A special exhibition titled Korea’s Treasures: Collect, Cherish, Share, now on display at the National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, DC, has drawn large crowds and sparked widespread interest in Korean culture. The show marks the first public presentation abroad of Korea’s historical artifacts and modern art, highlighting the depth of interest in Korean heritage.

An interviewee identified as A, age 29, described seeing the concept of jongho from K-drama history in person at the museum and finding it remarkable. Jongho is a title used to honor the virtue of a king or queen, and the exhibition includes Joseon royal books. The manuscript is part of the Lee Kun-hee Collection, donated to the nation.

The exhibition features a range of national treasures, including Jungson’s Inwangjesaekdo, Kim Hong-do’s Chuseongbu, and Woinseobo, totaling 330 items with seven national treasures and fifteen treasures. Visitors Gary Basho and Josh Mackey spoke of gaining a deeper understanding of Korean culture and expressed satisfaction with the experience. Mackey remarked that his time living in Korea and viewing Korean imagery brought back nostalgic feelings.

The opening was delayed due to a U.S. federal government shutdown but began as museum operations resumed, with attendees noting the significance of Korea’s art in the American context. After years in the United States, one visitor commented that Korea’s works on display were the most extensive they had ever seen. The exhibition is seen as an important indicator of growing interest in Korean culture in the United States, with anticipation for more Korean exhibitions in the future.