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| ▲ This photo, provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration, shows South Korea's national treasure Portrait of King Taejo of Joseon. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Jan. 7 (Yonhap) -- Korea's major museums are gearing up to welcome visitors with diverse exhibitions in 2024, offering glimpses into history, art, and culture from home and abroad.
◇ National Museum of Korea: Early Joseon Art & Oceania Culture
To mark the 20th anniversary of its relocation to Yongsan, the National Museum of Korea will showcase the artistic achievements of the early Joseon Dynasty in a special exhibition tentatively titled "Early Joseon Art," opening on June 10.
Spanning 200 years from the establishment of Joseon in 1392 to the outbreak of the Imjin War in 1592, the exhibition will feature over 250 works, including portraits of King Taejo Yi Seong-gye, paintings, ceramics, and Buddhist art. Notable highlights include the "Sakyamuni's Birth" painting, held by a Japanese temple, and Ahn Gyeon's "Eight Views of the Four Seasons."
Additionally, the museum will present Korea’s first exhibition on Oceanian culture in collaboration with the Musée du Quai Branly in France. Running from April 30 to September 14, the exhibit will delve into the culture and art of Indigenous Pacific Island communities.
◇ Gyeongju National Museum: Silla Gold Crowns Gathered for APEC
The Gyeongju National Museum is preparing to host an extraordinary exhibition during the APEC Summit scheduled for late October to early November. For the first time, all six discovered Silla gold crowns will be displayed together.
The exhibition marks the centennial of the first gold crown’s discovery in 1921 at the Geumgwanchong Tomb. The museum sees the event as a significant opportunity to showcase the splendor of Silla’s golden culture to the world.
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| ▲ This photo, provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration, shows South Korea's national treasure Gold Crown and Gold Ornaments from Geumgwanchong. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
◇ National Palace Museum of Korea: Royal Heritage Unveiled
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the National Palace Museum of Korea will focus on royal cultural heritage. In August, the museum will unveil six wall paintings from key halls of Changdeokgung Palace, including Heejeongdang, Daejojeon, and Gyeonghunggak.
These murals, created around the 1920s with contributions from artists such as Kim Gyu-jin and Lee Sang-beom, are recognized for their symbolic representations of royal prosperity and authority. Among the highlights are "The Wave of Three Immortals" and "Morning Sun over the Ocean."
In October, the "Re:Born: Museum Conservation Science" exhibition will explore the preservation and restoration of royal artifacts, including King Taejo’s portrait and floral-patterned jars. Notably, the museum will display restored cultural properties from abroad, such as the "Ten-fold Screen of Dream of the Nine Clouds" and the "Ten-fold Screen of 100 Boys," in July.
◇ National Museum of Korean History: 80 Years of Liberation
Commemorating the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, the National Museum of Korean History will host themed exhibitions throughout the year.
A May exhibition titled "Records" will revisit the visual and documentary legacy of liberation, while a December special exhibit tentatively titled "Reclaiming History" will explore post-liberation efforts to restore national identity.
On Liberation Day, a "Taegukgi" exhibition will highlight the symbolic flag’s journey, from its historical significance to modern appearances, including its use at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Visitors will have the rare opportunity to view Taegukgi flags from both domestic and international collections, reflecting the resilience and triumph of the Korean spirit.
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