Seoul: The National Museum of Korea has achieved a remarkable milestone by attracting over 6 million visitors this year, marking its highest annual attendance since its establishment 80 years ago. This surge in visitors was confirmed by museum officials on Thursday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the museum reached this significant milestone around 2 p.m., showcasing a substantial increase from the 1.34 million visitors recorded in 2005, when it relocated to its current site in Yongsan, central Seoul. The cumulative number of visitors since its inception in 1945 has now exceeded 100 million.

The London-based The Art Newspaper reported that in 2024, only three other museums worldwide surpassed this visitor threshold: the Louvre with 8.74 million visitors, Vatican Museums with 6.83 million, and the British Museum with 6.48 million.

The 6 millionth visitor to the National Museum of Korea was identified as Noh Yong-wook, a 40-year-old resident of Seongnam, just south of Seoul. During his visit with his wife and twin children, he expressed excitement about witnessing the special exhibition titled 'From Impressionism to Early Modernism: Collectors of Light' and the Children's Museum. Noh was honored with a commemorative gift presented by museum director You Hong-june.

Additionally, the museum recognized the first foreign visitor after reaching the milestone, a Danish national named Lasse. He expressed surprise upon learning that the museum's annual visitor figure closely matches Denmark's population of 6 million.

Museum director You Hong-june highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, "Six million is a symbolic figure reflecting the public's trust and affection for the museum. We will continue to enhance public services and strengthen our role as the heart of Korean culture."