The National Museum of Korea opened a new immersive exhibition space to display its treasured pensive bodhisattvas. The ‘Room of Quiet Contemplation’ was designed by One O One architects to immerse the viewer in a contemplative experience of the works.

A Joseon-era eight-panel folding screen depicting a hunting scene was found at auction, and acquired for return to Korea. The screen is believed to be the most artistically complete of its kind, showing features of a high quality court painting.

Korea’s two famous pensive bodhisattva statues (National Treasures No. 78 and 83), which have seldom been seen together, have found a new permanent setting in the National Museum of Korea where they can be seen side by side, a highlight of the museum.

Sohn Chang-keun became the first recipient of the Geumgwan (Gold Crown) Order of Cultural Merit, for his donation of the historic painting “Sehando” (National Treasure No. 180) by Chusa Kim Jeong-hui, which dates back to the Joseon Dynasty.

“Angbuilgu” were sundials first designed by King Sejong the Great in 1434 to make celestial observation and timekeeping available to the public. One of these sundials was found at auction in the US, and was successfully acquired and returned to Korea.

A rare piece of mother-of-pearl lacquerware (known as “najeonchilgi”) from the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) was returned to Korea from Japan, where it had been in the hands of a private collector.

Daegunjubo, a national seal crafted in 1882 under King Gojong, and Hyojongeobo, the royal seal of King Hyojong (1619-1659) made posthumously to commemorate his achievements in 1740, were repatriated to Korea from the US.

The writings of Korea’s Princess Deokon (1822-44) were returned to Korea after more than a century. The writings were returned from the princess’ descendants in the US, and include two handwritten books, regarded as particularly rare.

Mark Tetto became the first foreigner to be appointed Honorary Guard of Gyreongbok Palace, in recognition of his work promoting and protecting Korean culture and heritage. The earliest recorded guard naming ceremony of this kind was held in 1469.

A gilt Goryeo era Buddhist reliquary shrine and statue were acquired from Japan and donated for display at the National Museum of Korea. The gift was acquired and donated to the museum by the Young Friends of the Museum (YFM) to mark the 1100 year anniversary of the founding of the Goryeo dynasty.