- May 2 (Fri) – May 18 (Sun), 2025 | The Lavery Gallery 10, London The Korea Heritage Service, in collaboration with the Korea Heritage Agency, debuts in ‘London Craft week’, UK.  ‘London Craft Week’ is an annual festival held across the city of London since 2015. Celebrating craftsmanship and creativity, the event brings together artists, designers, institutions, and brands from diverse fields such as design, fashion, art, and luxury. In 2024, the festival welcomed participation from over 200 partners worldwide and attracted approximately 250,000 visitors. This marks the Korea Heritage Service’s first participation in the event, presenting an exhibition that highlights the artistic excellence and cultural significance of Korea’s traditional craftsmanship rooted in intangible cultural heritage. The exhibition also explores contemporary reinterpretations of these time-honored techniques, demonstrating their enduring relevance and creative potential in today’s world. Titled K-Craft in London Objects of Beautification, the exhibition will feature a curated selection of everyday objects presented under K.CRAFT, a brand showcasing Korea’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage crafts. Drawing inspiration from the traditional sabangtakja—a four-sided open cabinet used during the Joseon Dynasty—the exhibition will showcase 82 works across 28 craft categories, with selected pieces available for purchase. The exhibition includes works developed through the Traditional Craft Design Collaboration Support Program. This initiative supports collaborations between Korea’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage artisans and designers active today to develop traditional crafts with contemporary relevance.  Featured works include: • Letter knife: A reinterpretation of the small personal knives used across genders and generations in the Joseon era, created by Park Jong-gun (Artisan of Jangdojang, Knife Making) in consultation with Kim Ju-il (CEO, DesignJoo). • Mirage Vase: A striking vase decorated with silver inlay, crafted by Nam Kyung-sook (Artisan of Jogakjang, Metal Engraving),in consultation with Adjunct Professor Lee Sam-woong (Woodworking & Furniture Design, Hongik University). • Inlay Brooch: Featuring intricate geometric patterns created using traditional wire inlay techniques, crafted by Seung Kyung-ran (Artisan of Ipsajang, Silver or Gold Inlaying),in consultation with Assistant Professor Chung Ho-yeon (Metal Craft & Design, SeoulTech) • Leather Gold Leaf Imprint Durujumeoni: A luxurious leather pouch with intricate gold leaf work, created by Park Su-young (Artisan of Geumbakjang,Gold Leaf Imprinting), in consultation with designer Kim Ju-il. • Quilted Silk Scarf: A modern reinterpretation of traditional hand quilting, created by Ha Eun-jung(Artisan of Nubijang, Quilting), in consultation with Kim Hyun-ji (CEO, 1YearPerformance). • Sanhwa mobile: Lotus leaf: A contemporary transformation of court floral decorations into hanging sculptures, designed by Kim Joo-young(Artisan of GungjungChaehwa, Royal Silk Flower Making), in consultation with Seo Hyun-jin (CEO, Studio ORIGIN). The exhibition also features certified works recognized under Korea’s Traditional Craft Certification Program — a government-led accreditation system that authenticates the craftsmanship and artistic excellence of traditional heritage objects, reinforcing their cultural value and institutional trust. Featured works include:  • Hapjukseon:A folding bamboo fan by Holder Kim Dong-sik and Certified trainee Kim Dae-sung (Artisan of Seonjajang, Fan Making). *Hapjuk is a traditional Korean technique of joining thin strips of bamboo, often used in crafting fans. • Seoan Tea Table:A tea table inspired by the traditional Korean scholar’s desk (seoan), originally used for reading and writing, reimagined with a built-in storage box for holding small items — blending contemplative aesthetics with practical utility, by Kim Dong-gyu (Artisan of Somokjang, Wood Furniture Making). • Tassel Clutch:Tassel Clutch, a modern clutch inspired by the durujumeoni — a small traditional pouch worn around the waist — and adorned with decorative Korean knots, by Kim Si-jae (Artisan of Maedeupjang, Decorative Knotting). • Fresh mosi (ramies):Created using UNESCO-recognized techniques, by Kim Sun-hee(Artisan of HansanMosiJjagi, Fine Ramie Weaving of Hansan). Through its debut participation in London Craft Week, the Korea Heritage Service and Korea Heritage Agency aim to elevate the global profile of Korea’s intangible heritage crafts. Their commitment to expanding international outreach and increasing market access for traditional Korean crafts will continue in the years ahead. Attachment.  London Craft Week Artwork List  

