Seoul Metropolitan Council Chairman Kim Hyun-ki Meets with Smithsonian Institution Officials Visiting Korea for Craft Exchange Cooperation

Dr. Paul Michael Taylor of the Smithsonian Institution Visits Korea for Craft Exchange Cooperation... Tours Cheongju, Andong, and More to Strengthen Craft Exchange & Invited to Next Year's Korean Craft Festival in Washington

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] On the 12th at 2 p.m., Kim Hyun-ki, Chairman of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, received Dr. Paul Michael Taylor and his delegation from the Smithsonian Institution in the United States.

The delegation, visiting Korea for lectures and meetings related to the 2022 Cheongju Traditional Craft Festival pre-events, visited the city council that day and paid a courtesy call on Chairman Kim Hyun-ki, conveying an invitation to the Korean Craft Festival scheduled to be held in Washington next year.

Dr. Taylor is the head and curator of the Asian Cultural History Program at the Smithsonian Institution. He earned his Ph.D. in Anthropology from Yale University and has actively promoted cultural and artistic exchanges with Korea, including receiving a lifetime achievement award from the Korean American Museum of California.

Chairman Kim Hyun-ki responded positively to the event invitation and requested the Smithsonian's cooperation to help widely promote Korea's traditional crafts.

The Smithsonian Institution, founded in 1846 based on the legacy of British scientist James Smithson, is the largest cultural complex institution in the United States. It operates 19 art museums including the National Museum of Natural History and leads exhibitions encompassing science, history, and arts and culture.