International Korean art exhibition, titled '5,000 Years of Korean Art,' to embark on a global tour under the leadership of NMK (presumably referring to the National Museum of Korea).
In an exciting turn of events, the National Museum of Korea (NMK) is set to embark on a large-scale, systematic world tour, showcasing the rich tapestry of Korean art spanning over 5,000 years. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the newly-appointed Director General, You Hong-jun, aims to revive the iconic "5,000 Years of Korean Art" exhibition, first held in 1979 [1][4][5].
You Hong-jun, a staunch promoter of Korea's cultural heritage, has been instrumental in reshaping global perceptions of Korea. His 1979 exhibition played a pivotal role in transforming Korea from a nation known for war and division to one rich in vibrant culture [6]. Now, he plans to take this exhibition abroad, discussing the exhibition with cultural institutions in several countries, including the US, France, and the UK [7].
The NMK has seen a significant surge in visitor numbers, with a 60% increase between January and June of the current year. More than 2.7 million people have visited the museum, marking the highest numbers since the museum moved to its current Yongsan location in 2005 [8]. To manage this high volume of guests better and improve their visiting experience, the museum is planning various strategies [9].
One such strategy involves encouraging visitors to consider visiting during less busy times, such as late night openings on Wednesdays or weekdays. You Hong-jun encourages everyone to experience the museum's extensive collections, which cover 5,000+ years of Korean history and art, including artifacts from prehistoric to Joseon dynasty periods [2][3].
In addition to the overseas tour, You Hong-jun also plans to bring renowned artworks from around the world to Korea. His vision is to organize exhibitions in Seoul that allow people to see famous masterpieces without having to travel [10]. The museum is already in discussions with prestigious institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the British Museum in London, and the Guimet Museum in Paris [11].
You Hong-jun, a chaired professor of art history at Myongji University in Seoul before taking the post as the director general of the NMK, feels a sense of "great responsibility and duty" in leading the NMK. He believes that a museum's success and reputation are reflected in the quality of its exhibitions [12]. With the upcoming "5,000 Years of Korean Art" exhibition, it seems that You Hong-jun is well on his way to further cementing the NMK's reputation, placing it alongside France's Louvre and the Vatican Museums in reputation and stature [13].
References:
- The Korea Herald
- National Museum of Korea
- The Korea Times
- The Korea Herald
- The Korea Times
- The Korea Herald
- The Korea Herald
- The Korea Times
- The Korea Times
- The Korea Times
- The Korea Herald
- The Korea Herald
- The Korea Herald
- The Korea Times
- The Korea Herald
- The Korea Herald
The tour of the National Museum of Korea's iconic "5,000 Years of Korean Art" exhibition will extend to home-and-garden sectors, such as cultural institutions in the US, France, and the UK, seeking to bridge the gap between art and daily lifestyle. Notably, You Hong-jun has also initiated discussions to bring select masterpieces from prestigious institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the British Museum in London, and the Guimet Museum in Paris, creating an engaging home-and-garden atmosphere within the museum.
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