[On-site Video] "Wow~ This is why it's a treasure" 'Inwangjesaekdo' Lee Geonhee Collection, Seen Right Before Your Eyes

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, PD Yoon Jin-geun] "This is truly a national treasure." "A treasure that has come out of the textbooks."

It was literally the embodiment of "myeongbulheojeon" (worthy of its reputation). Visitors could not stop marveling in front of the "Lee Kun-hee Collection," which attracted attention as the "Donation of the Century."

On the morning of the 27th, citizens visiting the "Enjoying Great Cultural Heritage Together - Exhibition of Masterpieces Donated by the Late Chairman Lee Kun-hee" held at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, could not take their eyes off Geomjae Jeong Seon (1676?1759)’s greatest masterpiece, "Inwangjesaekdo" (National Treasure No. 216).

The rare works that had only been seen in textbooks or exhibited very rarely gathered in one place, creating a new experience in itself.

"Inwangjesaekdo" is regarded as the pinnacle of true-view landscape painting in the late Joseon Dynasty. Also on display were Danwon Kim Hong-do (1757?1806)’s late work "Chuseongbudo" (Treasure No. 1393) and the Goryeo Buddhist painting "Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara" (Treasure No. 2015). Additionally, a variety of artifacts were revealed, from "Seokbosangjeol," which encapsulates the efforts and achievements of creating Hangul, to earthenware, ceramics, and wooden furniture.

Among them, visitors could also see the Bronze Age "Red Slip Pottery" with a reddish gloss created by applying iron oxide, and the "Twin Dragon Pattern Sword Handle Ornament" (Treasure No. 776), which showcases the level of goldsmithing technology during the Three Kingdoms period.

The museum introduced the selection criteria for the works as "representative pieces that show Chairman Lee Kun-hee’s philosophy and the nature of the collection." Curator Lee Jae-ho explained, "The donated items from the late Chairman Lee Kun-hee number over 21,600 pieces, spanning from the Bronze Age to the Joseon Dynasty. We selected 77 works that well represent technical and design challenges of each era for the exhibition."

He added, "Technically difficult yet beautifully designed works resonate with the mindset Chairman Lee Kun-hee himself had as an entrepreneur. We hope visitors can feel the donor’s spirit while viewing the exhibition."