Silla Gold Crowns and APEC Meet: Gyeongju Museum Sees Highest Attendance in 30 Years

1. 1.97 Million Visitors Last Year, Up 45% from Previous Year
2. "Open Run" for Gold Crowns and Summit Venue Opening Drove Success

When the brilliant legacy of Silla met the vibrant stage of international diplomacy, crowds of visitors flocked to the scene.

The Gyeongju National Museum announced on January 6 that it recorded 1,976,313 visitors last year, the highest number in 30 years since 1996, when it saw 2.02 million visitors. This figure, which represents a 45% increase from the previous year, is highly significant. It proves that the museum has evolved from a static relic exhibition hall into a "hot place" where history and contemporary affairs come alive.

The main driver behind this success was undoubtedly the special exhibition "Silla Gold Crowns: Power and Prestige." For the first time in 104 years, all six surviving Silla gold crowns and a gold belt were gathered in one place, prompting visitors from across the country to line up for the "open run." The enthusiasm to witness the essence of royal culture firsthand led to sold-out days, and the museum extended the exhibition period until February 2026.

The "APEC Summit" also served as a major catalyst. The Korea-U.S. and Korea-China summits were held at the museum, drawing global attention. The museum seized this opportunity by preserving the summit venue in its original form and opening it as a photo zone. Visitors were able to experience the diplomatic scene featured in the news and share a "cultural memory."

Enhanced infrastructure and planning also played a key role. The "Wolji Hall," which reopened in October last year after 18 months of renovation, provided a more comfortable environment that encouraged longer stays. The "Seongdeokdaewang Divine Bell Sound Survey," unveiled for the first time in 22 years, captured the public’s imagination by sharing the "sound of a millennium" with visitors.

Yoon Sangdeok, Director of the Gyeongju National Museum, stated, "Last year’s record is evidence of how deeply our cultural heritage resonates with both the Korean public and people around the world," adding, "We will continue to live up to the public’s trust with refined exhibitions and a pleasant environment."