▲ This image of a projected video of the Dongsam-dong shell midden in the Neolithic Hall is provided by the National Museum of Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Feb. 14 (Yonhap) -- How did Korean history and culture evolve from the earliest human settlements on the Korean Peninsula to the rise of Goguryeo?

 

The National Museum of Korea announced on the 14th that it has revamped its permanent exhibition halls dedicated to prehistoric and ancient history. The newly renovated spaces include the Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze Age sections, as well as the Gojoseon, Buyeo, Samhan, and Goguryeo halls.

 

This extensive reorganization, which began in 2023 and took approximately two years to complete, covers a total area of 1,613.38 square meters—about a quarter of the museum’s first-floor exhibition space. The exhibition traces Korea’s historical and cultural journey from the Paleolithic era through the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Gojoseon, Buyeo, Samhan, and finally, Goguryeo.

 

Under the theme “Traces of Life Become History,” the museum aims to make the long history of human civilization—from its earliest origins to the formation of ancient states—more accessible and engaging for visitors.

 

▲ Past view of the Paleolithic hall on the first floor of the permanent exhibition at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan, Seoul, appears in this photo taken in 2023 before the exhibition renovation. (Yonhap)

 

The exhibition features 1,156 cases containing a total of 1,807 artifacts, alongside immersive storytelling elements.

 

One notable change is the relocation of the explanation of the Bangudae Petroglyphs—a National Treasure and one of the greatest masterpieces of prehistoric Korean culture. Previously positioned at the entrance, it is now featured prominently on a large central wall.

 

The exhibition also incorporates a video display chronicling Earth’s formation, the emergence of early humans, and the development of fire and tools. After watching the video, visitors can freely explore both the prehistoric and ancient history sections.

 

To the right of the central wall, the prehistoric section begins with the Paleolithic era, featuring artifacts such as a hand axe discovered in Jeongok-ri, Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, in 1978—the first of its kind found in East Asia. These oval-shaped stone tools, sharpened at one end and blunt at the other for gripping, were used for various tasks.

 

The exhibition also includes demonstrations of Paleolithic stone tool-making, illustrations depicting daily life, and stratigraphic records from archaeological sites, providing a vivid look at life from hundreds of thousands to ten thousand years ago.

 

▲ The pottery (L) excavated from the Gosan-ri site in Jeju, and the plant fossil excavated from the Hamori site in Seogwipo. Photo courtesy of the National Museum of Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

The Neolithic and Bronze Age sections highlight key archaeological finds, such as the Dongsam-dong Shell Midden site in Busan. A projected video enhances the experience by displaying images of animal bones, fish remains, and dugout canoes setting out to sea.

 

Artifacts from the Bronze Age, including bronze ornaments from the Auraji site in Jeongseon, Gangwon Province, and a dagger-shaped bronze sword from the Hakpyeong-ri site in Cheongju, showcase the era’s technological advancements and the transition to an agricultural society.

 

▲ This image of national treasure "Collection of bronze bells from Jeon Deoksan,"donated by late Samsung founder Lee Kun-hee, is provided by the National Museum of Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

The ancient history section begins with exhibits on Gojoseon, Buyeo, and Samhan. Notably, the Duksan Bronze Bell Collection, a National Treasure donated by the late Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee, will now be on permanent display instead of being limited to special exhibitions.

 

Particular emphasis has been placed on the Goguryeo section, responding to visitor interest. In a 2013 survey of 213 visitors aged 15 and older, 51.2% identified the Goguryeo hall as the most fascinating part of the exhibit. However, many also expressed disappointment over the limited number of artifacts due to their dispersal across various countries.

 

To address this, the museum has expanded the Goguryeo exhibition space from 208.6 square meters to 365.2 square meters—an increase of approximately 1.7 times. The number of displayed artifacts has also grown, incorporating items from the museum’s own collection as well as pieces on loan from external institutions, such as Seoul National University Museum.

 

One of the key new exhibits is a Goguryeo general’s lamellar armor, excavated from the Mudung-ri Fortress in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, which is being displayed for the first time.

 

Additionally, digital projections recreate murals from tombs such as Anrak Tomb No. 3 and Kangso Great Tomb, bringing to life the artistic legacy of Goguryeo. The exhibition also features a large rubbing of the Gwanggaeto Stele, allowing visitors to examine its historical inscriptions in detail.

 

▲ This photo of the iron armor excavated from the Mudung-ri fortress in Yeoncheon is provided by the National Museum of Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

For younger audiences, the museum has created interactive learning spaces tailored to children. These areas allow hands-on engagement with major artifacts such as a Paleolithic hand axe and the Bronze Agricultural Design, a Treasure that illustrates Bronze Age farming and religious practices.

 

Kim Jae-hong, Director of the National Museum of Korea, emphasized the importance of connecting history to the present: “We hope visitors will not see history as something distant, but rather recognize that even the traces we leave behind today will become part of human history.”

 

The newly renovated Prehistoric and Ancient History Hall will be open to the public starting Feb. 15.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]