- Morning strolls, royal dessert making, Hanbok experiences and more at five palaces and Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul (Apr26–May 4) - Special programs for children (Children's K-Royal Culture Festival), people of distinguished service to independence (Spring Day at Gyeonghoeru Pavilion), and foreigners (The Emperor’s Dining Table) also available 2025 Royal Ancestral Ritual Music Nighttime Performance at the Jongmyo Shrine About Program(Reserveation) 2025 Spring K-Royal Culture Festival Changgyeonggung Palace - Welcome, You in Hanbok About Program(Reserveation) 2025 Spring K-Royal Culture Festival Deoksugung Jungmyeongjeon - The Emperor's Dining Table About Program(Reserveation) 2025 Spring K-Royal Culture Festival Gyeonghoeru Pavilion Special Tour - Time Travel to the Joseon Dynasty About Program(Reserveation) 2025 Spring K-Royal Culture Festival - Awakening the Morning Palace About Program(Reserveation) The Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the Korea Heritage Service (Director Lee Jae-phil), in collaboration with the Korea Heritage Agency (President Choi Young-chang), will host "Spring K-Royal Culture Festival 2025" from April 26 to May 4 at five palaces—Gyeongbokgung,Changdeokgung,Deoksugung,Changgyeonggung, and Gyeonghuigung—as well as Jongmyo Shrine.   Celebrating its 11th edition, "K-Royal Culture Festival" stands as South Korea's largest national heritage festival, showcasing traditional cultural content against the backdrop of historic palaces. In 2024, the combined spring and autumn festivals attracted over 960,000 visitors, both domestic and international. "Spring K-Royal Culture Festival 2025" will focus on▲improving programs associated with national intangible heritage—such as traditional crafts and hanbok lifestyle▲Special programs associated with ‘King Sejong the Great’s Birthday’▲strengthening interactive programs that encourage visitor participation and ▲expanding offerings tailored for international audiences, thereby providing a wider variety of programs further improved from the previous year. ▲ At Gyeongbokgung Palace, the K-Royal Culture Festival Opening Ceremony will be held on April 25, followed by a wide range of programs—including performances, hands-on experiences, and exhibitions—that offer an immersive look into the essence of the Joseon Dynasty's royal court culture. "A Time Travel, King Sejong " (April 26–30) is a large-scale interactive program set throughout the Gyeongbokgung grounds. Visitors can take part in various activities such as“New Commers of Royal Palace,”which offers experiences like making royal desserts and learning traditional court dances, as well as“Royal Palace Daily Life,” a small-scale theatrical performance, and“A Journey Through The Night,”a self-guided nighttime tour of the palace’s northern sector.   At Geunjeongjeon Hall in Gyeongbokgung,“Palace Concert: A Performance by 100 Artists”(May 3–5) will take the stage. A total of 100 master musicians will deliver majestic and vibrant performances of traditional court music, including Daechwita, Yeomillak, and Chunaengjeon, against the historic backdrop of Geunjeongjeon.   There are programs specially designed for children and national merit recipients too.“Children’s K-Royal Culture Festival”(May 2–4) offers activities where children can experience seven traditional professions from the Joseon era, including royal chefs, physicians, embroiderers, and members of the military band. None of the Children's K-Royal Culture Festival programs require prior reservation. "Spring Day at Gyeonghoeru Pavilion" (April 26–May 4) is a special program commemorating the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, which invites people of distinguished service to independence and other socially vulnerable groups to the palace. Invited guests can wear traditional Korean attire, ascend the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, and enjoy traditional performances and refreshments.    