Room of Contemplation at National Museum of Korea Debuts as Starbucks Collaboration Collection

Seven Products Inspired by the "Room of Contemplation"
Unveiled for the 20th Anniversary of the National Museum of Korea

On August 5, the National Museum Foundation announced the launch of the collaborative collection "Moments of Contemplation with the Stars," developed together with Starbucks Korea to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the opening of the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan.

Sayuui Bang Glow Glass. National Museum Cultural Foundation

This collection was inspired by the "Room of Contemplation," a representative exhibition space at the National Museum of Korea. The Room of Contemplation is a meditative area where visitors can closely encounter cultural heritage in tranquility. The collaboration was conceived based on the idea that the image of the Pensive Bodhisattva, deep in thought, naturally harmonizes with moments of reflection accompanied by coffee. The serene and peaceful aura of the two Pensive Bodhisattva statues, as well as the lighting, colors, and atmosphere of the entire Room of Contemplation, have been reinterpreted under the concept of "Moments of Contemplation with the Stars."

Earlier, in January, the Foundation introduced its first collaborative collection with Starbucks, "Joseon Meets Coffee." This collection, which depicts a Joseon-era scholar enjoying tea while gazing at a plum blossom garden, was inspired by "A Scholar's House Surrounded by Plum Blossoms," a painting by Lee Hancheol donated to the National Museum of Korea by the family of Lee Honggeun of the Dongwon family. Notably, this collaboration with a popular brand was recognized for broadly sharing the stories behind cultural artifacts with a wider range of customers. It was also praised for expanding the experience of cultural heritage from the confines of the museum into everyday life, thereby reaffirming the significance of the donation and broadening the value of cultural heritage.

The "Moments of Contemplation with the Stars" collection consists of seven items: the Room of Contemplation Bearista Demi Mug, the Room of Contemplation Glow-in-the-Dark Glass, the Room of Contemplation Sion Mug, the Room of Contemplation Magic Tumbler, the Room of Contemplation Mini Bag, the Room of Contemplation Beads Charm, and the Room of Contemplation Figure Plate. Each product comes in exclusive packaging to enhance its collectible value.

The pre-released items have been available for purchase on the Starbucks Naver Brand Store since August 1, and starting August 7, they will also be available online through Starbucks and at more than 760 Starbucks offline stores nationwide.

Jung Yongseok, President of the National Museum Foundation, stated, "It is highly meaningful to launch a product themed after the museum's symbolic 'Room of Contemplation' in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan this year," and added, "Through ongoing collaborations, we will continue to share the value of cultural heritage with even more people."