Exploring 140 Years of Diplomatic Relations

Between Korea and Germany

at Deoksugung Palace’s DondeokjeonHall

 - Cultural Heritage Administration to hold a special exhibition "Journey into Tomorrow" together with the German Embassy Seoul

(from 9th to 17th December) -

The Deoksugung Palace Management Office of the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center under the Cultural Heritage Administration, led by Director Kwoen Jeom-su, and the German Embassy in Seoul, represented by Ambassador Georg Wilfried Schmidt, are co-hosting the special exhibition “Journey into Tomorrow” at Deoksugung Palace’s Dondeokjeon Hall from December 9th to December 17th. This exhibition commemorates the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Germany.
The choice of the Dondeokjeon hall for this special exhibition is highly symbolic, as it served as a center for diplomatic activities during the Korean Empire. After being restored, it was opened to the public in September 2023.
The exhibition is divided into three sections, representing the Past, the Present, and the Future of Korean-German relations. The first section explores the 140-year history, starting from the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Commerce between Germany and Korea in 1883 to the present. Visitors can explore the history of exchanges between the two countries through various photographs and videos; e.g. replicas of armor and helmet presented by Emperor Gojong to the German prince Heinrich during his state visit in 1899, scenes from the 1960s depicting the dispatch of Korean miners and nurses to Germany, and images of the first public German language educational institution in Korea named ‘Hansung State German Language School(Gwanrip Deokeo Hakgyo)’from 1903 will be displayed.
The second section is dedicated to the present and commences with a commemorative video for the 140th anniversary. Visitors look back at various events between the two countries that took place throughout the year, celebrating the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations of the two nations. The third and final section aims to open up a vision of an advanced future by providing interactive digital installations related to climate change, societal transformations, emerging technologies and other challenges faced by both countries.
Furthermore, on the opening day, December 9th(Saturday), a special programme is scheduled to take place in the Archive Room on the 2nd floor of Dondeokjeon Hall, featuring a unique dialogue session with German Ambassador Georg Wilfried Schmidt with visitors. Visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in a German language workshop.
The Deoksugung Palace Management Office of the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center under the Cultural Heritage Administration hopes that this special exhibition will provide a meaningful opportunity for visitors to experience the 140-year history of diplomatic relations between Korea and Germany. The Deoksugung Palace Management Office is committed to actively implementing various collaborative programs to sustain Dondeokjeon Hall’s role as a platform for public diplomacy.