At Heungnyemun Gate Square in Gyeongbokgung,“K-Heritage Market” (April 26–May 4) will take place. Booths will be set up to sell crafts by designated intangible heritage holders and traditional cultural goods. In particular, this year’s market will include food booths where visitors can enjoy traditional Korean snacks, enhancing the festive atmosphere.  ▲ Programs taking place at Changdeokgung Palace include "Awakening the Morning Palace (Apr 30–May 4)," which offers a guided morning walk at the palace area, and "The Queen's Wardrobe (Apr 30–May 4)," where the participants can try on traditional Hanbok for photo shoots. Especially, with last year's popularity of "Awakening the Morning Palace," additional sessions for foreigners have been added. The program for foreigners will be guided by Fabien, a French broadcaster in Korea. ▲At Changgyeonggung Palace’sMyeongjeongjeon Hall, the craft exhibition“Embracing: Palace Atmospheres”(April 26–May 4) will be held. The exhibition will feature works by designated intangible cultural heritage holders and trainees, alongside pieces by contemporary artisans who reinterpret traditional crafts through a modern lens.   At Yanghwadang Hall in Changgyeonggung, a new program titled “Welcome, You in Hanbok”(April 30–May 4) will invite visitors to wear traditional hanbok and enjoy a romantic palace trail that connects Changgyeonggung and Changdeokgung.   In addition,“Moonlight Lotus Show at Changgyeonggung Palace” nighttime sightseeing program (April 26–May 4) will offer a special evening ambiance, with media art installations illuminating Daechundangji and Sochundangji Ponds. ▲ At Jungmyeongjeon Hall in Deoksugung Palace, a new program titled“The Emperor's Dining Table”(May 1–3) will be introduced for international visitors. It is a culinary talk show where guests can taste dishes of the Korean Empire’s royal court while listening to historical stories. The program will be conducted in English.   At Deokhongjeon Hall in Deoksugung,“Royal Recreations Club” (April 26–May 4) will offer experiences related to the leisure culture enjoyed by Emperor Gojong during the Korean Empire, including music and sports. The atmosphere of Deoksugung will be further enhanced with savory coffee (gabae) tastings and special performances, and“Royal Recreations Club”is open to the public without prior reservation.   At Jeukjodang Hall in Deoksugung, a fusion Korean music performance titled“Pungryu with Disney”(Apr 27, May 1, May 4) will feature Disney theme songs reinterpreted in traditional Korean musical styles. "Pungryu with Disney" does not require prior reservation. ▲ At Gyeonghuigung Palace, a new program titled“Gyeonghuigung Palace Night Walk”(April 26–28) will take visitors on a guided tour of the palace grounds. Through stories of the kings who once resided at Gyeonghuigung, the program will shed light on the palace’s historical significance while allowing visitors to enjoy guided tours, traditional performances, and tastings of traditional tea.   In addition, a variety of walk-in programs will be offered, including “K-Royal Culture Festival Stamp Tour,”“Royal Court Games Playroom” joined by volunteers known as "Gungidungi", and“Gilnori: Traditional Performance Parade,”a festive performance that weaves through the palace grounds.    Programs requiring advance reservations can be booked through Ticketlink (www.ticketlink.co.kr), and programs for international participants can be booked via Creatrip (www.creatrip.com).   For more details on the K-Royal Culture Festival, please visit the official website (kh.or.kr/fest), follow the official Instagram account (@royalculturefestival_official), or contact the Palace Utilization Program Call Center at ☎ 1522-2295 or the Ticketlink Help Center at ☎ 1588-7890. The Korea Heritage Agency is eager to continue to design and operate unique and original programs for “K-Royal Culture Festival” so people of all ages and nationalities can enjoy the beauty of Korean heritages.

