Seeing Tiger and Magpie in person was the moment I had been looking forward to most at the British Museum’s Korea exhibition. Since returning from South Korea, I have wanted to learn more about its folklore, and this felt like a lovely opportunity to continue that curiosity in London.
I visited on 1 November 2026 and spent around an hour and a half to an hour and forty-five minutes exploring with the audio guide. From ancient objects and delicate porcelain to paintings responding to Korea’s more recent history, it was a beautiful exhibition with plenty to take in, without feeling overwhelming.
Finding the Korea Exhibition at the British Museum
The exhibition runs from 1 October 2026 to 31 January 2027 in the Joseph Hotung Great Court Gallery, Room 35.
It took me into a part of the museum I had never visited before. When you enter the Great Court from the main entrance, the circular, domed building in front of you is the Reading Room. The exhibition gallery is on Level 1 in this central area, so follow the signs for Room 35 rather than heading towards the permanent Korea gallery.
That small discovery was a nice beginning to the visit. Even in a museum I have been to before, there are still unfamiliar spaces to explore.
Seeing Tiger and Magpie in Person
For me, Tiger and Magpie was particularly special. My trip to Korea left me curious about the country’s folk stories, especially the imagery of these two animals. Seeing the painting in front of me gave that interest something more tangible.
It was one of those moments when an exhibition connects with a journey you have already taken. I enjoyed learning about Korea while travelling there, and this visit gave me another way to explore its culture after coming home.
If you are planning your own trip, my South Korea travel hub brings together my route, city guides and personal experiences.
From Ancient Objects to Modern Korean Paintings
I enjoyed how the exhibition moved through different periods of Korean history. The incense burner and porcelain were among the objects that caught my attention, but the paintings stayed with me just as much.
Paradise by Paik Namsoon
Paradise by Paik Namsoon was one of my highlights. Learning about her studies in Japan and France added another layer to looking at the work. The painting brings Western-style figures into an Asian landscape, making those different artistic influences especially interesting to consider.
I liked seeing this connection between Korea and Europe within an exhibition that also included much older objects. It gave me something different to think about as I moved through the gallery.
Modern History of Korea by Shin Hakchul
Another work that stood out was Shin Hakchul’s Modern History of Korea - Synthesis. Its scale alone made an impression on me, while its political subject matter brought a different mood to the visit.
Alongside the ceramics and earlier paintings, it was a reminder that art can tell difficult stories as well as beautiful ones. I appreciated having that contrast within the exhibition.
Mountain Spirit by Pak Nosoo
I also particularly liked Mountain Spirit by Pak Nosoo. It was another painting I wanted to spend time looking at, and one of the works that helped make the exhibition feel varied rather than repetitive.
Was the Audio Guide Worth £4?
I paid £4 for the audio guide, and for me it was a worthwhile addition. I could listen while looking at the objects instead of spending the whole visit reading the labels. It gave me useful context and helped me take my time.
My main practical tip is to download everything before entering the exhibition. Install the app, then use your code to download the exhibition guide within it while you have a reliable internet connection. The signal inside may be weak, so I would avoid leaving this until you are already in the gallery.
Bring headphones and make sure your phone has enough battery for the visit.
How Long Do You Need?
With the audio guide, I spent approximately 90–105 minutes inside. That gave me time to listen, look closely and pause at the works that interested me most.
The gallery was not particularly busy during my visit, which made the experience more enjoyable. I rarely had to wait long to see something or look around other visitors. Of course, that reflects my experience on 1 November rather than a guarantee of how busy another day will be.
I would allow around two hours if you enjoy taking your time, with a little extra for the shop.
A Tiger and Magpie Souvenir
The exhibition shop was a tempting final stop. There were several items featuring Tiger and Magpie, which made choosing a souvenir rather difficult.
I came home with a towel featuring the design, a small reminder of the painting I had been most excited to see.
Is the Korea Exhibition Worth Visiting?
For me, yes. If you enjoy art and history, or want to understand more about Korea beyond its contemporary popular culture, this is an engaging way to explore different periods through the objects and artworks people created.
You do not need to arrive with detailed knowledge of Korean history. I found the exhibition approachable, and the audio guide helped me understand more without the visit feeling too heavy.
Seeing Tiger and Magpie was my personal highlight, but the range of paintings, porcelain and historic objects made the whole visit worthwhile. It was a lovely way to reconnect with my interest in Korea from London.
For current admission prices, opening times and any display changes, check the official Korea exhibition page before booking.
More History to Explore in London
If you enjoy discovering history through the places and objects left behind, you might also like my HMS Belfast review. It offers a different kind of museum visit, taking you aboard the historic ship on the Thames.
Stay a Little Longer: Discover More of the British Museum
Ancient Egyptian sculptures, the Rosetta Stone and centuries of stories, there is plenty to tempt you beyond the Korea exhibition. If you have the time, why not make a day of it?
A guided tour could help you look beyond the display labels and understand what makes these objects remarkable. This 2½-hour tour keeps the group to a maximum of eight guests, giving you a more personal introduction to some of the museum’s best-known treasures.
I visited Korea independently with the audio guide and have not taken this tour myself, but it could suit readers who want to explore more with someone leading the way.
Plan the two visits separately: the tour covers the permanent collection, so you will need a separate ticket and time slot for the Korea exhibition.
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→ Discover the stories behind the British Museum’s treasures
Make a Day of It: Art and Dinner in London
If an afternoon exploring Korean art leaves you in the mood for a special dinner, take a look at my Portland Restaurant review. I share what I ate, the relaxed Fitzrovia atmosphere and whether the experience was worth it.
