Unveiling Korea's Cultural Legacy: A Journey Through Time and Treasures
Embark on a captivating exploration of Korea's rich artistic heritage as the National Museum of Korea presents 'Korean Treasures: Collected, Cherished, Shared' from November 15, 2025, to February 1, 2026, at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C. This extraordinary exhibition promises to be the most comprehensive showcase of Korean art in the United States in over four decades, featuring an impressive collection of over 205 masterpieces.
The exhibition brings together an array of artifacts, including 172 pieces from the National Museum of Korea, seven National Treasures, and fifteen Treasures, alongside significant modern and contemporary artworks. The collection is a testament to the enduring passion for collecting, a timeless practice that preserves memories and shares cultural heritage. At the heart of this exhibition lies a remarkable donation from the family of the late Samsung chairman, Lee Kun-Hee, who gifted these masterpieces to the Korean government. These once-private works, now accessible to the public, offer a glimpse into the National Museum of Korea (NMK) and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA) collections.
This exhibition marks a significant milestone in the National Museum of Korea's efforts to make the Lee Kun-Hee Collection accessible globally. Following the donation of over 21,000 objects, the museum has published a fourteen-volume catalogue series and made the digitized records of the entire collection available online through the e-Museum platform. Additionally, the museum has strengthened its global partnerships through the Overseas Korean Galleries Support Program, further expanding the reach of Korean cultural heritage worldwide. These initiatives lay the foundation for bringing Korea's artistic legacy to a broader audience, with the Washington, D.C., presentation serving as a pivotal moment in this long-term collaboration.
The exhibition delves into Korea's collecting traditions, shedding light on key cultural spheres such as Confucianism, Buddhism, and royal court culture, which are essential to understanding Korean civilization. Among the highlights are Jeong Seon's 'Clearing After Rain on Mount Inwang,' Kim Hongdo's 'Sound of Autumn,' and the Worin seokbo, renowned for its artistic merit and early use of Hangeul. Curated by the National Museum of Korea, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea, the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art, and the Art Institute of Chicago, the exhibition will travel from Washington, D.C., to Chicago and London, captivating audiences worldwide.
You Hong-June, Director of the National Museum of Korea, emphasized the significance of this global journey, stating, 'From Washington, D.C., to Chicago and London, this exhibition shares the excellence of Korean art, the true foundation of K-culture, with the world.' For those captivated by K-pop and Korean film, 'Korean Treasures' offers a unique opportunity to explore the roots of K-culture, connecting the past and present through centuries of artistic creativity.