We came to learn national heritage conservation and restoration techniques in Pakistan and Laos Korea Heritage Agency to hold training program for national heritage practitioners from Pakistan and Laos in 2025 The Korea Heritage Service (Administrator Choi Eung-chon) is conducting the "2025 National Heritage ODA Invitation Training Program" in cooperation with the Korea Heritage Agency (President Choi Young-chang) by inviting national heritage professionals from Pakistan and Laos to Korea. This invitation program is part of the National Heritage ODA Project, which aims to strengthen the capacity of cultural heritage restoration and conservation officials from Pakistan and Laos, and to promote international cooperation to build a sustainable foundation for cultural heritage management. The training program for Pakistani officials was held from 9th to 18th September and lasted 10 days. A total of 19 officials from the National Heritage and Culture Department of Pakistan and other national heritage-related agencies participated. Through visits to Seoul, Sejong, Gyeongju and Gyeonggi-do, the participants gained insights into Korea's experience in securing UNESCO World Heritage status and its management systems. The main program included ▲ a visit to the International Centre for the Interpretation and Presentation of World Heritage Sites, ▲ field trips to World Heritage sites such as Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju, ▲ on-site investigation of the inscription and management of Namhansanseong Fortress as a World Heritage site, and ▲ a workshop on the preparation of an implementation plan for World Heritage management. During the workshop, the trainees developed a strategy for nominating Pakistan’s heritage sites for UNESCO World Heritage Sites and presented implementation plans. Muhammad Haseeb Akif, a researcher from the Department of Archaeology and Museums of the National Heritage and Culture Division of Pakistan, said, "I was deeply impressed by how Korea's national heritage is systematically researched and managed. Although Pakistan has excellent national heritage sites such as Mohenjo-Daro, it lacks proper management, which is unfortunate. I would like to share what I learned during the training with my colleagues in Pakistan when I return“. Meanwhile, The invitional training program for Laos will take place over seven days from 11th to 17th May. The program aims to strengthen digital conservation and scientific conservation technology skills through visits to the National Museum of Korea and field education at world heritage sites in Korea. In addition, participants will attend the 61st Spring Academic Conference of the Korean Society of Conservation Science for Cultural Heritage and present the results of the joint restoration project of the Hong Nang Sida Temple in Laos, conducted in collaboration with Korean and Laotian experts. Na Jeong-hee, Director General of the International Cooperation Center of the Korea Heritage Agency, said, "This invitation program was planned based on the experience of projects in Pakistan and Laos, with the aim of promoting communication with experts from the host countries. It will serve as a successful case study of international cooperation through cultural heritage that goes beyond mere education. We will continue to share our expertise in cultural heritage preservation with countries beyond Asia and strive to disseminate Korea's conservation technologies worldwide.

reservation 👉 https://creatrip.com/en/spot/14770 1. About Program ○ Jongmyo Jeryeak Nighttime Performance   - Special Stage Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the World Heritage Listing   - Jongmyo Jeryeak, the royal ritual music passed down for over 600 years, comes to life in the dark. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Jongmyo’s UNESCO World Heritage inscription, this year’s nighttime performance will take place at the Main Hall—rarely open to the public. Don’t miss this rare and special experience. ○ What Makes This Performance Special   - Experience both of UNESCO’s treasures at once : Jongmyo Shrine (Tangible Heritage) and Jongmyo Jeryeak (Intangible Heritage).   - A rare opportunity to enjoy Jongmyo Jeryeak at night in a space usually closed after dark.   - A stunning blend of lighting, music, and dance against the serene nighttime backdrop of Jongmyo.   - Comfortable tiered seating ensures a clear view for all guests. 2. Event period : April 24 (Thu) - May 2 (Fri), 2025, 9 days total (once per day) 3. Performance venue : Jongmyo Shrine Main Hall 4. Performance time : 20:00 ~ 21:00 (about 60 minutes) 5. Number of spectators : 50 people per hour 6. Age Restriction : 7 years old and up (born before 2018)   ○ Due to the nature of a nighttime event, participants under 7 years old (born after 2019) cannot attend for safety reasons.   ○ School-aged children and teenagers (born 2007 - 2018) must be accompanied by one guardian to enter (ticket purchase required per person).

Reservation 👉 https://creatrip.com/en/spot/13948 1. About Program ○ Night tour of Seokjojeon (English guide) → Terrace café experience → Creative musical (in Korean) ○ Seokjojeon Night Tour (English Guide) ○ Terrace Café Experience   - Each table seats two; seats are randomly assigned at booking and confirmed at check-in.   - Choose one drink when booking: hot coffee, iced coffee, hot traditional tea, or iced traditional tea.   - Three desserts (pound cake, financier, sablé) will be served on-site.   - Enjoy classic music with coffee, traditional tea, and Western-style desserts once loved in the royal court at the Seokjojeon 2nd-floor terrace café.   - Relax with a sweet tea time and beautiful live music against the romantic nighttime backdrop of Deoksugung’s Seokjojeon. ○ Creative Musical Performance (in Korean)   - Deoksugung Night at Seokjojeon offers a special chance to explore Seokjojeon, a historic site from Korea’s Korean Empire era (early 20th century). You’ll taste flavors from the time, experience the culture, and watch a musical based on the emperor’s story. Enjoy a deeper look into Korean art and culture at the beautiful Deoksugung Palace! 2. Event Dates : May 1(Thu) ~ May 3(Sat), 2025, 3 sessions per day, 9 sessions total 3. Times   ○ Session 1 : 18:15 ~ 19:45   ○ Session 2 : 18:50 ~ 20:20   ○ Session 3 : 19:25 ~ 20:55 4. Duration : Approx. 90 minutes 5. Capacity : Limited to 18 participants per session 6. Age Limit : Open to ages 7 and up (born in 2018 or earlier). Children under 7 are not allowed for safety reasons. Children and teens (born between 2007 and 2018) must be accompanied by a guardian, and each person must have their own ticket.

