15,667 Visitors in One Month
Attendance Up 25% Compared to Similar Exhibitions
Yiz Merchandise Sells Out
Approximately 15,000 visitors attended the overseas touring exhibition of the late Chairman Lee Kun-hee's donated collection at the National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C. over the past month since November 15.
Local visitors watching "Pyeongsaengdo." Photo by Colin Dugan, courtesy of the National Museum of Asian Art, USA
According to the National Museum of Asian Art, the cumulative number of visitors to "Treasures from Korea: Collecting, Cherishing, Sharing," the overseas touring exhibition of the late Chairman Lee Kun-hee's donated collection, which opened on November 15, reached 15,667 over the past month. This represents a 25% increase compared to special exhibitions of a similar scale.
This exhibition marks the first overseas showcase of items donated by the family of the late Chairman Lee Kun-hee. It features 172 works comprising 297 pieces, including seven National Treasures and 15 Treasures, such as "Inwangjesaekdo" (Clearing After Rain at Mt. Inwang), a masterpiece by late Joseon-era painter Jeong Seon (1676-1759). It is the largest special exhibition of Korean art in North America in over 40 years.
The appearance of the Law School, which attracted attention for resembling the character "Duffy" from the movie "K-Pop Demon Hunters." Photo by Colin Dugan, courtesy of the National Museum of Asian Art, USA
An exhibition official commented, "Visitors of all ages, from young students to seniors, are attending the exhibition," adding, "They are deeply impressed by the delicate expression and high level of craftsmanship."
Hwang Sunwoo, curator at the National Museum of Asian Art, explained, "The Moon Jar and Beopgodae are attracting particular attention." The Beopgodae is a platform designed to hold a drum used in Buddhist rituals at temples, often shaped like a lion or haetae. According to the museum, the Beopgodae on display has become a topic of conversation because it is said to resemble "Duffy," a character from the Netflix animated film "K-Pop Demon Hunters."
The celadon plate set, which recorded the highest sales among Yiz, provided by the National Museum Cultural Foundation
The museum's cultural products, branded as "Yiz," are also drawing attention. According to the museum, items such as a celadon-inspired plate set and a lamp featuring "Inwangjesaekdo" sold out within a week of the opening, with total orders reaching 100 million won.
The opening celebration held locally in the United States on December 17 was attended by Yoo Hongjun, Director of the National Museum of Korea, Kang Kyungwha, Ambassador to the United States, as well as representatives from the Smithsonian Institution and the Korean Cultural Center in Washington, D.C.
Yoo Hongjun, Director of the National Museum of Korea, giving a congratulatory speech. Courtesy of the National Museum of Korea
Director Yoo Hongjun stated, "I hope people around the world will discover the beauty of Korean traditional culture and feel the power and artistry of Korean culture that transcends past and present."
The exhibition in Washington will run until February 1 next year. Afterwards, it is scheduled to be presented at the Art Institute of Chicago (March 7-July 5, 2026) and the British Museum (September 10, 2026-January 10, 2027).
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