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.

Exhibition Room 1 presents a wide selection of coins from both ancient eras and modern times, with many of the coins dating back to the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. Coins on display in this room include Geonwonjungbo (996), the first coin ever minted in Korea; Haedongwonbo (1097); and Sangpyeongtongbo, the most widely used coin during the Joseon Dynasty. Other displays include commemorative coins from past Olympics, special coins, charms, amulets and Lydian currency, the world’s first-ever alloy coin minted around 670 BC.

Exhibition Room 2 (Exhibition of Bills) displays a wide variety of bills by era as well as information detailing the production process of a banknote (from the manufacturing of the paper used to the finished product). Exhibition Room 3 shows how authorities spot counterfeit money while Exhibition Room 4 has a wide selection of stamps, medals, and currencies from over 120 different countries around the world including Russia and North Korea.