A miniature world in a bronze vessel
Unearthed in 1993 at the Neungsan-ri temple site in Buyeo, the Great Gilt-bronze Incense Burner of Baekje rewards close looking. A dragon rising from water forms its base, lotus petals cover the body, and a phoenix crowns the lid. Between them are layered mountain peaks, people, real animals and mythical creatures. The National Buyeo Museum interprets the intricate scene as an imagined ideal world of Baekje.
See, smell and listen
Opened on December 23, 2025, the three-storey Baekje Great Incense Burner Gallery gives the national treasure its own space. Part One uses low lighting for slow observation. In Part Two, Hyang-eum ('Scent and Sound'), sensory exhibits evoke ancient fragrances and the sounds of instruments played by five figures on the burner. Part Three, Hyang-yu, offers a viewpoint over Buyeo. Families could try finding the dragon, phoenix, lotus and five musicians on the object.
The important 2026 access exception
During the museum's permanent-gallery renovation July 28–December 14, 2026, the incense-burner gallery and Children's Museum are the only facilities open for exhibition visits. A free admission ticket is required for both. Standard hours are 09:00–18:00, last entry 17:30, with Mondays usually closed (check holiday exceptions). Volunteer interpretation in the incense gallery's third-floor lobby is offered Tuesday–Sunday at 10:10 and 13:10, without advance bookings but for limited numbers. Check ticket collection and daily arrangements before traveling.