The Smithsonian is celebrating Korean art in a grand and unprecedented way with Korean Treasures: Collected, Cherished, Shared, now on display at the National Museum of Asian Art. Spanning 1,500 years of Korea’s artistic legacy, the exhibition brings together over 200 works, including a dozen National Treasures from the legendary Lee Kun-Hee collection.
Rare loans from Seoul’s Leeum Museum of Art, shown exclusively in Washington, D.C., invite visitors to experience centuries of innovation, craftsmanship, and cultural storytelling—all in one extraordinary celebration of Korea’s global artistic influence.
“Korean Treasures is a rare and extraordinary opportunity to share the richness and depth of Korean art with U.S. audiences,” says Chase F. Robinson, director of the National Museum of Asian Art. “From Buddhist sculpture of the Three Kingdoms period to Joseon dynasty furnishings and bold 20th-century paintings, these works span centuries of innovation and creativity.”
Exploring Korea’s Artistic Legacy
Arranged thematically across ten galleries, the exhibition blends pre-modern and 20th-century works to highlight the depth and diversity of Korea’s artistic heritage. Visitors begin and conclude their journey with reflections on the country’s collecting traditions, inspired by chaekgado—vibrant painted screens depicting scholarly books and treasured objects.
A highlight is a 19th-century chaekgado featuring rare books, antiques, and curiosities imported from China, evoking parallels with European cabinets of curiosity. Through these works, the exhibition celebrates not only aesthetic beauty but also the enduring cultural resonance of Korean art, bridging history, tradition, and contemporary creativity.
Engaging Public Programmes
Complementing the exhibition is a vibrant programme of public events, offering visitors interactive ways to engage with Korean culture. Daily guided tours showcase masterpieces from the Lee Kun-Hee collection, while special activities include a sing-along screening of Kpop Demon Hunters, workshops on traditional rice wine, and live performances by contemporary Korean musicians. These experiences bring the exhibition to life, allowing audiences to connect with Korea’s artistic legacy in playful and immersive ways.
Korean art’s international presence has never been stronger, and exhibitions such as Korean Treasures reinforce its cultural and artistic significance. For collectors, connoisseurs, and enthusiasts alike, the showcase offers both visual delight and a deep dive into Korea’s centuries-long tradition of creativity and generosity. By presenting these masterpieces in Washington, the Smithsonian underscores the growing influence of Korean culture on the global art stage.
(Images: Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art)
