33 Cultural Assets Transferred to National Palace Museum...Buddhist Museum Exhibition Ends Early Due to Fire

Fire at Jogye Order International Conference Hall on June 10
National Treasures and Treasures Transferred to National Palace Museum
Buddhist Museum Exhibition Ends Early

On June 10, a fire broke out at the International Conference Hall of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism headquarters. The fire was extinguished without any casualties, and it has been confirmed that many cultural assets, including National Treasures and Treasures, were transferred from the Buddhist Central Museum to the National Palace Museum of Korea.

The ceiling inside the building is blackened due to a fire that occurred on the 10th at the International Conference Hall of the Korean Buddhist History and Culture Memorial Hall next to Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism

On June 11, the Jogye Order announced in a message to its members that a total of 33 items from 15 collections?including 1 National Treasure (9 pieces), 4 Treasures (8 pieces), 1 local tangible cultural heritage (2 pieces), and 9 non-designated heritage items (14 pieces)?were safely relocated to the National Palace Museum of Korea on the evening of June 10. The museum reported that there was no significant damage to the cultural assets.

With the large-scale transfer of exhibits, the Jogye Order decided to end the special exhibition "Hoseon Uigyeom: The Buddha Revealed at the Tip of the Brush," which was originally scheduled to run until June 29, earlier than planned in order to inspect and repair the museum facilities.

Jinwoo, the Chief Executive Director of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, stated, "The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation by the relevant authorities. Regardless of the cause, I deeply apologize for my shortcomings in failing to ensure thorough inspections and safety management in advance. I bow my head in sincere repentance."

Jinwoo also expressed relief that the fire was quickly extinguished without any casualties and did not spread to cause greater damage. He added, "I sincerely thank the fire authorities, police, the monks and staff of the headquarters for their dedicated and prompt response at the scene."