children’s Museum provides interactive, hands-on exhibits that kids can enjoy. Rest areas, baby changing rooms, and accessible facilities make it convenient for families traveling with small children, which is why many locals recommend it as a safe and educational outing.

Q5. How do I get to the museum from central Seoul?
A5. The museum is directly connected to Ichon Station (Line 4 & Jungang Line), making it one of the easiest major attractions to reach. From Seoul Station or Myeongdong, the subway ride takes just 15–20 minutes. Clear signposts guide you straight from the station to the museum entrance, so even first-time visitors won’t have trouble finding their way.

🌏 Australia vs. Korea: A Comparison

In Australia, tourism linked to pop culture often centers around filming locations or natural landscapes. For example, blockbuster films like The Lord of the Rings turned Hobbiton in New Zealand into a global travel destination. Similarly, fans of Mad Max or The Matrix visit filming sites in the Australian Outback or Sydney.

In Korea, however, the phenomenon is different. Instead of just visiting filming sites, fans are drawn to cultural institutions like museums, where anime and K-pop inspire exhibitions, merchandise, and even educational programs. The K-Pop Demon Hunters National Museum of Korea is a prime example—proving how entertainment media can drive traffic not only to tourist attractions but also to heritage spaces. This contrast highlights a fascinating cultural shift: in Australia, pop culture mainly influences landscapes and outdoor tourism, while in Korea, it directly reshapes museum visitation and cultural education.

For more on how different Seoul districts attract young visitors, read our feature Gangnam vs Hongdae: Youth Culture in Seoul, which contrasts K-pop nightlife, indie fashion, and street performances.

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