The National Museum of Korea marks its 80th anniversary today. Beginning in 1945 by taking over the building of the Museum of the Government-General of Korea, the museum later moved through Deoksugung Seokjojeon Hall, the former Central Government Building, and the National Palace Museum of Korea, before opening its Yongsan era in 2005 and establishing itself as a central hub of Korean culture.
Over the past 80 years, cumulative visitors have surpassed 100 million. This equates to the average citizen having visited the museum more than twice, and the annual record of 6 million visitors is now within reach for this year. The museum’s own goods, which reflect the strong interest of both tourists and Korean citizens, continue to sell out, with some products selling out quickly upon release and emerging as a notable cultural consumption trend.
The collection has also grown significantly. From approximately 46,000 items in 1946, the number has expanded to around 438,000 today. The donation of about 21,000 pieces by the late Chairman Lee Kun-hee in 2021 further strengthened the breadth and depth of the collection. The museum is pursuing plans to enhance the utilization of its collection through expanded exhibition spaces and diverse programs.
The facility itself has expanded from 6,900 square meters to 146,000 square meters, establishing itself as a complex cultural space that integrates exhibitions, research, education, and cultural experiences. It serves as a representative space that allows both domestic and international visitors to encounter Korean culture and history from multiple perspectives.
A representative of the National Museum of Korea stated, “The milestone of 100 million cumulative visitors is a record showing how Korean history and culture have connected to the world,” adding, “We will continue to fulfill our role as a cultural center.”
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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