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Mission
The mission of the museum is to provide visitors with more in-depth knowledge of Seoul City on all levels - historical, cultural, etc. - through interesting and meaningful exhibits.
 
Aims
- To preserve the traditional culture and history of Seoul so as to enforce the cultural identity of its citizens and promote patriotism.
- To collect and preserve cultural heritage on the verge of extinction, as well as research and exhibit the history and culture of Seoul.
- To provide the people of Seoul an opportunity to deepen their understanding and awareness of the city's culture and history.
- To enhance the image of Seoul as a leading cultural center, elevating its status within the international community.
 
Characteristics of the Museum

- A historical museum
- A public museum for the citizens of Seoul
- A cultural venue
 
Jun. 28, 1985 Construction planning of the "Seoul City Museum"
Feb. 27, 1986 Construction planning committee organized
Dec. 15, 1993 Museum building construction completed
Jun. 01, 1999 Lee Jong-Seon appointed as Director
Apr. 19, 2001 Lee Jon-Hui appointed as Director
Sep. 29, 2001 Renamed as the "Seoul Museum of History"
May. 21, 2002 Seoul Museum of History opened
Jul. 16, 2002 Museum organization(2 divisions, 6 departments)
Jan. 15, 2003 Museum reorganization(3 divisions, 4 departments)
Apr. 23, 2003 Gwon Oh-Doh appointed as Director
Jun. 10, 2003 Han Mun-Cheol appointed as Director
Jan. 14, 2004 Kim Woo-Lim appointed as Director
Jun. 18, 2004 Acquisition of the Mongchon Museum of History
Jun. 24, 2004 Hanseong-Baekje Museum Project Division joined
Jan. 04, 2005 Museum reorganization(3 divisions, 5 departments)
Jan. 01, 2006 Acquisition of the Cheonggyecheon Museum
Mar. 29, 2007 Kim Woo-Lim reappointed as Director
Aug. 04, 2008 Museum reorganization(2 divisions, 6 departments)
Mar. 18, 2009 Hanseong-Baekje Museum Project Div. moved out
May. 01, 2009 Kang Hong-Bin appointed as Director
 
 
The emblem of the Seoul Museum of History reflects a contemporary image of Seoul, the capital city of Korea since the Joseon Dynasty, as well as the city's history and culture of 600 years. The shape “”represents the mountains surrounding the city, the crescent shape in the middle represents the four gates of the city, and the last figure stands for the Hangang (River) and the Seoul Museum of History. The line stretching out on both sides symbolizes the historicity of the city. Best of all, it naturally links the word “Seoul” in Korean with “museum” in English linguistically. The color red portrays Seoul as an active cultural center, where tradition and modern culture co-exist.

 
The Korean characters of the logotype demonstrate a contemporary version of an old handwriting style called Seokbosangjeol. .