Starbucks Donates Kim Gu's Handwritten Calligraphy "Bungjeongmanri" to Mark 80th Anniversary of Liberation

Entrusted Using Proceeds from the Hwangudan Community Store
A Total of 12 Handwritten Calligraphy Works Donated Since 2015

Starbucks Korea announced on August 13 that, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Liberation, it has entrusted the Cultural Heritage National Trust with "Bungjeongmanri," a calligraphic work handwritten by Kim Gu, a renowned independence activist.

The handover ceremony took place on August 11 at Deoksugung Jungmyeongjeon, attended by Kim Jiyoung, Head of the Starbucks ESG Team, Kim Youngkyung, Manager at the Cultural Heritage National Trust, and Starbucks Korea partners.

Kim Jiyoung, Head of Starbucks ESG Team, Kim Youngkyung, Manager of Cultural Heritage National Trust (second from right), and Starbucks Korea partners are taking a commemorative photo after the handover ceremony at Deoksugung Jungmyeongjeon on the 11th.
Photo by Starbucks Korea

The donated calligraphy, "Bungjeongmanri," by Kim Gu, is a phrase originating from a tale about a mythical bird, "Bung," which soars ninety thousand li in a single flight. The phrase encapsulates Kim Gu's aspiration for the nation's independence, symbolizing the "long journey" toward freedom. To honor the spirit of Liberation, Starbucks used proceeds from its ninth Community Store, Hwangudan Branch, to establish a fund for the protection of independent cultural heritage, and donated the handwritten calligraphy to the Cultural Heritage National Trust.

Since 2015, Starbucks has donated a total of 12 handwritten calligraphic works by independence activists. These include Kim Gu's "Jonsimyangseong," "Gwangbokjoguk," "Cheonhawigong," "Yujipilseong," "Jiseonggamcheon," and "Bungjeongmanri"; Ahn Changho’s "Yakyokgaejosahoe Seonjagaejoagung"; Han Yongun’s "Jeondaebeomnyun"; Oh Sechang’s "Ishinyangseong" and "Oeonsi 2pok"; and Shin Ikhee’s "Yugeomgaijo Ryeom Yuseogaiseongdeok."

Additionally, to share these historically significant independent cultural heritages with customers, Starbucks held a special exhibition, "The Calligraphy Becomes a Shining Star: The Second Light," at Deokhongjeon in Deoksugung this past April, publicly displaying the donated calligraphic works to date.

During the special exhibition, Starbucks also held fusion Korean traditional music performances that blended tradition and modernity in the front yard of Deoksugung Jeukjodang, continuing its sincere efforts to protect and raise awareness of national heritage.

Meanwhile, in July last year, Starbucks converted its Hwangudan Branch into the ninth Community Store, allocating 300 KRW from every item sold to a national heritage protection fund. Based on this initiative, Starbucks has not only donated handwritten calligraphy but also provided a 30 million KRW scholarship to the Korea National University of Cultural Heritage, carrying out various social contribution activities to preserve national heritage and nurture specialized talent.