The philosophy of traditional Korean architecture can be obtained from the exquisite harmony between nature and artificiality, and the biggest attraction can be found in its bold simplicity of rejecting colorful embellishment or delicate decorations. The National Museum of Korea’s basic concept of the building of the National museum of Korea was to reinterpret Korean traditional architectural philosophy in a contemporary way. The museum’s building plan begins with the concept of a safe and peaceful fortress between mountains and water, namely Namsan Mountain and Mirror Pond. The solid fortress symbolizes the sense of security that protects us safely and peacefully while creating the tension of disconnection from the outside world. Also, the museum itself is a space created by building two walls, and the solidity of the wall was further emphasized by extending the wall to the height of the roof. This idea considered the practical function of allowing natural light from the ceiling to reach deep into each layer.

Mountains and water are everywhere in Korea that are inseparable from the lives of Korean. Like yin and yang, mountains and water coexist as elements of harmony and balance. Together they generate prosperity and stability. Our ancestors have preferred to place buildings with mountains to the north and water to the south, considering natural and human environments and climate. In the museum’s master plan, a huge lake called 'Mirror Pond', suitable for the natural environment of Namsan Mountain, was set in the center based on the traditional idea that yin and yang are harmonized and balanced only when mountains and water match in Korean life. Following traditional Korean architecture, the National Museum of Korea's building is located deep within its lot, far from the boundaries. The museum faces south, with mountains behind and water in front.

Among the huge building that appears to be a single complex, the Open Plaza is designed to evoke the image of maru (wooden floor), an architectural element unique to Korea. Open to all visitors, the plaza serves as a gateway to every point in the museum, including the exhibition halls and performance facilities. It constitutes the landscape for a safe and peaceful fortress between Namsan Mountain and Mirror Pond. It also naturally connects with the neighboring Yongsan Family Park through Mirror Pond, Mir Falls, and Barong Tree Pond. Furthermore, the outdoor stone garden, bell pavilion, and traditional dye botanical garden are harmoniously arranged in the green space of the museum to create an elegant cultural space.

Preparing for the establishment of the Yongsan Park which would become the central axis of Seoul after the relocation of the US camps, the National Museum of Korea has an open square and entrance north to the Museum to highlight frontality. The National Museum of Korea is meaningful in that it is located in the souther-most point of the Yongsan Park, becoming the point of departure to the Museum Complex.