The National Palace Museum of Korea (Director General Chung Yong-jae) under the Korea Heritage Service, in partnership with the Korea Heritage Agency (President Choi Young-chang) and Incheon International Airport Corporation, will unveil the newly renovated Traditional Culture Media Wall in the arrivals hall of Terminal 1 at Incheon International Airport on April 1. As the first cultural experience for visitors arriving in Korea, the Traditional Culture Media Wall is designed to vibrantly showcase the charms of Korea’s heritage and traditional culture. The newly updated media art content is divided into two parts, offering travelers the opportunity to explore Korea’s natural and royal cultural heritage.  The first piece, titled “Old Roads, In search of Myself” offers a visual tour of historic landmarks in Seoul. The video presents a cinematic journey through various perspectives, weaving between split screens to follow a traveler’s moments through the city. It generates an exciting sense of anticipation for the trip to Korea. The video invites viewers to experience the city’s cultural and natural heritage, beginning with a walk along Namsan Mountain and the Hanyangdoseong Fortress, followed by a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, where they can admire the grandeur of Geunjeongjeon Hall and explore the National Palace Museum of Korea. The second video, “In Search of Shining Treasures,” is a media art piece inspired by royal relics from the National Palace Museum of Korea. It vividly reimagines royal artifacts, such as royal seals and ritual vessels of Jongmyo Shrine, through dynamic 3D rendering. The mysterious virtual effects like golden sands, ethereal mist, and splashing water enhance the physical properties of the artifacts, evoking the majesty of the Joseon Dynasty’s royal court. This year, the area around the media wall has been further enhanced with heritage-inspired design, integrating seamlessly with the existing exhibition. Visitors can now enjoy both the media wall’s imagery and traditional ambience of the space as they walk along the moving walkway in the arrivals hall. The area features window blinds influenced by traditional Jogakbo patchwork, which create a warm, inviting atmosphere with subtle colors in natural light. The east wing, where the sun rises, is decorated in mysterious shades of blue, while the west wing, where the sun sets, is adorned in rich reds. The bronze dragon* benches, designed based on a bronze dragon sculpture originally placed in the pond of Gyeonghoeru at Gyeongbokgung Palace, symbolize royal wishes for the palace’s peace. Crafted from two types of solid wood, the benches depict the shape of the dragon and its scales, with the legs featuring rounded claws that add a playful touch. Total of eight 4.8-meter-long benches have been placed on the east and west wings of the arrivals hall, offering visitors a place to relax, organize their luggage, and enjoy the media art. The bronze dragon benches and media art The bronze dragon benches *Bronze Dragon from the pond of Gyeonghoeru Pavilion: This bronze statue, known to have been placed in the pond of Gyeonghoeru at Gyeongbokgung Palace. It was accidentally unearthed during dredging work in 1997.It measures 146.5 cm in length and is housed in the National Palace Museum of Korea. Visitors can access detailed information about the Traditional Culture Media Wall and displayed content by scanning the QR code* attached to the on-site information board and bronze dragon benches, offering an interactive way to learn more through a mobile leaflet. Furthermore, from April 16th to 18th promotional event will be held in the Transport Center at Incheon International Airport to celebrate the new media wall. During the event, 2,000 visitors will receive traditional cultural souvenirs, such as postcards and luggage tags. For more information, please visit the websites of the National Palace Museum of Korea (https://gogung.go.kr/) and the National Heritage Agency (https://www.kh.or.kr/).  The National Palace Museum of Korea will continue its proactive efforts to expand opportunities for the public to experience and appreciate the richness of Korea’s national heritage.